September 1, 2022

WELCOME blog readers!  It has been a fast four years since our last stay and service at Battery Point Lighthouse.  We arrived in Crescent City, California yesterday and immediately went to the Del Norte Historical Society where we received a warm up on point of sale and various other updates on the lighthouse.  

We met the former Keepers at 10 AM this morning and picked up the keys and the 4 wheeler (aka quad) which is what we use to move our luggage and food, etc.

We are not open today and it was mostly a moving and transition day.   Our main chore was to bring our stuff across the tidal basin and lug it up the narrow circular steps to the second floor bedroom. 

On my way to the lighthouse there was a huge golden colored seal which appeared to be beached and in distress.  The prior keepers had called the Marine Animal Rescue group locally.  By the time I made my second trip on the quad, the seal was gone.  I'd like to think the incoming tide was enough to enable the seal to re-enter the surf and allow him to feed and regain his health. 

I was able to see my old friend, Fred the seagull, and fed him and his mate just moments ago.  There will be much more on Fred as the days unfold.  I am still uncertain if this is his mate, Janice, from four years ago.  If her screech is loud and obnoxious, it is Janice.  If it is not, it is a new mate... and we will have to come up with a new name.   

I will attach photos, server permitting, in the future.  We are here and all is well.  Tomorrow we will start giving tours and operating the gift shop.  

Getting here was part of the fun of this adventure.  I thought I might share our travel itinerary in the event you are interested and want to explore some of the same sites.

NOTE:  We limited our drive time to 5-6 hours a day so that we could also enjoy sites and attractions along the way.

Day 1  Fremont, Ohio (Rutherford B Hayes Presidential Home and Museum)                              South Bend, Indiana (Walked the campus and visited the Basilica of the Sacred Heart at Notre Dame University)

Day 2 Drove around Chicago on I-80.  Stopped in Ottawa, Illinois (Walked downtown to the site of the first Lincoln-Douglas debate)                                                                                                           Drove to West Branch, Iowa (Visited the Herbert Hoover National Historic Site including his birthplace and Presidential Museum - then walked the adjacent Prairie Trail)                                       Our final stop was in Grinnell, Iowa.  (Drove around and checked out Grinnell College.)

Day 3 Continuing on I-80 to Omaha, Nebraska.  (Visited the Gerald Ford Birthplace & Gardens)   We had lunch at a downtown Omaha deli.                                                                                        Stopped in Ashland, Nebraska (Visited the Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum.) Here we saw a wide array of military aircraft and I piloted an F-63-3 Hellcat WWII fighter with Teare as my co-pilot and gunner in a very realistic moving simulator.                                                                              We drove to Kearney, Nebraska. (Found the childhood home of good friend, Dr. Stuart Ensor, and visited downtown Kearney where they were having a street fair.)

Day 4  Traveled on I-80 to western Nebraska.  For a change of scenery, we drove on a parallel road (US Hwy. 30) until we reconnected with I-80 through Cheyenne into Laramie, Wyoming.                          Our attraction here was the University of Wyoming, where we walked all around the campus, including the Performing Arts Center and Athletic Facilities)  The campus blended well with the rocky terrain.

Day 5  We began the day at the Wyoming Territorial Prison in Laramie where they held Butch Cassidy.  We listened to an audio book (The Judge's List, by John Grisham) as we traveled, making the miles go by quickly.                                                                                                                                  We took Hwy. 30 NW to Kemmerer, Wyoming.  (Here we visited and toured the original JC Penney store and home).

Day 6  Drove to Idaho through Pocatello on to Twin Falls.  (Spent our time at the Snake River Canyon and Shoshone Falls... Gorgeous!)                                                                                          Made our way to Boise via I-84.  (Teare wanted a fresh Idaho baked potato so we found a restaurant that met her needs!)  Finished the day with a walk on the Boise Greenbelt along the Boise River.  

Day 7 Began the day with a bike ride on the Boise Greenbelt (This took us through the campus of Boise State University.  We acted like we belonged and walked down a tunnel to the famous blue football field until we were asked nicely to leave!) We left Boise on I-84 but headed West to Ontario, ID on US 20 to Bend, Oregon.  For most of our six hours of desert driving, we saw nothing but free range horses and cattle.  After we arrived in Bend, we went out to eat at 10 Barrel Brewery.

