Beavertail

Beavertail Lighthouse, Jamestown, Rhode Island USA.

Long before the peninsula was used as a part of the navy’s coastal defense system, early settler’s burned fires on the rugged shore to warn sailors passing the shoals off Beavertail. In 1746, they would build the first lighthouse. That light was destroyed by fire, but upon it’s foundation now sits the third oldest lighthouse in North America. The keeper’s house is now a museum open to the public, and it’s grounds are part of Rhode Island’s state parks.

The sunset views from Beavertail are spectacular. Years ago I was engaged in creating some portraits for a local couple. They informed me that at sunset in the summer, many local families in Jamestown would travel to the park and set up their barbecue grills by the ledges, gathering to watch the sun dip beneath the waves.

I can’t think of a better summer ritual.