On Christmas Day in 1905, a British naval ship, the Pass of Melfort, tried to enter the Strait of Juan de Fuca. An extremely strong gale forced the ship onto these rocks. All on board were lost.
The tragedy spurred the establishment of the Amphitrite Lighthouse to warn ships away from the rocks. The original wooden structure, built in 1906, did not withstand the weather and this concrete structure opened in 1915. Its unique design is built to endure the strong storms coming off the Pacific Ocean. The architects did well, for it stands strong today.
In 1988 the lighthouse was automated and still functions as a signal of danger to sailors.
The Lighthouse, near the town of Ucluelet, is not open to the public, but a trail leads along the coast on either side of it. We enjoyed the beautiful views last summer on our visit there. The weather is very different when storms blow up.
Around the corner from the lighthouse a quiet harbour near the village of Ucluelet drowses in the evening light.
Lighthouses are often seen as romantic, but their true purpose is saving lives. So many tragedies have been averted by their presence.
Yes, something poetic or romantic about lighthouses ❤️
ReplyDeleteAn air of solitude about them.
I'm reading Louise Penny's Inspector Gamache murders again, many set in the Canadian winter months. Here in West Sussex we have no idea of how cold a Canadian Winter can be! And how fierce your storms are.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful views! I love lighthouses and even stayed in one in Scotland on the east coast . I often visited some but now I could not climb all the stairs unfortunately!
ReplyDeleteThe scenery here is so lovely.I can see why there was a tragedy there.
ReplyDeleteThat first photos belongs in a frame. Gorgeous! Have a wonderful day!
ReplyDeleteI'm happy to say I've traveled across the Strait of Juan de Fuca once. Lighthouses are such a good idea.
ReplyDeleteAuch wenn die Westküste von Vancouver Island eine so tragische Geschichte hat, sind die Bilder der Landschaft wunderschön. Hier bei uns an der Nordsee stehen auch viele Leuchttürme, die früher die Schiffe schützen sollten. Ich mag diese alten Türme sehr.
ReplyDelete