Day 8 We rented electric pedal-assist bikes and rode on the Deschutes River Trail for four hours. Walked around downtown Bend and met friends Craig and Linda at the Deschutes Brewery Public House for dinner.  Linda is the sister of dear friend Barbara Gerspacher of Medina, Ohio.  

Day 9 Drove south on Hwy. 97, west on Hwy. 138 to arrive at the northern gate of Crater Lake National Park.  Crater Lake is the deepest lake in the USA at a maximum depth of 1943 ft.  It is a 33 mile drive around the entire rim.  We drove the West Rim and continued down Rte. 62 to Grants Pass, Oregon.  The air was thick with smoke from the recent forest fire outside of town.  Here, we picked up Hwy. 199 to Crescent City, California.  The drive down 199 was beautiful.  Part of the drive is through narrow canyons with the rushing Smith River far below.  As we entered Del Norte County, California we saw a sign which read: "The Redwood Gate to the Golden State".   We highly recommend this drive!    

                                                                         Crater Lake

Signing off from Battery Point Lighthouse

Join us again.  We'll leave the light on...

Bill and Teare

Keepers Log Saturday, September 29

It was a nice cool morning and it was a pleasure to sweep and put up the flag.  Despite the cool temperatures, it was clear.   I fed Fred and Janice and went in to enjoy a delicious egg casserole with cinnamon rolls.  Afterward, Brett and I went to fill the regular gas for the mower and ATV and the mix container for the weed whacker.  

We put the containers in the 1881 building and it was time to head for our off-island excursion to Brookings, Oregon.  Brookings is the first town north of the Oregon - California border and is has various shops and eateries.  We stopped in a coffee shop and then walked around the scenic sea side town.  We walked down the hill to the Botanical Gardens.

We walked across the bridge and down to the harbor area.

We had lunch down by the marina next to the boat ramp.  Afterward, we walked up the hill and over the bridge back to downtown Brookings.
We stopped in a shop and it began to rain.  Soon after, we drove back down 101 to the California border and Crescent City.  

I stopped in a barber shop while Teare, Brett, and Betsy went to a Home Depot.  Next, we went to Sea Quake for a pizza dinner and watched the Ohio State vs. Penn State football game.  We convinced the hostess to let us put on the Ohio State game in the upstairs area.  Ohio State squeaked this one out 27-26, but are going to have to play better if they hope to compete in the BCS.

 

Afterward, we returned to the lighthouse.  We took down the flag. and finished off some ice cream.  Now, the only thing left to do is the final pack and cleaning for the new lighthouse keepers.  We had a fun day exploring with Brett and Betsy and tomorrow will be our exit day.  

We consider ourselves blessed to have had this experience for the second time and we look forward to the day when we return as the keepers at Battery Point.  This is a special hello to those of you who have been following along from Seville United Methodist Church.  We will see you soon.  Tomorrow we will be traveling down to McKinleyville, CA., where we will stay prior to an early flight out of Eureka, CA. airport on Sunday morning.

This is keeper Reedy signing off for the last time from Battery Point.  We will be turning over the keys tomorrow.  The light is on, the seas are calm, and the lighthouse is in better condition than we found it.   We wish the best for all of those who have been along on this adventure.  Thanks for joining us.  Good Night. 

Keepers Log Friday, September 28

Rob and I were up early for our planned rock scramble around the base of the island.  We started at the walkway and went as far as the level area would permit.  We stopped to watch the never-ending succession of waves that would come and go, splashing over the rock and creating it's own visual art. 
We started to scramble and made our way around to our favorite perch on the southwest corner of the rocks before beginning our ascent.  My hiking shoes were slipping more than usual due to the misty wet rocks.  This was a route I had been meaning to do and was happy to find someone who was willing to accompany me!  Having already put up the flag and fed our feathered friends, we went inside the cozy radio room for Teare's delicious pancake breakfast and some hot coffee.  Here are our photos from our morning excursion.

