Tuesday morning I took my visiting cousin and my mother for a drive to see the Mukilteo Lighthouse and Park. In our earlier years this was one of The Inspector and my favorite spots to bring a picnic with our children. They loved playing on the beach and wandering around the lighthouse.
It was one of those perfect summer mornings, sunny but not too hot. My nearly 90 year old mother was content to relax on a bench and enjoy the beautiful views across the water to Whidbey Island while my cousin and I did some exploration.
Located on the point between the Port of Edmonds and the Port of Everett,
the lighthouse has been in continuous operation since 1906. Of course
today, there are no longer any lighthouse keepers as everything is now
fully automated. At one time this point was a winter camping site for the local Native Americans. The name Mukilteo means "good camping ground". In 1855 a treaty was signed between the Territorial Governor and about twenty-two Chieftains representing the tribes. The treaty ceded the land to the Territory in exchange for other lands as well as fishing and hunting rights in perpetuity. A copy of the treaty can be found in the Lighthouse museum. The museum was closed that day, but we were able to tour the lovely grounds around the buildings.
Views from the seawall and down to the beach. The waterway is called Possession Sound and is part of the larger area known as Puget Sound.
It's always fun to watch the ferries sailing back and forth between Mukilteo and Whidbey Island.
When Captain John Vancouver arrive here in 1792 he named the point "Rose Point" because the hills were covered with wild pink roses. It was renamed Point Elliott about fifty years later. However, there are still pink rugosa roses to be seen all throughout the area.
Views from the pier.
There is something so special about a lighthouse. Hopefully, we can come back again very soon.
"Look to the Lighthouse of the Lord.
There is no fog so dense, no night so dark,
No gale so strong, no mariner so lost
but what it's beacon light can rescue."
Thomas S. Monson
Adieu!
Very beautiful photos! You are right, there is something special about a lighthouse, and sailing ships too. I'm glad you enjoyed your visit. Wish I were there!!
ReplyDeleteYes! Sailing ships are wonderful too. While the ferries aren't sailing vessels, it's a delightful experience to stand on the deck and feel the wind blowing on your face as you chug through the water.The views from the middle of the sound are amazing!
ReplyDeleteHi Glo, just letting you know that "Anonymous" was me. I see Google has changed comments procedures. I haven't been keeping up with that.
Deleteno worries! I thought it might be you! :)
DeleteWhat a lovely spot! Such beautiful blue skies!!!!💕
ReplyDeleteThank you elizabeth! After a very long, cool, and wet spring, these sunny blue skies have been most welcome.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful day for visiting this lovely spot. You took some great photos on your visit.
ReplyDeleteThank you. It was such a lovely day the photos almost took themselves.
ReplyDeleteYou took some wonderful photos. I like the neatness of the lighthouse, the white painted buildings and the interesting flower beds and sculpture. It looks like a relaxing place to sit and watch the ships, enjoy the sea views and take in the sea air on a sunny day.
ReplyDeleteWhile I truly enjoy living in my lakeside community, I love being near the seawater. Even though The Sound is a bit different from the open ocean, visiting there still reminds me of the seaside town where my Grandparents lived and where our family settled after my father retired. The ocean will always be a big part of me.
ReplyDeleteWonderful photo's. Sounds like you had a very good day of exploring even with the lighthouse being closed that day. They sure keep it up nicely, including the pretty flowers. So often the Lighthouses are left to disrepair in many communities which is such a shame. They are historical and a bit romantic I think.
ReplyDeleteYes it was placed on the state historic register around 1977 and run by the State Park System. It was renovated in 2002 and then ownership of both the lighthouse and the park were transferred to the City of Mukilteo who now is in charge of its care.
ReplyDelete