Why Lighthouses?
Not, often do I stop to measure why something matters in my life unless someone asks or something brings it to my attention. Recently an email slipped unto my list with the title, "Lighthouse." Almost compulsive about answering my email especially those with the title "Lighthouse" I read it at once. It was from a reader in Ireland who loves lighthouses.
He asked me the question, "Why lighthouses?" I wanted to flippantly declare "Why not?" except the writer is a lighthouse aficionado searching for an explanation for his fascination as well as my own. In my usual hasty email style I dashed off a list of words, which I associate with lighthouses as an answer. The question haunted me and to preserve my sanity it merited a complete answer. So here Rob, and all of the other lighthouse lovers who might read this column is a more comprehensive answer.
First, lighthouses are ordinarily found in remote areas with a small number of human neighbors. Neist Point, which I have visited many times, nearest human beings are a 45-minute walk away! Most Scottish lighthouses only next door neighbors are sheep. Many facilities can only be approached by boat so I guess their neighbors are fish.
My first reason, not necessarily the most important, is their remote location where I can be completely alone. At this time in my life that is a necessity since my life is hectic, full of deadlines and an assortment of chaos. I have a compulsion to be surrounded by nature but isolated where I can think and feel nothing if I like.
Second, all of the stations postal addresses could be "Ocean Place." Their relationship with the sea is an intimate one. Some are found on peninsulas surrounded on three sides by water. Others from on top of lofty heads view across miles of ocean. "Flat land lights" are situated where one can walk out the door and within a few feet are on the shore. Rock stations are usually the only buildings on small islands where the access is by boat. The air surrounding a lighthouse is fresh with the smell of the sea. The melody of the waves touching the shore is often the only sound you hear. Like classical music the wave's melody can be violent and loud or soft and peaceful. A valid reason for someone like me who lives on a farm surrounded by pastures is they are a stone's throw from the ocean. Our farm is beautiful but I continually yearn for the sea.
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