The view, courtesy of Nags Head’s Bodie Island Lighthouse, left me feeling both insignificant and inspired.
The first lighthouse, built in 1847, lasted two years before the then 54-foot tower began leaning. Oops! Retreating Confederate soldiers destroyed the second lighthouse in 1861, fearing it might be used by Union soldiers as an observation post during the Civil War. Such a waste! The third lighthouse, completed in 1872, is what still stands today, although an extensive restoration effort was needed before the Bodie (pronounced body) Island Lighthouse would be available to the public beginning April 18, 2013.