Lighthouse Duty

Today was our first full day of light house duty.  We managed to get tradeoffs on Thursdays so that we could attend the Port Orford Rotary Club.  This is a great group of Rotarians who are very active.  We enjoyed them last year and hope to attend all the June meetings this year.

Back to today.  On full days, we begin at the gate.

We let the greeters and staff through the gate before 10 a.m. then open it wide for all the folks waiting at the upper parking lot at 10.  

We lead the parade down the hill and up again to the lighthouse, which today is shrouded in fog.

We leave Hobbes in the truck--on guard.

We head up the hill to the lighthouse.  I am on duty in the work/oil room.

Jim climbs the tower to the lantern room.

And there he is, king of his hill.

I explain things in the work/oil room,

then send folks up the 64 steps of the tower where Jim is waiting.

The climb is not too bad.

Most folks make it just fine.

After 2 1/2 hours of this drill, we are relieved for a quick lunch.

We bring a sandwich and use this 1/2 hour to eat and walk the dog.

Hobbes likes this idea.

After lunch, we are on duty at the Greeting Station.  I usually stay outside and greet folks as they arrive.

We let them know that tours are available. 

Jim begins the story at this point.

A day like today is interesting due to the changing nature of the fog and light.

Down times are spent looking at the sea

and the local fauna.

It is tough, but hey--someone needs to do it, and we think it suits us very well.

It is not all work here on the coast.  More of the beauty that surrounds us in a later post.  Life is good!