Oak Island Light

Climbing this lighthouse was an adventure!  130 steps to the top.  Not a spiral staircase, but ship's ladders.  It was fun to finally get up close and personal after having seen it from a distance all weekend.  We again learned some interesting trivia here.  At one point Oak Island was the brightest light in the U.S., and second in the world.  The coast guard has to wear shields and gloves to even be up in the tower it was so hot, so in time the light was traded down for a lower voltage.  Oak Island is a newer lighthouse, and was designed to be low maintenance - different colored concrete was used.  No painting required.

Did you know: Each if the North Carolina Lighthouses are about 40 miles apart with the exception of Oak Island and Bald Head Island, which sit across the sound from each other.  More interesting North Carolina Lighthouse information here.  And yes, I have now been to all of the North Carolina Lighthouses!