I hear you asking, where are my Wales posts? Believe me, I am eager to share. After returning from Europe, I hadn’t been home long when I found myself swept away to Buffalo for a week of garden escapades and exploring the city, and I cannot wait to tell you about that journey, too.
Perhaps I’ll hop between takes, letting you decide whether to follow one path or leap between them with me. Wales still tugs on my heart (how could it not?), but for now, let’s wander off to Buffalo. Wasn’t that a song? I’m going to shuffle, shuffle off to Buffalo, perhaps?
Happy?
From my room window at the Marriott near the LeCom Center, I could see Lake Erie stretching out in front of me. At first, Buffalo felt mysterious, but its riverside trails and easy walks along the Buffalo River soon made me feel at home. I took the bike ferry ($2.00 each way), which crossed the river quickly. I walked to the entrance of the Buffalo Lighthouse grounds.
(Without the kites.)
Oops, I already admitted to liking the view.
Never mind.
A short walk from the ferry brought me to the entrance to the Buffalo Lighthouse grounds, where a volunteer greeted me and directed me to a building where a film about the lighthouse’s history was playing. As I walked quietly along the river’s edge, where it meets Lake Erie, I could see the Buffalo skyline and old naval ships. The path took me right to the lighthouse. Around the grounds, signs shared stories about the city, the lake, and the lighthouse.
If I ever return, I dream of sailing aboard the Spirit of Buffalo, wind in my hair and the crisp lake air filling my lungs. With the Cheerios factory close by, perhaps the scent of breakfast will drift across the water.
As boats floated past, I stuck out my thumb like a hopeful hitchhiker, earning a few amused grins from those on board. Maybe I’ll even try to catch the Coast Guard’s eye as they zip by. Isn’t it their job to be on the lookout? I guess not; they only slowed as they crossed into the mouth of the river, or they knew I wasn’t someone in distress.
I said goodbye to the lighthouse. Although its beacon no longer shines with a prism, it is still lit at night, like many other lighthouses from its time that once guided ships to safety. I’m grateful its story continues as a treasured historical site.
I stopped at the signs to read and photograph them. Here are some of the signs. If you can’t read them, I posted what they say below each one.
Penobscot-Morania Collision
The worst disaster in Buffalo Harbor History took place in the Buffalo River at this point on the night of October 22, 1951. When the outbound freighter Penobscot and gasoline barge Morania collided, sparking an explosion and fire that took 11 lives.
The collision occurred as the 230-foot tank barge, carrying 19,200 barrels of gasoline and pushed by the tug Dauntless, rounded the lighthouse point and cut across the channel toward the Erie Basin. The Penobscot hit the low unlit barge, rupturing two tanks an spilling gasoline that ignited when the vessels pulled apart.
Captain Louis Guyette and Wheelsman Roy Richardson died at their posts in the Penobscot’s burning pilot house, while swinging the vessel’s stern against this pier so crewmen could slide down ropes to safety.
Buffalo Water Intake, Horseshoe Reef Light
Two structures mark the entrance to the Niagra River—the city of Buffalo Water Intake (the one I called a sea yurt)and the abandoned Horseshoe Reef Light.
The Horseshoe Reef Lighthouse, the dark metal structure atop a concrete base, was established in 1856 after Canada and England transferred an acre of territory in Canadian water to the United States. The lighthouse actually stands on Middle Reef, more centrally located than Horseshoe Reef; the international boundary was moved by a 1908 treaty to put the lighthouse in American waters.
Two keepers alternated on duty at the lighthouse, which was considered on of the loneliest stations in the district despite the nearness of a major city. The Buffalo Crib Intake the round red-roofed structure, was built in the Emerald Channel nearby and its light established in 1908. And the Horseshoe Reef Light was abandoned in 1920.
The Lighthouse and the Lightship
“The Lighthouse and Lightship appeal to the interest and better instinct of man because they are symbolic of never-ceasing watchfulness of steadfast endurance in every exposure of widespread helpfulness. The building and the keeping of the lights is a picturesque and humanitarian work of the nation.” George R. Putnam U.S.”Commissioner of Lighthouses 1910-1935
Wow, what an incredible exploration! I had no idea all of those places existed here in Buffalo. You really went on an adventure that extended well beyond the gardens. 😊
It was hard not to go exploring, with all those views in my face! I’m not ready to be a guide though, so you’ll have to explore on your own 😉 . Garden posts coming soon.