Wednesday, September 7, 2022

Battery Point Lighthouse Keeper's Log

It was another very nice day in Crescent City, California.  There was a slight haze against the distant hills which I believe may be smoke from fires in Humboldt County south of us.  We had a fire fighter here today who told me the Humboldt fire is 80% contained.  

This morning I fed the gulls, put up the flag, and trimmed the property.  I used a gas powered weed whacker that is supplied for our use.  Afterwards, I swept the clippings off the walkway.

Teare did laundry and a lot of cooking today in preparation for our guests this weekend.

At 2:00, we started our tours and finished the last tour at 4:30.  We had 62 guests and collected $379.46 in donations and sales.  It was an international day as we had visitors from UK, Ukraine, Canada, Japan, and Australia.  Most everyone was happy to be here and glad they took the tour.

After the tours, I took a walk along the city beach which lies between the lighthouse and the marina. 

Once back on the rock, I met a gentleman who was notably dressed from head to toe in Boston Celtics attire.  He had a Celtics hat, a jacket with shamrocks and all the world championships on it and green pants that looked like Celtics warmups.  I visited with him a while and warned that the incoming tide.  Turns out, he is from St. Albans, West Virginia and is the self-proclaimed, "Best Boston Celtics fan in the world."  To prove this claim, he gave me the number of the Boston Celtics and told me to ask them who the greatest fan is.  He guaranteed they would provide his name.  No, I did NOT follow up on this.  As you can imagine, it was an honor to meet someone who is the best in the world at anything.  I watched him as he carefully removed his green shoes and walked through the shallow surf in his Celtic socks...

We had a beautiful sunset.  I fed the gulls and brought down the flag.

We hope all is well with you.

Good Night from Battery Point Lighthouse

Teare and Bill

 Tuesday, September 6, 2022

Battery Point Lighthouse Keeper's Log

Welcome back blog readers and thank you for your interest!

Teare was up at 5:30 AM this morning in order to cross the tidal basin, buy groceries, and make it back before the tide prohibited access to the lighthouse grounds.  I got the call at 7:05AM that she was in the check out line at the Crescent City Safeway.  I rode the four wheeler over to meet her and bungie corded our groceries to the 4 wheeler.  We had to ride through 6 inches of water on the way back and I was glad we didn't cross any later. We are stocked now!  

Since tours wouldn't take place until mid afternoon, I decided to mow most of the grounds this morning.  As I was mowing the fenced field, I noticed Fred perched on the telephone pole, keeping me company.  I read that sea gulls actually remember people. I don't know quite yet if Fred remembers me specifically, but he does let me sit a few feet away while he eats and he is beginning to follow me a round like he had done in past stays.  I still have some more mowing and a weed whacking to do. 

Teare went on a cleaning frenzy in the kitchen and cleaned the counter drawers and washed everything in them.  She then organized the contents, so like utensils were in the same drawer. She squeezed in a batch of chocolate chip cookies before the tours began.  She spent time in the gift shop after the tours, balancing the cash register and restocking.  Needless to say, it was a very full and productive day.  We had 51 admissions and raised a total of $306.07 in donations and sales.

During the tour, one lady thanked me and said she was so glad there were volunteers who wanted to lead tours and share the history of this historic landmark.  I expressed that it is a privilege to be entrusted with this amazing property and to share the rich history and interesting stories that make this place so special. 

One couple came into the gift shop and told me that her mother had loved this lighthouse. Her mother had passed away last year. A few months ago the family had come out to spread her ashes over the rocks. Well, today was her mother's birthday, so she and her husband came once again to the place so special to her mom to feel closer to her. She also purchased a Battery Point Lighthouse afghan to wrap herself in when she missed her mom.  She almost had me in tears.  

On a lighter note, another lady from Boise, Idaho taught me how to make the perfect baked potato.  First buy an Idaho Russet #2 potato, wash it well, prick it all over with a fork, cover it thoroughly with melted butter and kosher salt. Do not put it in aluminum foil, that steams it. Preheat the oven to 400, bake on a cookie sheet for 1 hour. I tried it tonight for dinner and she was right. It was delicious!   

