August 25,  2009


It was a special treat on the evening of Wednesday, Aug. 5, when I joined a group of 30 intrepid climbers for a tour of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse on the night of the full moon.

The full moon tours have been a popular addition to the interpretive programs that the National Park Service offers at the Cape Hatteras National Seashore.

I had not climbed to the top of the lighthouse since the move in 1999, so the opportunity to photograph the full moon from the top of the light sounded pretty exciting, despite the hot and muggy weather that night.

While Park Service rangers met and talked with the assembled tour group at the base of the lighthouse about general lighthouse history and tour safety guidelines, another ranger led me and a group of NPS volunteers up the stairs.

The ranger then stationed a volunteer at each of the window landings on the winding staircase to the top. These sentries were armed with flashlights to aid climbers along their way, and they were ready to answer questions.

We were thankful for these window landings, as both breezy rest areas and unique viewing points as we made our way to the balcony.

Close to the top of the structure, the last landing allows viewing of the actual light beacons, where the two 1,000-watt lights silently rotate while casting their beams out. The beam is amazingly visible for 20 to 50 nautical miles depending on weather conditions.

A rather mesmerizing set of images is created as the light is reflected off the many faceted panes of glass that enclose the light area, almost like being inside a giant kaleidoscope!

Stepping out onto the observation deck is truly breathtaking. At 200 feet above the earth, the views are incredible. It was quite windy that evening, but not so much as to make one feel unsafe. Tourists should be aware that hats and sunglasses should be secured before stepping onto the balcony.

Following the railing around the tower, we were able to see Buxton, Avon, and the former lighthouse site to the north, the Atlantic Ocean and the lighthouse area public beaches due east, and Cape Point, Diamond Shoals, and South Beach to the south -- with Frisco and the Pamlico Sound to the west and southwest.

Sunset occurred almost simultaneously with moonrise, and the views and colors were phenomenal.

As darkness fell and the moon rose higher into the night, the beams of light from the tower became visible slicing through the darkness to all outlying points. One could not help conjuring up images of lightkeepers of bygone eras, using this very observation point to aid the navigation of vessels around treacherous Diamond Shoals or to spot the unlucky one who might have foundered there.

What a truly unique experience!

There are two more full-moon tours this season before the lighthouse closes for climbing for the year on Oct. 12.  Those dates are Friday, Sept. 4, and Sunday, Oct. 4.

There is also a moonlight tour of the lighthouse – though not a full-moon tour – each Thursday at 8 and 9 p.m. until Labor Day.

And, if you go on one of these tours, don’t forget your camera.


FOR MORE INFORMATION

Full-moon tours:

There are two more tours on Friday, Sept. 4, and Sunday, Oct. 4. There are two tours each night. September’s tours will be at 7:15 p.m. and 8:15 p.m.

Tickets go on sale two days before the tour – on Sept. 2 and Oct. 2 – at 8:15 a.m.

Laura Sturtz, Hatteras Island interpretive ranger, says that tickets sell out very quickly for the two tours, which are limited to 30 persons each.
 
As there are no lights inside the lighthouse stairwell, climbers will navigate the 257 steps using flashlights. During the climb, park rangers will tell stories and share information about the lighthouse that reveal its importance as a navigational beacon, as a work of art, and as a reminder of our past. At the top of the stairs, visitors will be able to view the working light up close and in motion. Out on the balcony (weather permitting) climbers will get a glimpse of what the lighthouse keepers of old experienced, seeing that beam of light reaching out to sea and the startling reflection of the newly risen moon on the ocean.
 

Things to know:
 
1. Standard admission fees apply -- $7 for adults, $3.50 for children (11 and under) and seniors (62 and older). It is anticipated that tickets will sell out early.
 
2. Each participant must bring a handheld flashlight with fresh batteries.
Drinking water is recommended.
 
3. All participants are required to be at least 42 inches tall and must climb the steps on their own --they cannot be carried. Keep in mind that some youngsters, although meeting height requirements, may not enjoy the dimly lit, sometimes claustrophobic environment.
 
4. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
 
5. All participants must climb and descend with their tour group.
 
6. Know your limitations! The lighthouse is tall, dark, and can be a challenge to climb. During the summer it can be hot and humid inside. There are no internal lights, water fountains, or air conditioners.
 
7. All routine lighthouse safety requirements, as well as restrictions as to eating, drinking, gum, etc., apply. This information will be provided to you when you purchase your ticket.
 
 8. Tickets are non-refundable. If the program is cancelled due to weather, the ticket holder may exchange the ticket the following morning between the hours of 8:15 a.m. and 9:15 a.m. for a replacement ticket useable only on that day. This ticket will be for day climbing only.


Moonlight Climb

The moonlight climb is scheduled on Thursdays at 8 and 9 p.m. until Labor Day. It lasts for an hour and is restricted to 15 participants.

You can purchase moonlight climb tickets between 8:15 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. on the day of the climb.

Ticket prices and other restrictions and information for climbers are the same as for the full moon tour.

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