     
                                                                      Rob and Bill

                                              The Lighthouse from the rocks at sea level

                                            Lots of places to watch the waves come and go

                                                          Rob hoping for no rogue waves

                                                                      Bill on point

                                                                Bill navigating the rock

Rob and Chris departed at 9:45 AM.  We were so happy they could visit us at Battery Point and we felt that we maximized our time with them.  

I read a bit more afterward, then it was time to do some work outside.  First, I mowed the entire property that was level or non-rocky enough to mow.  Next, I weed whacked everywhere the mower could not reach.  Finally, I swept all the mowed grass clippings and stones off the walkways.  In the meantime, Teare, vacuumed the whole first floor, the bedrooms and did laundry.  I vacuumed the rest of the upstairs.

Karen phoned to remind Teare of our 5:30 tour this evening.  Dan, one of our local volunteers, came over so we could show him how to operate the ATV.  Afterward, he actually stayed and helped  us conduct our tours.  Thanks Dan!  We had a group of nine ladies comprised of family and friends  tour the lighthouse.  They left donations and purchased a few items in the gift shop.

After the tour, we had dinner, fed the gulls, and took down the flag.  We talked to Dottie about our transition plan with the new keepers.  Dottie is the person who finds and trains keepers and volunteers.  Afterward, Teare visited with the new keepers, advising what food and supplies were on hand.  We also planned the time to meet to help them move in and provide a brief orientation for the lawn equipment and miscellaneous items.  Dottie also plans to be here when we leave to provide further information on the house and tours.

There is a summary report that keepers provide which is presented to the Board of Directors of the Del Norte Historical Society.  This is a record of our work and  may also point out items that need additional attention.  We worked on our summary report and called it a day.

This is Keeper Reedy reporting calm seas and good visibility.  We wish you a good night.  

Keepers Log Thursday, September 27

We were so thankful that the day dawned clear.  We were up and made coffee, breakfast, and prepared for our morning hike.  Rob fed the gulls and helped raise the flag.  We took advantage of the morning tide and drove Tess to the Stout Grove of the Jedediah Smith State Redwood Forest.  We walked the loop and ventured down to the Smith River.  Visiting the redwoods seems like a new experience each time we go there.  We are blessed that this beautiful grove is just across town.

Our album cover shot at the Stout Grove

                                                      Rob and Chris at the Stout Grove


We completed the loop by driving down 199 and 101 to return to town.  Instead of heading back to the lighthouse, we tempted fate by driving out to Vista Point Overlook.  Here you can see the crescent beach which bends for miles and the lighthouse in the distance. 

  
Once again, we pushed it to the limit by stopping to see the sea lions near the marina before heading back to the lighthouse.   In the top left you can see Battery Point Lighthouse 2 miles away. 

We returned to the Oceanfront Hotel where they are letting Rob plug in the Tesla, then walked to the tidal basin.  We found a narrow creek across the basin, but we could still cross by walking on top of a barnicle-covered pipe.  We flirted with wetness, but we stayed dry!  Moments later, others were not so fortunate.

As I was playing "sheep dog" warning people about the impending high tide, a lady from Beijing, China approached and asked if I could help with her son's school project.  The assignment was to have a video-taped conversation with an American.   We introduced ourselves, and I asked him a few questions which he answered well.  He taught me a few words in Chinese and we had a nice chat.  I commented that his English was much better than my Chinese!  

Rob settled into a recliner and read his assigned chapter out of the 1882 American President's book.  He made good use of the easy chair in our bedroom.   Rob and Chris did some advance planning for the next phase of their trip, then we had lunch.  We climbed down the rocks at high tide to where the waves crash against the rock, then returned to the lighthouse.  Here is a photo Teare captured from her perch on the rock.

                                                           You put your right foot in...

Rob read from the President Book, I read from the WW II Spy Book, and the Wilders completed some more advance travel planning.  The entire time, Fred, the sea gull was keeping me company outside the radio room window. 

Teare made two separate delicious meals of gnocchi noodles.  One was made with tomato sauce and the second with garlic and soy sauce.  We followed that up with ice cream for dessert. 

Chris had the high honor of feeding the pet gulls this evening.  They seem to have warmed up to Chris.  

Rob was determined to watch the sunset.  While it was still totally fogged in, and there was nothing to see, Rob sat out on the old water tower planks, alone, watching....fog.

Again, he was set on going to the tower to experience the tower light in the dark.  So, knowing it was a total fog-out, we climbed the tower steps and braved the bright light of an evening tower and looked out on the ....gray.  Again, mission accomplished, visibility or not!

Afterwards, we all returned to the warm radio room to review our photos and for Chris and I to work on our daily accounts of the day. 

Soon, we will be calling it a day.  Our highest hope is that Chris and Rob had a good day in Crescent City and Battery Point Lighthouse.  This is Keeper Reedy reporting from another fogged-in Battery Point.  Good Night to all.  

Keepers Log Wednesday, September 26

We were excited that Rob and Chris Wilder were in Crescent City,  and couldn't wait to have them over to the lighthouse.  I put up the flag, fed the gulls and swept the walkways, then shared breakfast with Teare.  Unfortunately, the day began foggy and pretty much stayed that way all day!   

We took the four wheeler over at 8:30 AM and brought luggage across.  Rob parked the Tesla at the nearby hotel and was able to plug it in.  It turns out the hotel manager has a Tesla, and was sympathetic to Rob's electrical needs!  

After off loading the bags, we had some coffee and relaxed in the radio room.   Next, we walked around the outside of the lighthouse.  Then we provided an inside tour.  We enjoyed lunch and then  showed them the tower. 

It was still socked in so visibility was severely limited.   We also went down on the rocks to our favorite place where the waves crash against the rock.

We received a call about a couple from Maryland wanting a private tour from the Historical Society,  I met the same couple outside and we invited them in along with three other ladies.  The ladies were from Nebraska and Michigan.  Teare led the tour in the gift shop, I led the tour in the parlor and upstairs.  We realized $69.50 in donations and sales.

With a late afternoon crossing opportunity, we decided to go off the rock for dinner.  We went to a local restaurant, had dinner and visited. 

We returned as it was getting dark and made the crossing well ahead of the tide but, just ahead of needing flashlights.  Rob helped me take down the flag and he also put food out for the gulls.

We visited a bit more in the radio room and it was time to call it a day.  We are honored that Rob and Chris included us on this trip and we look forward to a great day tomorrow.  Keeper Bill signing off from a foggy Battery Point!  Good Night.

Keepers Log Tuesday, September 25

The sun rose at 7:07 AM and set at 7:07 PM.  Sure glad I shot a photo when putting up the flag, because the sunset was a total fog out!

This turned out to be one of our warmest days here at 72 degrees.  It was sunny and clear for most of the day.  We were closed for public tours, but there were still a few chores to attend to. 

The planned power outage was foremost on my mind.  This had been planned for a few weeks as Pacific Power needed to service a transformer which would necessarily disrupt our power and, most importantly, our tower light.  We planned it for an off day morning.  This was that day.  First, we disconnected routers, computers, printers, etc.  Next, we turned off all the circuits in the basement, including power to the tower light.   We did this approximately 15 minutes prior to the disconnect.  Then we waited for the call from the power company which would indicate repairs were complete and we could power up.  I read with my phone nearby.  The call came at 10:10 AM.  We plugged everything back in and went to the basement and turned on all circuits.  We then walked up to the tower to ensure that the light was working....it was!  Next, we phoned the Coast Guard, Security Company, Historical Society, and Dottie, our supervisor, to advise the power was restored and the light was operational. 

Here is one interesting story about the book I am reading.  It was published in 1881 and covers the US Presidents to that time.  There were 30 of them, including the current president, Chester A. Arthur.  That is exactly 2/3 of the total number of presidents to date.  I finished the chapter on US Grant.  At the end of the chapter, it indicated that former President Grant was involved in various business dealings and working to get a canal which would connect the Pacific Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico...later to become known as the Panama Canal.  It really struck me that the book was discussing the former president in present tense as as we would today about former president Carter, Bush, or Obama.  

Teare and I relaxed outside for a bit, talked with Betsy as she made her daily lunch walk.  We had some lunch and then we did a little straightening up inside the lighthouse.  Teare made some chocolate chip cookies.  Before long, two expected visitors were coming up the walkway, Jessica Douglas, Betsy's former roommate in Redding, and her friend, Tanna Oberlander of Medford, OR.  We provided a tour of the lighthouse, including the tower.

