On a previous trip we visited five lighthouses in North Carolina. We were however unable to go to Cape look like Lookout Lighthouse as it was too far out of the way on that trip. So, on this trip we decided to visit Cape Lookout Lighthouse and Shackleford Banks one of our favorite shell hunting locations. Shackelford Banks is an uninhabited Barrier Island which contains free roaming wild mustangs which were most like brought from Spain in the mid 1500’s to late 1700’s and ended up on the island d as a result of the numerous shipwrecks off the North Carolina coast.
After spending the previous night and have a lock North Carolina we proceeded about a 45-minute drive to Cape Lookout National Seashore set a timer. The Visitor Center is located on a on Harker’s Island. At The Visitor Center you’re able to purchase ferry tickets to go visit the Cape Lookout National Seashore which includes the lighthouse as well as Shackleford Banks if you choose. We, of course, chose both despite the impending threat of rain?. Of the dozen or so people on our boat, we were the only ones that chose to stop at Shackelford and were we ever glad we did!
After being dropped off we quickly discovered that the shelling on the east end of the island (ferry from Beaufort) was much better and set off in pursuit of the elusive mustangs. As we approached the island we saw one horse towards the end of the island and headed off in that direction. After traveling several hundred yards and not seeing anything we decided to follow the path of this Creek. That is when Teresa heard a noise prayer really I thought that she… Had found the mysterious Mustangs. As we cautiously approached we noticed a group of 6 horses, called a harem, milling about and eating grasses. A couple of the horses began wandering in and out of the area but we stayed with the main group and was able to get some fantastic video. The park service eve asked to put it on the Cape Lookout Nations. Seashore website where it has had about 25,00] views…….AWSOME!! AS I could not possible explain their interactions, I have included the park service’s description below the video.
Horses are extremely quick and powerful in both defensive and offensive moves. They must be in order to survive. Watching from a safe distance and using a telephoto lens can yield amazing footage. It’s even better if you know the story, so read on!
Three bachelor stallions found mares together and have formed an alpha-beta-gamma relationship. These are rare, but documented, and have a specific hierarchy. The mares and the beta from this group are not pictured in this video. The conflict in this video is between the alpha and gamma of this group. It escalates to the highest level of violence (rearing together and biting for each other’s jugular) because these horses are closely matched and in near a valuable resource (fresh water). In this video, the alpha (who starts facing the camera with a star on his forehead) misses a back-kick, but is able to hold the gamma off with posturing. This posturing behavior avoids physical contact so each animal is less likely to get hurt. When the gamma comes in facing to the right and drops his head to drink, a more serious conflict ensues.
Either horse could have been seriously injured. Just after the worst of the conflict, the alpha holds his right foreleg up in pain; he has been recovering for weeks from injuries which likely occurred in a fight. They end in a short parallel pace and the gamma retreats, leaving the alpha to drink. He paws at the hole, perhaps to open it after they have trampled the area or perhaps just as acquisition behavior; the hold won’t yield fresh water very fast. Three times he has to back up and threaten; the gamma stays close but doesn’t try to fight further. Video Courtesy of C. Brookover
After observing and following the horses around for about 45 minutes, it began to rain so we headed for the pick up point and on to the lighthouse.
After a brief trip across the ICW we arrived at the dock still dripping wet from our rain shower. We were advised of the possibility of an early park closing so we headed straight for the lighthouse insure that we were able to climb it.
The Cape Lookout Lighthouse was first built in 1812 and was 96 feet tall. It turned out to be too short to be effective for mariners travelling through the dangerous Diamond Shoals site of many shipwrecks.
The current structure was approved by the U.S. Congress in 1857 and completed in 1859 at a cost of $45,000. It is constructed of red brick with a first order Fresnel lens and is 163 feet tall with 207 steps from the base to the gallery and is painted with a black and white diamond pattern.
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Interior stairway -
Fresnel lens -
View from the beach
After about a 10 minute climb we were treated to a magnificent view of the Atlantic Ocean and Pamlico Sound. After a nice visit and great chat with the park ranger stationed at the top we descended and tried to catch a shuttle to go shelling. Unfortunately, impending thunderstorms caused the park to close early so we headed back to the visitor center and an early dinner. We had a great time and look forward to returning again.