treadwl Loc: South Florida

The Nubble is the common name given to the lighthouse located in York, Maine. It is one of the three most photographed of Maine's 65 lighthouses. I offer my rendition below.

If you want a great story about these images you may enjoy the story of my encounter with Harriet below.

I went to York for the express purpose of photographing this lighthouse. The first photo is my favorite of the series I shot. The night was clear and the seas relatively calm and I was able to still the waters and create the effect I wanted with a 20 second exposure. The next day turned windy and rain filled so I decided to say and try to capture the waves crashing against the rock. Toward evening, when the light was best on the lighthouse I went out to the rocks to get my shot. The lighthouse sits on an island about 200 feet off shore but the shore line on the mainland is filled with boulders many of which are the size of 18 wheelers or greater. With camera pack strapped on my back, and tripod in hand I began to pick my way down close to the water's edge where I could be level with the crash of the water on the boulders. The evening was windy, and soo cold with temps in the high 20's. As I was carefully stepping from boulder to boulder I heard a voice behind me call "You are a photographer aren't you?" I turned to stare directly at the cutest little old lady ever. Her name, I learned was Harriet, she had lived in York all her life, she was 84 years "young" and was at least 5 feet tall. She was dressed for the cold and began jumping from rock to rock as she approached me. We talked and she suggested that I would get a better photo if I followed her because she knew where to stand to get the best angle for the waves. She said I should follow her and jumping from rock to rock she headed for the water's edge. She put me in position for photo #2 and I got the waves crashing and framing the lighthouse. I was feeling pretty smug standing there with a a good shot recorded on my memory card and with my "little old guide" at my side. The waves had crashed with a boom, the spray had hit and I and my camera were dry. It was then I saw the next wave coming in. You can see in on the right in the second shot below. The wave looked really big and I knew it was going to get me. There was no time to run---just to brace. I looked at the little lady, she was smiling, her eyes dancing with joy. I grabbed my tripod legs to hold them firm (the camera had a raincoat on to keep it dry) and the wave hit the rocks (see photo #3). You should compare the water levels in photo 2 and 3 to get the "feel" of the moment. As the water rushed over the boulders we were standing one it surged, on me, to just above my knees. On Harriet it was almost to her waist. As the wave washed back out to sea Harriet turned to me laughing crying "that was fun, but we better go" and we did. We were soaked with freezing water but laughing and smiling as we climbed back up the rock. My wife and I treated Harriet to a cup of hot chocolate at a nearby cafe while we chatted and got to know this wonderful woman. My wife laughed at us both because she had stayed up at the parking area and was completely dry. I was cold and happy, and I got some pretty neat images.

Thanks for reading this long winded story, and for looking. There are lots of adventures out there if you just get out and carry a camera.
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carlysue Loc: Columbus

Absolutely wonderful!! not only all 3 images but the delightful story attached. You have made a new friend and that is the best part of photography! I don't have a favorite, impressed with all for different reasons. She is my hero--to be able to jump from boulder to boulder at 84 years old! And to laugh while freezing! I love that!

Canyoncreek Loc: Lincoln, CA

Great story and I love lighthouses. The middle shot is my favorite, but they are all great. Thanks for sharing the story and your photos!

gregoryd45 Loc: Fakahatchee Strand

Great shots and story, Larry, really enjoyed it all

foggypreacher Loc: Dickinson, Texas

Wow! I was born and raised in Kittery, Me so I have been to The Nubble many, many times. I used to have a fixed lens, point and shoot Cybershot camera with which I took many pictures there. I am attaching a couple. They were before I knew anything about "photography" so they aren't as nice as yours. However, they were fun. Glad you had a nice experience. I live in Houston, TX now, but took a hiatus after 30 years in Texas and went back to Maine for 11 years but am back for good, now.

I also took some in the winter but don't have any now. They were the most fun of all. I do have one from Portland (Maine) Head Light. It is as Fort Williams Park one of what they called "Bug Light." Thanks for the memories

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jdub82 Loc: Northern California

Fantastic shots, Larry! Great story, too. Thanks for sharing.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

Great set treadwl!

treadwl Loc: South Florida

Harriet was a lot of fun to be with--so full of life and joy. She wouldn't let me take a photo of her, but I got an address and sent her copies of the photos. Glad you liked the photos and the story. Thanks for looking.

treadwl Loc: South Florida

It was my pleasure to share. For me it is just fun recounting the event. Thanks for looking.

treadwl Loc: South Florida

Thanks gregoryd45. I hate long winded posts----but I thought this cried out to be told. So much fun.

treadwl Loc: South Florida

Photography is about memories. Glad these brought back some for you. We stayed in Kittery and love the little town.
Thanks for looking and commenting. You have some nice shots too.

treadwl Loc: South Florida

Thanks for the compliment jdub82.

treadwl Loc: South Florida

Glad you enjoyed the series. I see why it is one of the most photographed sites in Maine.

jaymatt Loc: Alexandria, Indiana

Great lighthouse photos and great story.

cameraf4 Loc: Delaware

Larry, all are great images. I especially like No.2.