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The
focus of our island is "Old Baldy". Standing
high over the ancient oaks, Old Baldy was built in the early eighteen
hundreds. It was a warning light to the dangerous frying pan shoals.
The
shoals stretch out into the Atlantic Ocean for nearly 20 miles at
depths of only 8-15 feet. Pirates were known to watch for ships
in distress on the shoals. They would often commandeer the contents
and valuables of the vessel.
Old
Baldy has led many ships and sailors to their home port safely.
Bald Head Light was cared for by Charlie Swann for many years until
the lighthouse's decommission. It now stands as a welcoming to all
who visit this beautiful island paradise that we call Bald Head
Island.
"Bald
Head Island Poem"
"Sitting,
shining rays of light filter through sand
Sand filters through my hands
I walk for hours by the light of the stars
The sea stretches so very far
And I walk through hanging limbs
Great trees given to tickling the ground
Or my heart...hung with Spanish moss
On to great beaches, iridescent grains
To see baby turtles crawl from holes dug by loving mothers
To the arms of the sea
Great fingers coming together - The Point
A point to which my heart sighs in the love and beauty
Mother Earth is giver to great symbols of splendor in murderous
triangles
I shiver in fear and faith
Kiss the ground I walk on, turning my face towards the sun
A place where the sun might rise and set
The same exact day on the same exact sea
And over the marsh I see colors of gold and azure
Reflected grasses
Purple in the setting sun
A sky filled with fire
A brilliant full moon bows to our beacon
A lone two-hundred year old tower
Seer of great ships, great days, great war and great peace
My safe haven, harbor to my ship and soul."
Special
thanks to a wonderful person ADZ
Climb
to the top of Old Baldy and appreciate the magnificent view for
miles in all directions. It has been restored to its current condition
thanks to the Old Baldy Foundation, formed in 1985.
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