Elbow Cay Lighthouse

Joe and Sandy from NorthWind advised us to visit the lighthouse at dusk, when the lightkeeper arrives. The lighthouse on Elbow Cay in Hopetown is one of just three remaining that still has a kerosene lamp and is manually powered. We arrived about an hour before sunset to spend time at the top and enjoy the view. We pretty much had the lighthouse to ourselves. We enjoyed a spectacular sunset, and then shortly after, the light keeper arrived. He answered all of our questions and invited us to the upper part of the light around the Fresnel lenses to watch him. This area is not normally open to the public. He has been a light keeper for 36 years. It takes two light keepers, each working a six-hour shift. The lighthouse burns two gallons of kerosene each night. The weights need to be wound back to the top every two hours. First, he removed a heavy canvas curtain that protects the lenses from the sunlight. This is to prevent sunlight from reflecting off the lenses. We then watched him prepare and light the mantel. He then slowly cranked the weight back to the top, and the lenses began their steady rotation. This light is set up with five beams and then a long pause. We asked about working through hurricanes, and yes, he has kept the light on even during them. We both have a great interest in lighthouses, so this was such a special treat. Luckily, here there are not all sorts of regulations and rules preventing an up-close and personal look at the workings of this very special lighthouse.