Point Reyes Lighthouse

Saturday I made my way, once again, to the coast. Point Reyes National Seashore is about 1.5 hours from my house. I LOVE that place! It's stunning, no matter the weather (which is usually foggy and drizzly there). It's a very large State park with miles and miles and miles of seashore and places for exploration.

Saturday, the Lighthouse called my name (did you know Lighthouses can do that? Me neither.)

It said "CHRIIIIIIIIIIIIIISTYYYYYYYYYY"
(Can you hear it? That loud, deep, foghorn bellow...)

And I answered: "I'm coming!"

I'm so glad I did!

The Point Reyes Lighthouse is the only historic lighthouse that still houses an in-tact, working class one Fresnel lighthouse lens. Class one means it's the biggest type made. So for lighthouse buffs, that place is a dream-come true. I'm not a lighthouse enthusiast and I still thought it was pretty cool.

Well. Although the historic lighthouse and lens still work, they aren't used anymore. They're run every once in a while to keep the machinery in working order, but you see, the Lighthouse has become... like unto the Leaning Tower of Pisa.


AKA: It's tilted. So running the lens on a regular basis will eventually destroy the gears and machinery.

There is a plan to completely restore the lighthouse and put it back into use, but you know, "In the current economic climate..."

AKA: California's broke.

So.

I walked down to the Lighthouse and learned and took pictures and then walked back up, which took much longer than walking down did, because the walk is the equivalent of climbing a 30-story building!

And I wasn't ready to go home after that, so I walked some more, and hiked and went to the beach and drove and drove. And took photo after photo of that stunning place.

You really should visit Point Reyes. Go for a weekend. Stay in one of the lovely B&Bs.

Photos:

My Favorite three shots from the day: