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On Friday, homecoming at the University of Florida provided Mrs. Hill and I an opportunity to enjoy a Florida landmark we had seen in passing, but never specifically visited, namely, the St. Augustine Lighthouse.  Construction began in 1871, and the present tower replaced an earlier coquina tower built 50 years earlier, which is now lost to the sea.

Neither Miriam nor I had ever been in a lighthouse, but I found it thrilling.  I feel I am generally getting over my fear of heights, since, at the top, I was not afraid to walk around the lamp and look out upon the stunning view of greater St. Augustine.  That is, I wasn’t afraid of how high I was.  I was, however, afraid of the intense winds which nearly knocked me down.  So hard did they blow that remaining upright took genuine effort.  Frankly, I am surprised they allowed anyone at the top that day.  But I am glad they did, because it allowed us an exciting new experience.

Later we drove to the beach nearby, and marveled at the considerable erosion wrought by Tropical Storm Noel’s winds and waves.  The high surf was clearly visible from the lighthouse, maybe a mile from shore.  At the beach it was easy to see that a good five feet of sand had been washed away.   No swimming was allowed.  I still had fun.