Keepers Log Wednesday, September 19, 2018

For the past two days, we have been closed for public tours.  The tides contribute, but also, the keepers and volunteers can have some down time.  Teare and I took advantage of that down time with our walk to lunch, grocery shopping, and reading over the past couple days.  Well, that all changed bright and early this morning, and we planned it that way.  Today was a designated work day.  We began with the usual chores of flag raising, sweeping and normal cleaning.  I fed the gulls as usual, and picked up a few items of trash around the property.  Next, I swept the tower, and the tower steps from the tower to the parlor.  Next, we fixed a curtain rod bracket in the keeper's bedroom.  It was a beautiful sunny day, so the next job of cleaning all tower glass both inside and out was as much of a pleasure as glass cleaning can be...  There are few views better than from Battery Point tower on a clear day.  Here are a few shots from the the tower in various directions.

Today, one could clearly see the St. George Reef Lighthouse in the distance some 6-7 miles away.  The weather app advised visibility at 10 miles today.  It was windy all day, with winds of 18 miles per hour, sustained, for much of the afternoon.  Meanwhile, Teare was hard at work cleaning the window sills in the keeper's bedroom as well as washing the curtains and doilies.  She also wiped down the furniture and I emptied the bucket of ashes from the pot belly stove from former inhabitants.  She also cleaned the window blinds in the radio room, cleaned the furniture with Murphy's oil and scrubbed the floor in the bathroom. 

We conducted tours today from 2-4:00.  It was supposed to be 2-3:30, but Teare did not have the heart to turn an entire group away, especially those who traveled great distances to get here.  Teare worked the gift shop, Jill took the parlor, Fred had the bedrooms, and I manned the tower.  In total, we had 51 guests and collected $326 in donations and sales.  

After the tours were over and Fred and Jill had departed, we heard someone ringing the bell outside the side door.  It was a couple who identified themselves as former lighthouse keepers here at Battery Point.  The couple introduced themselves as Steve and Dee Dee Salzman from Sparks, Nevada.  We invited them in and it was fun to visit with fellow keepers and share experiences.

Once Steve and Dee Dee left, it was time to play sheep dog.  This is where I roam about and warn visitors that the tide is returning and time is short to depart safely and dry.  At one point, I sat down on the bench near the flag pole.  I no sooner sat down and there was Fred the sea gull just hanging out with me.  It was obvious I did not have food, but he was just keeping me company.  I never would have imagined that a sea gull could be so social!  I encountered two very nice couples.  Both couples were from Germany and they were not together!  I spoke a little with each couple in English and auf Deutsch (in German).  Soon, we had the island to ourselves and sat down to a nice penne pasta dinner with salad.  

I fed Fred who was already waiting outside the side door.  I had to call Janice in from a distant rock.  Both gulls came and ate the cat food I laid out for them.  Teare and I watched the sunset, a nightly ritual, and I took down the flag.  We folded the flag and then I went to work on this blog.  Speaking of the blog, we hope you are enjoying our account of this year's stay at Battery Point.  We feel very blessed and fortunate to be here.  

Until tomorrow, may the road rise to meet you, may the wind be always at your back, and until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of his hand.  (Old Irish Blessing)  Good Night.

Keepers Log Tuesday, September 18

The sun was shining, and the morning sea air was cool as I moved about outside during my morning routine.  I came in to do some insurance work correspondence and have breakfast.  As we were enjoying our coffee (and tea for Teare), the light went out in the radio room.  Of course our first thought was the impact on the tower light.  All the other lights were out and this included the tower light.  I was on my way to the basement to throw the tower light circuit breaker when the lights came back on.  I climbed up the tower and was happy to see the tower light on.  We returned to the radio room, and approximately 25 minutes later the lights went out once again.  This time the power interruption lasted longer.  I repeated my steps to the basement and cut power to the tower light.  We contacted the Coast Guard and Dottie, our friend and mentor.  When the power was restored some 15 minutes later, we turned the breaker back on and held our breath...the tower light was on, and apparently, none the worse for the outage.  The fear is that a power surge may blow out the fuse or light when the power is restored.  Fortunately all was well...except after all this excitement my coffee was cold... It would have made an interesting video of us checking lights and climbing up and down the tower steps throughout this little non-crisis.  Kind of like "two stooges at a lighthouse"...

One of the simple pleasures here is watching birds in flight.  Most every time we see birds fly, it is from below.  Most birds are gone behind trees or disappear from view so quickly.  Here, some 34 feet above the ocean surface, the birds are many times flying at eye level or actually below us.  Because we have a virtual 360 degree view from the top of this rock, we can watch birds until they are so small against the ocean or sky, they simply disappear.  We are talking about an abundance of sea gulls, huge black crows, pelicans, and heron.  During our duty two years ago, I observed a bald eagle over the harbor beach.  When you factor in the variable winds,  you see some serious gliding and tense touch downs on the rocks or poles!

