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75
degrees, sunny, mild breeze...
...That
was Point Arena Lighthouse the summer day BEFORE we arrived.
They said it was one of the most beautifull days they've had in
a long time. Just goes to show you you can never plan the weather
in advance no matter where you go on California's coast. Reality:
53 degrees, low fog, and a moderate wind as we arrived in the afternoon.
Still,
the lighthouse and surrounding area held a mystique unlike any other
California lighthouse location. Surrounded by a low winding coastine,
it is isolated on the end of a small , flat peninsula of land slowely
being erroded away by the Pacific Ocean. If you want solitude and
lots of grassy walking glades, this is the place to be... period.
Though
it was surreal enough, we came back early the next morning to see
what it would be like if the fog lifted. The fog did indeed lift.
So, herewithin are some comparisons showing what 15 hours difference
makes.
Before
I continue, I would like to thank lightkeep (managing director)
Jeff Gales for the invite and the hospitality.
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As
with most lighthouses built, they are built after one or more ships
crash nearby promting the nessecity of a signal of some sort indicating
danger or for navigation. The peninsula that this lighthouse sits
on juts out as a rocky reef a mile or so into the ocean just a few
feet under sea level. So, guess why this lighthouse was built?...
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The
lens here at Point Arena is a double bulls-eye 1st order Fresnel
that gives off a double flash every six seconds. Unique.
Though
this lens in not in use, as a smaller modern light attached to the
outside has taken it's place, they have fund raisers a few times
a year raising money to eventually re-light the lens (details on
official website). |
This
lens is beauifull. Tours allow you to approach the lens. It is
still in pretty good shape. Everyone, please be careful when around
them. They are not replaceable (unless you have $4 Million for
this one).
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Solitude.
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| Okay,
now for the 15 hour difference comparisons - late afternoon / early
the next morning... in summer. |
What
a difference.
It
was still cold though. :-)
This
gazebo is a nice resting place on the Northern end of the grounds.
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The museum
is extensive... but I ran out of time. The giftshop is integrated
with the museum and they close at 4:00PM. I did get a good look around...
lots of good stuff. Besides, If I showed you everything, why go? |
The
main entry is a mile before the lighthouse itself.
Yes,
you read the sign correctly: gift shop; museum; nature trails;
aquariums; tours; and vacation rentals(!!!)
The
bungalows are not 'hostels' or ran by the International Hostel
Association. They are privately owned and each unit has it's own
bathroom. An amazing place to stay when you want to get far, far,
far... umm... far away from everything.
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...
And don't worry, the resident racoon is well fed and wired.
This
trip was an adventure not unlike traveling to a different country
(two-and-a-half hour drive up Highway 1 from River Road to get there
aside).
Seriously,
Point Arena Lighthouse is a must see at least once... you won't
be sorry.
Oh yeah,
tell Jeff 'Ed' sent you.
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SPECIFICATIONS
| Location
: |
45500
Lighthouse Road
Point Arena, California
MAP
Approximate |
| Region
: |
Northern
Coast |
| Nearest
Cities : |
Point
Arena , Gualala (South
10 Miles) [that's all folks] |
| Interests
: |
Lighthouse
tours, large gift shop, extensive museum, vast grass grounds perfect
for walking in any direction, vacation bungalows. |
Official
Website : |
Point
Arena Lighthouse (extensive
website!!!) |
Related
Websites : |
(see
official website) |
Comments
: |
Not
much in the town of Point Arena itself. Gualala, 10 miles to the south,
is an artisans retreat - good places to stay and you'll find good
mochas. |
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