Saturday, September 24, 2022

Battery Point Lighthouse Keeper's Log

Welcome back!

This morning, we took advantage of a favorable tide to go exploring.  We drove down to Klamath, California and had breakfast at the Forest Cafe.  Afterwards, we visited the "Trees of Mystery".  Teare and I had stopped at this private attraction before, but chose not to enter.  This time, we agreed to give it a shot.  We began our visit with an informative walking trail through the redwoods.  Trees were identified and some unusual trees were reviewed via audio recording.  

Afterward, we climbed to viewing platforms which were anywhere from 50 to 100 ft high during a tree-top canopy walk.  The walkways were suspended between giant redwoods with ropes and cables.  This provided a different perspective on the forest.  

After climbing back down to the forest floor, we continued on the main trail.  Along the walk, we encountered the "Brotherhood Tree", a 297 ft. redwood giant that is over 2000 years old.  The tree is 19 ft in diameter and 58 ft in circumference.  

Next, we boarded an enclosed gondola lift to the top of the ridge.  Here we had scenic overlooks.  

My favorite was to the west where the fog was working its way up the valley from the sea.  

We ended our walk at the gift shop/museum.  The trail exit took you directly to the gift shop - imagine that!  While we did not give them much business other than a post card to put in my journal, we did stop in the American Indian Museum.  We had heard good things about this museum from lighthouse visitors.  The museum is full of artifacts from various tribes and nations around the USA which would make the Smithsonian proud.

We drove around Klamath before heading back north on US 101.  We took a side trip to see the mouth of the Klamath River, but the ocean front area was so fogged in, we could barely see the water! 

We returned to Crescent City via the beautiful forest areas south of town.  After a quick stop for lunch and chat with Betsy, we went grocery shopping.  It was 2:35 when we reached the tidal basin.  The main walk was still under water and we had to give a tour beginning at 3:00!  We took turns stepping rock to rock and handing the groceries back and forth until we tightroped the pipe!  We did it and then climbed up the hill!  Millie and Cary were right behind us and we opened on time!  Whew!

This being the weekend and a gorgeous day, we had a steady stream of visitors.  The final tally from 3-5 showed 45 guests and collections of $194.50.  The last group of the day included three ladies from Utah who I had met the day before.  

We straightened up from the tour and then watched the Ohio State game.  We have had the best luck getting the OSU games out here!  The favorable outcome with Wisconsin was also a plus!  Teare balanced the register and I fed the gulls and brought in the flag.  Now it is time to settle in and call it a day!

We wish you a good night.

Keeper's Teare and Bill