CA Lighthouse Tour

[ian408]

Well, I guess the lighthouse is in California but calling it a tour? Pfeh

A number of us met down in Monterey on a rainy weekend in March. Rainy
for some and a welcome break in the weather for others--you see, some
parts of CA have seen rain 30 of the 31 days in March. I digress.

For me, the weather wasn't much of a factor. Windy. But otherwise no
real rain to speak of.

My destination was Point Pinos Light. Located in Pacific Grove, it's the oldest
continuously operating lighthouse in CA. As you approach the lighthouse, notice
the flag.



The entrance to the station is around back and upon entering, I was greeted
by a volunteer who I would learn was married to the keeper, lived at the
light station for four years. Built in 1855, it's considered to be the oldest
continuously operating station on the West Coast. Sure, Alcatraz is older
but it hasn't been in continuous operation.

]




Life at the lighthouse was spartan. It's a compact place with the basement
housing the kerosene and later electrical equipment, the main living
quarters included a nice living room, a dining area and the kitchen. Up
a very narrow spiral stair on the second floor was an observation area
(visible in the last image just above the porch) and the sleeping quarters.
And on the third floor, the light.

The observation area contained a small transceiver and a cot. The observer
would watch for ships and during WWII, invasionary forces.





And the view, at least part of it.




Wouldn't be a ride report without motorcycle pictures, right?



Just down from the lighthouse, I stopped to admire the view. I've lived in
CA for all of my life and I'm always astonished by the rugged coastline.

We gathered for dinner and later, enjoyed some conversation in the hotel
lobby. The next day, each went our separate ways.



Taking advantage of the weather, I went back up the coast and home. The
rains left remnants of mud on many of the roads leading over the hill and
home. But otherwise, a pleasant ride it was. Short by many standards, it was
at least something to enjoy this wet March.


Cheers,
Ian

[boats1]

Thanks, Ian. Nice report. I, too, am facinated by lighthouses. Often thought that an Oregon Lighthouse Tour would be cool. They have, what, about 7/8 that could handily be visited? Thanks again!

[Ally House]

Originally Posted by boats1

Thanks, Ian. Nice report. I, too, am facinated by lighthouses. Often thought that an Oregon Lighthouse Tour would be cool. They have, what, about 7/8 that could handily be visited? Thanks again!

Boats,
Yes, Oregon has at least 7 that I can think of off the top of my head that would make a great tour. My summer goal is to do Hwy 101 south from Astoria to Crescent City (which also has a GREAT lighthouse to visit). I am somewhat of a lighthouse buff, and plan to visit as many as I can.

Ally

[bosozoku]

One to add to your lighthouse to-do list.

This would be a good excuse to visit the Lost Coast.

http://www.rudyalicelighthouse.net/C...a/PntaGrda.htm

[Papa-Ken]

Originally Posted by Ally House

Boats,
Yes, Oregon has at least 7 that I can think of off the top of my head that would make a great tour. My summer goal is to do Hwy 101 south from Astoria to Crescent City (which also has a GREAT lighthouse to visit). I am somewhat of a lighthouse buff, and plan to visit as many as I can.

Ally

I agree Ally, that is a great tour. My wife and I made that along with all the Columbia in 1987 in our motorhome and it was fantastic.

One of our fondest memories was on the wharf at the maritime museum in Astoria. One Sunday afternoon listening to a great concert presented by a volunteer orchestra. Sitting there looking out at the beautiful pacific and hearing the strains of some wonderful music does fiil your soul.......Ken

PS.........Ian, great post and pictures, keep them coming........Ken