Lighthouses

There are 52 lighthouses in South Africa, and here are just five, for starters :)

(Did you know, those who are enthused by lighthouses are known as pharologists.)

The lighthouse at St Helena Bay. It looks like a mausoleum, but the design was actually styled on minarets. And it’s technically not a lighthouse, but a beacon.

A 45 second flit around Shelley Point lighthouse at sunset with my short-lived drone. The development that comes into view near the end, is now colloquially known as Mini-Gauteng :)

I’m not sure if the audio is available due to copyright restrictions. If not, here’s the link to this great tune, Strawberries, by Hugh Masekela.

Another view of St Helena Bay lighthouse, also known as Shelley Point or Stompneus Point lighthouse/beacon. Photo taken from my porch.

Slangkop Lighthouse in the fog. Old cell phone pic.

Slangkop Lighthouse on the same evening. As soon as the sun sets, the light switches on.

Slangkop lighthouse at sunset.

Cape Columbine lighthouse, in between Titties Baai and Paternoster.

Doring Bay Lighthouse.

Roman Rock Lighthouse, in calm seas under a full moon.

Roman Rock, located 2.2 km from Simon’s Town Harbour, has posed a navigational hazard since the 18th century. Named after the local Red Roman fish, the need for a lighthouse was suggested in the 1820s by Joseph Nourse of the Royal Navy. Initially, a lightship was deployed in 1845, but it proved ineffective. Plans for a permanent lighthouse led to its construction beginning in 1857. Despite difficulties due to location and weather, the lighthouse was completed in 1861, making it the first and only lighthouse in South Africa built on a single rock.

Concerns about its stability delayed its official takeover until 1867 after additional reinforcement. The lighthouse keepers, paid extra for their challenging work, manned the lighthouse until it was automated in 1919. The light was electrified in 1992 and has been upgraded several times, along with a helipad, weather station and solar-powered lighting.

Another shot of Roman Rock Lighthouse, if you look very carefully.. ;) 

Shelley Point lighthouse acting as a prop for these guys..

Another of Shelley Point in the far distance, as these cormorants fly by.

Enjoying a sundowner on Noordhoek beach, with Slangkop Lighthouse in the far distance.