The previous two paragraphs were shared by Teare.

After the work was done, we both went outside to enjoy the wonderful sunshine and views.

After dinner, I did the evening chores.  Fred and Janice were happy to see me.  Fred is all business when it is time to eat, but Janice likes to squawk and cluck and move around.  Teare observed "Janice always has to have the last word!"

This is our view when we do the dishes

We wish everyone well.

Keepers Bill and Teare signing off from Battery Point Light Station, as it was formerly known.

 Monday, September 5, 2022

Battery Point Lighthouse Keeper's Log

The morning was very foggy.  You could not see the surf 60 feet below, but you can ALWAYs hear it crashing against the rocks.   

I was surprised to see three early morning visitors from the San Francisco Bay area.  We chatted and I gave them a private tour.  They were great guys and very appreciative.

Teare and I actually left the lighthouse property this morning for the first time in five days.  This was to drop off garbage, recycle, drop mail at the Post Office and scout out potential hiking spots for future visitors. We only had an hour, so we had to make the most of our limited time. 

Teare crossing the tidal basin on the pipe this morning!

Within an hour we were back in the lighthouse preparing for our tours.  We were only open for an hour today from 12:30-1:30.  Teare and I were in the gift shop, Millie took the parlor and Cary handled the bedrooms and tower.  Just before 1:30, we decided to give a personal tour, letting the last group know that they might get their feet wet on the way off the island. Millie and Cary had left while the tidal basin was still passable.  We had 36 visitors and collected $301.17 in donations and sales.

After lunch, I went to work on the grounds of the lighthouse.  First I raked the gravel walkways and then watered the grass in the front yard.  Teare swept the concrete surfaces while I raked.

                                         

Looking down the gravel walkway

While Bill was raking, Fred and Janice flew in for their nightly meal. Up until this time I thought Bill was a little loco when he talked to the seagulls. But to my surprise, I heard Fred and Janice speaking the same language as Bill had when he called them to dinner.  "Muck, muck" is what they were saying. In seagull, that means, "feed me now I'm hungry."  In Bill's language it means, "come and get it!" I still think he's a little loco, but that's another story. Teare

After a busy day at the lighthouse, we're signing off so we can get outside and watch another beautiful sunset. Bill & Teare

Sunday, September 4, 2022

Battery Point Keeper's Log

Happy Sunday!  When you live on a lighthouse that is subject to tides, you can't just go to church like normal.  In fact, with our tours for the fourth day, we were not able to leave the property.   

Did my morning duties.  This included putting up the flag, feeding Fred and Janice, gathering the garbage and recyclables and making sure the walkway was free from debris and kelp that washes ashore. In the upper walkway, we try to keep the gravel off the paved areas. 

Our tours ran from 10:45 to 12:45.  Cary and Teare led tours and operated the gift shop.  I spoke about the Parlor, and Millie conducted the upstairs and tower tours.  We had 65 visitors and took in $385.34 in donations and sales.  The tours ran smoothly.

It turned out to be another sunny day.  We had lunch and it was time to make the rounds outside to let visitors know the tide waters were rising.  I like to ask people where they are from.  What we are finding is that a lot of people are from Redding or the Sacramento valley to escape the intense heat of the interior of the state.  The other large population of guests are from the Medford/Grants Pass, Oregon area to get away from the dense smoke of a nearby forest fire.

The weather at the lighthouse varies a lot during the day. It begins with temperatures in the 50's to 60's, a heavy fog and a strong wind. By noon is was warm enough to sit outside in the sun.  It was a warm sun, but never too hot due to the wind.  Later in the evening, we watched the sunset, in winter jackets against the cool air and wind.  The rocks along the coastline made it picturesque. You probably noticed, the only thing that is consistent is the WIND!

I did the evening chores and we connected with family and friends.

And that was our day at Battery Point!

Happy Labor Day Weekend!

