For those already in the throes of winter I will offer some comforting beach pictures.  This is Cape Lookout National Seashore in September.  Maggie and I are National Park Service Volunteers.  As part of our duties we staff the museum and gift shop at Cape Lookout.  It is a great opportunity to spend time at a lovely location.  Cape Lookout National Seashore is a barrier island off the North Carolina coast, accessible only by boat.  Except for a few campers, the island is deserted once the last ferry leaves in the afternoon.  As volunteers we stay overnight in the Lighthouse Keepers Quarters, minus Lighthouse Keeper as it is automatic now, no one needs to haul whale oil up the steps to keep the light lit.  Being there overnight is very special , it feels as though you have the entire island to yourself, you can stroll the ocean beach in the moonlight.

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I love the sand dunes.  The interesting ripples and mounds.  Tracks and tunnels of beach life.

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Directly behind the Keepers Quarters is the massive lighthouse structure.  Formidable in daylight, it becomes even more so at night.  Looking out the window from the upstairs or standing at the base looking up to the rotating light is quite thrilling.  Thinking of the many days gone by when true Lighthouse Keepers and rescue workers stood here anxiously waiting news of a ship wreck off shore.

It makes for interesting night photography.

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