Lighthouses and Stingrays

After an early morning thunder-boomer, I hopped on my 'grannie's bike' as Bobbie calls it and headed to the Cape San Blas lighthouse. Placed in service in June 1885, it was used as a manned station until 1972 when it was automated. The US Coast Guard deactivated it as an active aid to navigation in 1996.

Cape San Blas Lighthouse

Full moon climbs are offered, unfortunately the site is closed for restoration.

Lighthouse Keepers Quarters under restoration

Cape San Blas and three other lighthouses cover a 90-mile span along the coast. The others are: Cape St. George, Crooked River and St. Marks.

As I made my way back to the cottage, I happened upon a fellow wrestling with what I am fairly sure turned out to be a Southern Stingray. These common rays are inadvertently snagged by sport fishers, angling for whitings (Gulf Kingfish) or shark, as the ray floats over the sand bottom in search of prey. A sting can be very painful, however, they are generally docile, and most stings are a result of stepping on the ray.

A surprise catch -- a Southern Stingray

This stingray was hooked near the eye. While a friend held the Stingray's whip-like tail down with a stick, this fisher very gently and very carefully removed the hook before releasing it back into the water.

Another cool day on the Cape.

KP