Signing off,

Keepers Bill and Teare

 Saturday, September 3, 2022

Battery Point Lighthouse Keeper's Log

I was up in the middle of the night and saw a welcome sight.  The crescent moon was visible in the sky and shimmered out in the ocean and right up to the lighthouse.  This meant the three day cloud deck that has been hanging over Crescent City might finally be breaking up.  Of course, I had to look up the tower to make sure the beacon light was working.  The morning dawned bright and beautiful with intermittent fog and low clouds.  By late morning, it was crystal clear and calm.

Morning duties were a pleasure as you wanted to be outside.  I put up the flag and fed the gulls.

We conducted tours from 10:00-12:30.  Teare ran the gift shop, Millie led the gift shop tour, Cary shared information about the parlor, and I discussed the talking points for the upstairs bedrooms and tower.  We had 70 visitors and raised $541 in donations and sales for the del Norte Historical Society, who is responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of the lighthouse.  Our friend Oscar, from Argentina came back, took the tour, and collected his papers.

After the tours were over, I lingered outside to warn unsuspecting visitors of the rising water.  Folks kept crossing, so I wandered down to the lower walk to warn them about the tide change.  One of these individuals had a shirt on which read:  "Akron, Ohio - Where the weak are killed and eaten".  Of course this got my attention!  The guy was from California but bought the shirt when he was in the area.  

It was such a beautiful day we had to get outside and enjoy the sunshine.  at 4:30, it was time to come in and watch Ohio State play Notre Dame in the first football game of the season.  Thankfully, the Buckeyes won!  The sun was setting over the ocean out the window as the game ended.

I fed the gulls in a different place.  This created some havoc as other gulls came around.  I saw first hand why Fred is the dominant gull of the rock...   

Thanks for joining us!

The skies are clear, visibility is good, and our beacon light is shining bright over the Pacific.

Signing off,

Teare and Bill

 

Battery Point Keeper's Log

September 2, 2022

Up at 6:30 AM.  Did morning chores of putting up the flag, sweeping rocks off the paved walkway, and feeding the gulls.

We met Millie and Cary just after 9:30 AM.  They are our assistant tour guides.  They are recreational vehicle owners who volunteer in exchange for a spot at a local campground.  We assigned the tours and soon it was time to welcome our visitors.  We had a steady flow of guests for two hours.  We welcomed everyone to the lighthouse and asked that they sign the guest register.  Next, we provided a short description of the original parlor room.  We included a discussion of the 4th order Fresnel lens with the original crank and turning mechanism.  This was very helpful in explaining how the old revolving lenses worked.

We were open from 10:00-12:00 this morning.  Teare balanced the cash register drawer.  We had 45 guests and collected $462.17 in donations and sales, not bad for only being open for two hours.

After the last tour, we closed windows, steel plate to the tower, and turned off lights.  I went outside and warned visitors still approaching that the tide was coming in and that the water level would continue to rise.  Many of these individuals had to walk a small metal pipe to cross in the first place!  By the time they left, the pipe was half under water.

We had lunch, and a half hour later we heard someone pounding on the front door.  It was a young man who was wet to his hips.  I wanted to make sure he was not in distress.  He identified himself as Oscar from Argentina.  We chatted a while and I let him know the water was still approaching high tide.  When I last saw him, he was sitting on a bench along the lower walkway.  Later he phoned to inform us that he put his identification and other papers in the donation box by accident as he was making a donation.  He plans to come by tomorrow to retrieve his documents.

We should note you need a jacket to go outside.  The temperature has ranged from the low 50's to the mid 60's.  The wind is constant, so it always feels a little cooler,

 I watered the front yard in three places using an oscillating sprinkler attached to a garden hose.

We had dinner in the radio room.  It is known as the radio room as this is what it was when the lighthouse was used by the US Coast Guard until 1953.  The view from the radio room is spectacular overlooking the Pacific Ocean and rocky coast line.  Afterward, I fed the gulls and sat about 5 feet away.  Fred then assumed his royal throne at the top of the rock.

My last duty was to update the official Keeper's Log.  

We hope you are enjoying the blog.  

All is good on the Rock.

Bill and Teare

Fred - The King of the Rock

 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