Into the Highlands 

While I had known about the two twin lighthouses that sat atop a hill for over twenty years, I never once went to the site. Not when my college friend told me late at night it was accessible (this predated the gate), or when I would see two stone towers as I gazed from below in Sea Bright.

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I had heard about the steep hill that one must take in order to access the park entrance. I had also heard that sometimes the entrance was just closed and blocked off since it went through what was described to me as "other people's driveways".  I was not sure what that may even look like however,  with excitement, a packed cooler with subs, chips and drinks, I took a trip.

To access the historical site - let's just talk about the pin-turn incline one must scale. Yes - they weren't kidding. Word of caution: low vehicles will bottom out or due to the angle simply not make it. Good thing I left my Lamborghini at home (of course I do not have such a vehicle).  Also the "other people's driveway" account was very accurate - although it does not seem like it at first. There are lot of houses built aside the hill and with only one way to get to the top, it makes for some interesting property lines.

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After pulling through the gate, the land is pretty flat for parking (the New Yorker in me was thankful). The volunteers were delightful and I learned a ton of historical facts which only solidified to me that there have been a lot of great meetings of the minds that have come out of New Jersey. Like who knew that Marconi - the guy who created morse code  - utilized the first practical use of the telegraph from the Twin Lights Lighthouses? Yup, happened in Jersey in 1899.  

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From inside one of the twin lighthouses, which you can completely ascend, the views over the Atlantic Ocean, Sandy Hook Bay and of Manhattan were simply breathtaking. Completely inspired, I created a print from that day.  Properly titled, Twin Lights, the print showcased the beaconing lights of the historical sight admidst a swirl of wind and sea. 

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This piece was later printed as part of an International Printmaking Post Card Exchange making its way to places across the United States and Europe.

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More info about the Twin Lights site can be found here: https://www.twinlightslighthouse.org