We were closed for tours but I met two ladies from Denver and a young couple from Seattle and we provided a private tour.  It was especially gratifying to surprise each of them with this tour as you can tell who is really interested and appreciates the historical significance of this landmark.  Afterwards, Teare and I took advantage of a few hours of available low tide to walk the nearly 2 miles to the Chart Room restaurant.  This walk takes you past the marina.  The Chart Room is known as one of the better sea food restaurants in town.  Here, we enjoyed a cup of clam chowder and seafood combo with prawns, scallops, and cod.  This would be our dinner for the day.  We followed that up with blackberry cobbler.  Blackberries are abundant in this area.

                                                          Fishing boats in the marina


After lunch, we watched some sea lions and then hiked to a grocery store for a few items.  The walk home from there virtually ensured we would attain our Fitbit steps for the day!  I had a backpack full of groceries and carried two bags...nothing but a pack mule, but I now know my station in life.

                                                        Sea Lion basking in the sun


We returned and chatted with a few visitors to the rock.  Later on, those conversations turned to warning of the returning tide.  Not long after that, we had the island to ourselves.  We both read and Teare found a less windy spot outside to read.

We had our usual two friends to share the sunset with.  Janice actually hung around with us long after feeding.  Fred had some other business to attend to, as he went in pursuit of other gulls who violated his restricted air space.

                                      Battery Point Lighthouse from our usual sunset perch

                                                   Janice watching the sunset with us


It was another great day on the rock, despite the morning excitement.  We are grateful for every single day here.  We wish you well and thanks for coming along on this experience.  The light is operational against the dark ocean sky and the winds are steady.

This is Keepers Bill and Teare signing off from high atop Battery Point.  Good Night.

 

Keepers Log Monday, September 17

My morning began by putting the coffee on, sweeping the walk, and raising the flag.  I waited to let Cristi feed the gulls.  Teare made a deluxe breakfast of blueberry pancakes and egg casserole.  We enjoyed the morning sun out on the picnic table after breakfast and then visited the gift shop. Before long, it was time to load the gator and say goodbye to Pete and Cristi Schwanke.  It was so good to have them here.  We were a little concerned about their ability to exit the island, but an early low tide actually made it quite an easy crossing.  Here is a flashback to last night when Pete and I lowered the flag.

We took out the garbage and met Dottie briefly.  Teare walked to the Del Norte Historical Society and Museum and picked up items for the gift shop. then stopped at the office supply store for ink for our printer. I took a walk and looped back to the lighthouse.  Along, the way, I shot a photo of a dolo.  This is the 42 ton precast concrete structure you see below.  These are 15 feet from point to point.  Several (750) of these were made and placed at the end of the jetty to defuse the energy of the damaging waves that Crescent City may experience.  Dolo comes from an African word for the ankle bone of a goat.

The sign in front of the dolo advises that the tsunami wave surge of 1964 was 8.5 feet at this location.  Below is a photo of the Memorial Fountain in honor of the 11 victims of the 1964 tsunami.  This is located in downtown Crescent City, CA in an area decimated by that historic event.

Teare totaled the gift shop register and donations.  Recent private tours and associated gift shop sales totaled $136.28.  After lunch, Teare did laundry and I played "sheep dog" warning visitors about the incoming tide.  Afterwards, I read and Teare sat on the rocks for a while.  That may not sound like entertainment to some, but here, the ocean and rock combine to make a tapestry of color, sound, and mesmerizing movement.  I watched a little football -  so different to watch Monday Night Football start at 5:00, but unlike at home, I'm way more likely to catch the end of the game awake!

  

We were able to go out and catch the sunset and it was a beauty.  That's a wrap on today's activities.  Thank you for tuning in and we wish everyone a good night.  

Keepers Log Sunday, September 16

If we were back in Ohio this Sunday morning at 7:20 AM, Teare and I would be getting ready for church.  Today, we managed a short devotion.  Since it is lighthouse month, we both had our chores to get ready for the 2 hour tour period beginning at 10:00.   Dan Thompson joined us today and led tours in the tower, Bill took the bedrooms, Jill took the parlor, Teare ran the gift shop, and Fred organized the tour groups and kept the tours moving.  Thanks to all for a productive and fun day!  We had 39 guests and collected $342.51 in donations and sales.  We wound the Banjo Clock today.  This pendulum time piece was a gift to the lighthouse on Christmas Day, 1856.  It is wound once a week and keeps very accurate time - after 162 years!

After the tour, we met friends Pete and Cristi Schwanke in the parking lot.  Pete and Cristi are stopping by after flying to Portland and driving down the coast.  They came across and spent the day with us!  We enjoyed lunch on the picnic table in the sun.   Afterward, we watched the surf crash against the rocks during high tide.  Next, we took them on a private tour of the lighthouse.
Again, we had dinner outside since it was such a beautiful day.  Afterwards, we watched the sunset and played cards in the radio room.  Pete helped me lower Old Glory.  It was great to have familiar faces from back home join us at the lighthouse!

