The German Zeppelin, burned at Lakehurst, N. J., made a practice of
pointing its course directly over Highland Light on its return trips to
Germany.
The light has one implacable enemy--fog. When the heavy vapor banks
roll in, the beam is practically invisible. In a real thick fog not
even the glow of the lamp can be seen by one standing at the base of
the tower.
Many visitors, noting the close proximity of the lighthouse to the edge
of the shore embankment, have inquired whether there is danger the sea
will some day undermine Highland Light. Keeper Joseph has never worried
about this. When, in 1796, the Government purchased the tract of land
for the erection of the lighthouse, the reservation comprised ten
acres. Storms and pounding surf have swept six acres of the original
site into the sea.