Yesterday was an absolutely incredible day! We ventured out onto Lake Michigan aboard the phenomenal cruise ship, “Odyssey”. I have so much to share with you about the cruise that I will be writing two posts about it: Part 1 & Part 2! But for today I wanted to show you this illuminating piece of navigational Chicago history.
While cruising the shoreline of Lake Michigan, we were able to get a closer shot of the Chicago Harbor Lighthouse. Built in 1893 for the World’s Columbian Exposition, the lighthouse was moved to its present location in 1919.
Although not ‘required’ for literally ‘seeing the light’ to safely guide mariners into port, the Chicago Harbor Lighthouse is still a beacon for those making their way into the harbor. GPS systems have replaced the need for the bright beams of a lighthouse; nonetheless, the Chicago Harbor Lighthouse was declared an official landmark in 2003. It still shines brightly as a symbol of its long and significant maritime service of safety. I am sure that although a ship’s captain ‘knows’ by their radar system that he/she is close to shore, viewing the light from the lighthouse must elicit a sense of comfort.
I have always loved lighthouses. There is something calming about them. I suppose in the literal sense I love them for what they are designed to do; bring ships and boats safely into the harbor. But there is another aspect to it that I cannot describe.
What about you, do you have an affiliation for these guideposts too?
I love the way they have continued to allow the light to shine. What a wonderful gesture of respect. Great post Cher.
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Me too, Don! I think it does show a gesture of respect, doesn’t it? Keeping the history alive and well! Thank you, Don! Cher xo
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It sounds like you had a great time Cher 😀
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We really did, Irene, thanks! I am really looking forward to sharing photos and experiences in the posts about the cruise!! It’s a, “WOW” experience, that’s for sure! Cher xo
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Loved the Illuminating pun 🙂 That’s a rather nice lighthouse. Do you know the poem Flannan Isle – if not… I suggest you read 😉
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*LOL* Thank you my Finchley friend!! 🙂 🙂 I do not know that poem, but I am going to look it up right now! Thank you!! Cher xo
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That lighthouse is so cool…
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I think so, too!! Wish we could go in it! Cher xo
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“But there is another aspect to it that I cannot describe.” i know what you mean. I can’t explain why, but I’ve always wanted to explore a lighthouse. They seem so neat!
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They really do seem neat! I am glad you feel the same way! I was struggling to explain my fascination with them! Thank you for your comments!! Cher xo
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Nothing like a Bic Lighter for my guidance. Don xo
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Hahahaha, Hhhmmmm, would a Zippo work better, Don??? Cher xo
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Zippo Marx or Zippo Lighter? XO
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This one: http://www.saddler.co.uk/shop.html?cr=1881&pr=1690&pdesc=zippo_lighthouse_scene_scrimshaw_cigarette_lighter_20302 😉 Cher xo
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Well I’ll be dipped in chocolate sauce! Blimey mate, you got me again. Don xoxo
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Ahoy, hoy!! xo
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Full steam ahaid, Captain! XO
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*LOL*
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My love is a lighthouse fan. Even has a book from the United States Lighthouse Society, with the chance to get stamps from participating lighthouses. There’s also a stunning number of rules for how to cover cases such as lighthouses which haven’t got stamps, to guard against people hoping to gain incorrect renown for their ability to see lighthouses.
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Wow, I had no idea, Joseph! That is extremely interesting! Do you happen to know the name of the book? I’m interested in the rules you mentioned as well! Cher xo
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Oh, the book is a collectible thing, with mostly blank pages, from the United States Lighthouse Society. It doesn’t have much information about lighthouses directly in it. It’s like the National Parks Passport available at US National Parks and related places. The Society is organized to preserve, restore, and promote appreciation of lighthouses.
(We’re in Michigan, which is great lighthouse-spotting territory, as the state combines a long coastline with a lot of commercial shipping in very difficult weather.)
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Thank you for the information, Joseph! Oh yes, Michigan; what a gorgeous state! I am going to look up lighthouses in Michigan! Cher xo
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I enjoy light houses too…. on one trip back east we saw so many we decided at one point we really didn’t want to ever see another one.. but that lasted about 5 minutes until the next one came on the horizon. Something comforting about them.
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*LOL* Isn’t that funny? I think I’d be the exact same way! I feel that comforting feeling from them as well. Interesting, isn’t it? Cher xo
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We had a lighthouse on the end of Ramsgate Harbour, Kent, but in foggy weather we’d hear the foghorn going out on the Goodwin Sands in the English Channel. Really eerie sound. And we’d often hear the maroons going off when a lifeboat was needed in an emergency at sea.
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Hi Mo!!! Did you? Eerie no doubt! Not being able to see what is going on, but hearing that noise……wow…….. I’m picturing a novel here, dearie; one I’d like to write! Cher xo
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Wow, sounds like a great experience! I love the picture, just awesome. Thanks for sharing.
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Ah, bless! Thank you so much, Cecilia! Truly I cannot wait to share more of the cruise with everyone! I hope you will come back and read more about it! Cher xo
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I love lighthouses, I always find them quite mesmerising at night – a pillar of guardianship and comfort!
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I feel the same way! Thank you so much for your lovely comments and a big welcome to The Chicago Files!! Cher xo
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My mum has always been obsessed with lighthouses and I have inherited her love- I now also check out all the ones near me when I am travelling! We saw some amazing ones in California, along the beautiful Big Sur. Looking forward to reading the next part- and I keep meaning to write you and say I love your new profile pic btw. Beautiful!x
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Ah, they are wonderful, aren’t they? Oh wow, I bet the ones in California are incredible, like out of a dream! I can’t wait to share the Odyssey adventure, Laura! Well you are so extremely kind my dear; thank you so much!! Cher xo
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