                                                             
                                                         Pete and Cristi in the Tower

                                                                  Pete on the rocks

                                          Battery Point Lighthouse from down on the rocks

                                                         Cristi feeding Fred and Janice

Keepers Log Saturday, September 15

It was a little overcast and a cool 49 degrees during the early morning.  It slowly warmed up but did not shed the fog until the late morning. 

Our one hour 20 minute tour period saw 36 guests come through the front door and we collected $264.92 in donations and sales.  

Dean and Carol Germano, friends from Redding, CA., stopped in for a visit.  We enjoyed lunch on a picnic table in the sunshine.  We gave them a private tour of the lighthouse then went outside and sat on the rocks where we had a view of the surf.

                                                           Dean and Carol in the tower

Afterward, we were delighted to lean that the Ohio State vs. TCU football game was on a national network.  It felt like being back home watching the Buckeyes.  We had dinner during halftime, and the end result was in our favor.  

It felt good to walk as we joined the Germano's as they made their crossing to head back to their hotel.  We walked a few more blocks enjoying the clear starry night.  

Here is a photo of the lighthouse at night.  Note the moon just to the left.

We wish everyone a good night!  This is Keeper Bill signing off from Battery Point under a star lit sky.

Keepers Log Friday, September 14

We began our day in typical fashion.  It was a clear morning which always makes the sweeping more interesting.   When I went to meet Fred and Jill, a gentleman noticed my Westfield hat.  Turns out he was a policy holder from Hammond, Indiana.  A minute later, I had an independent agent from  Brighton, Michigan commenting on my hat...  The hat is a conversation starter for those who recognize Westfield Insurance.

Our one hour tour from 10 -11 AM saw 22 adult guests, and 3 children.  Donations and gifts totaled $263.02.  Afterward, we called time out and enjoyed the sun for a while.  We both read a little.  Evening chores and dinner complete, we were able to cross the basin and walk to Grocery Outlet for a few items.  

We returned home in the dark and used our flash lights to cross.  Later, I read more about two of the distinguished lighthouse keepers at Battery Point.  Theopolis Magruder, first keeper from 1856-1859, grew up on the banks of the Potomac River opposite the US Capitol.  His parents were personal friends with President James Madison and young Theopolis served as a page for the President!  Later I read where this pioneer organized currency used in this area prior to the adoption of US currency.  When the US Mint did begin circulation, it recognized this local currency, referred to as "beaver" coins, and bought back all beaver currency from owners with US currency.  Mr Magruder went on to help establish a new church, built a very successful mining supply business, and was one of the leading citizens in Crescent City.

Teare swept the tower steps from the tower light landing all the way to the parlor on the first floor. 

Here is a photo of the sunset.

Keepers Log Thursday, September 13

This day started clear and stayed that way all day!  It was a magnificent day full of sun and blue skies.  As I was sweeping down by the tidal basin, I noticed this person walking on the jetty, apparently feeding the birds.  Look closely at all the birds!  I imagine this is a regular occurrence.  I dubbed this person "Pied Piper of the Jetty".

We conducted tours between 10 and 11:00 AM.  In that hour we showed the lighthouse to 24 guests and collected $177 in donations and sales.  Fred and Jill did not have to scramble to get back across the basin today!

It was such a beautiful day, Teare and I took a moment to just lay in the sun.  Here is what we saw:

Afterward, I weed wacked the entire property!  If the grounds needed a haircut, then I was the Barber of Seville!   I did this from 3-5 PM!  

As I finished my work, guess who should be waiting for me back up at the side door to the lighthouse?  As you can see, both are quite comfortable with me.  Fred is posing for the picture, and Janice is doing what she does best....talking!

Here are a couple other interesting items you will find on the grounds here at Battery Point.  First, here is a photo of the work shop for the lighthouse station, also called the boat house.  It was built in two sections in 1903 and 1908.  Captain Jeffrey, longest serving lighthouse keeper, (39 years starting in 1875) stored a boat in there to ferry his kids back and forth to school if the tide was in.  It continues to be used as our work shop.

When we present our tours in our Piland bedroom, we always point out the chamber pot which sits at the foot of the bed.  We make a point that the lighthouse pre-dated indoor plumbing, and that the outhouse was perched on the rocks and would have been hazardous to get to in the dark and/or stormy nights.  Here is a photo of where the outhouse used to be.  Note the white paint on the top of the rock where it once stood!

After dinner, I walked to the grocery store to get a few things.  Teare joined me on the way back.  We watched the sunset surrounded by several visitors. 

Our thoughts and prayers are with those in the path of Hurricane Florence.  
This is keeper Bill signing off from a dark and quiet Battery Point.  Good Night.