Light, camera ...

Yep, it's the lighthouse again. It can be seen from many, many places here at the southern tip of New Jersey, and it's just so darn photogenic! This shot was taken from the Cape May Migratory Bird Refuge, known to locals as "The Meadows" because that's what it used to be. When I started coming to Cape May (more years ago than I'd like to admit) there were still cows grazing there.

Cape May Light

Somehow, the Cape May Light is a bit like a Cape May sunset -- I never tire of taking its picture. Despite how constant it seems, flashing away night after night for more than 150 years, even the lighthouse changes over time. This is the third incarnation of the Cape May Light; the first two were lost to coastal erosion. And a few years ago, when repairing the motor that powers the light's super-bright 1000 watt beam, the technicians somehow changed the direction of the beam's rotation, which is now counterclockwise instead of clockwise. Cape Mayers soon noticed the change!

Gold

Cape May certainly has its share of gorgeous scenery. I headed down to Cape May Point State Park late in the day, looking for pictures to take in the slanting golden light of a winter afternoon. I love the soft colors of this time of year.

 A late afternoon scan of Bunker Pond at Cape May Point State Park.

 This Tundra Swan is a recent arrival, a winter visitor from points north.

 The sunset looked like something out of a movie set.

The Cape May Light, guiding ships as it has for more than 150 years.