                                                              Jessica, Bill and Tanna

                                                   Teare climbing the ladder to the tower


Jessica fed the gulls.  Both Fred and Janice hung around and kept the ladies company as we sat out by the old water tower.

 
                                                        Jessica, Tanna, Fred and Janice

Afterward, Teare served a delicious dinner.  She also served her chocolate cake and ice cream in honor of Tanna's Birthday. Happy Birthday Month, Tanna! Unfortunately, the fog rolled in from the south before dinner, which took away the tower views.  We walked the ladies across the tidal basin by flashlight and they headed back to their nearby campground.  Thanks for taking the time to visit!  

As I write, I just received a Wilder Travel Log update.  Please stand by for this important notice...
The Wilders are now a mere 10 miles outside of Crescent City and will be here exactly on time according to their ETA!  We look forward to their visit as we look back on a great day at Battery Point.

Breaking News...The Tesla has Landed!  The Wilders have arrived safely after their epic journey!  Welcome Rob and Chris!  We will see you tomorrow morning!

This is Keeper Reedy reporting limited visibility at Battery Point.  Listen for the fog horn at the end of the jetty for additional aid in harbor entry.  Everyone stay safe.  Good Night.

Keepers Log Monday, September 24

It was another gorgeous morning.  We were looking forward to sunny skies and 65 degree temperatures.  A steady wind moderated this somewhat, but still a great day.  Teare and I decided to take advantage of a late afternoon tour schedule and late arriving morning tide to slip off the rock for a morning walk.  After the flag raising and gull feeding, we headed off for town.  We know the way after not having a car the entire time here!  Here is a tree near the harbor beach with the morning sun shining through it, creating a nice silhouette.

We stopped at McDonalds after Teare picked a few things at Safe Way.  It was great to have a McDonalds coffee again.  When we returned, I met a couple, Ted and Ceri Claridge, from Brookings, OR.  They had just been married the day prior and this was their first honeymoon destination!  We are pleased to introduce Mr. and Mrs. Claridge.  Congratulations!

                                                                        Ceri and Ted

If you recall from yesterday's post, we met the Fox family from Henderson, Nevada and provided a private tour.  Here is a photo of the Fox Family.  Remember, we hope to see you next time!

                                                                  The Fox Family

After returning to the lighthouse, I made several calls in anticipation of tomorrow morning's planned power outage by Pacific Power.  Let's cross our fingers and hope we can avoid a power surge and get the light back up and running without any issues...

Next, I emptied gas from the main can into all the lawn equipment and four wheeler so I can fill the can again for the next keeper.  Afterward, I swept the walkways a final time in anticipation of today's tour.  

We were happy to be visited by Lanni, Betsy's co-worker at Shasta Community Health Center in Redding, CA.  Here is a Lanni and husband in the tower during our tour.

                                                             

We conducted tours from 3-5:00 PM today.  We admitted 25 guests and collected $175.69 in donations and sales.  It was a relatively slow day.  It was also our final day of public tours.  We do have a couple planned private tours, but the fully staffed published tour calendar is complete!  To celebrate our new friendship, Teare and I went out to dinner with Fred and Jill Battaglia, our tour volunteers.  We had a nice dinner.  Afterward, they showed us their beautiful RV.  Fred then drove us to Walmart for supplies and then to the lighthouse parking lot.  Thanks to Fred and Jill for everything!  What a pleasure to work with the two of you!  If ever in Ohio, please stop by! 

                                                    Farewell dinner with Fred and Jill


Teare and I unloaded the supplies and after the blog is completed, we will call it a full day!  

Speaking of full days, we are happy to report that friends Rob and Chris Wilder were nearing their destination in Winnemucca, Nevada after only their third day of travel!  Rob and Chris, this is a terrible time to tell you this, but I'm not sure we're worth it, but the lighthouse IS!

We are blessed to be here and realize we have less than one week to go!
This is Keeper Bill, who will be holding my breath tomorrow morning until the lights are back on!   Good Night.