The World of Lighthouses
Driving up the coast of Oregon seeing the first lighthouse I had to put “Puff the Magic Dragon” on the playlist. For me, “Puff” reminds me of lighthouses as Jack, from the song, lives in a lighthouse. It stayed playing till the last lighthouse was in my rearview mirror.
The first lighthouse, Battery Point, you had to see during a certain time period as it was on an “island” and the tides would cut it off unless you had a boat to get access. Luckily, I hit the right time. I walked around tide pools that were teaming with life if you took the time to look, which I did (my grandsons would be so disappointed in me if I didn’t stop and enjoy all the sea life in the tidepools.) When I reached the lighthouse, it was too early to gain access, so I just walked around and enjoyed the views and took in the soothing ocean waves. Too soon I had to be on my way, too many lighthouses to see and too few hours in the day.
The next lighthouse, Cape Blanco, was a bit off the beaten path, but I finally found it. It was a beautiful setting. This lighthouse was not as well taken care of which was a little disappointing. This one was also closed so I was not able to go inside but sitting and listening to the ocean waves was enough to compensate for the disappointment of not getting to see inside. Soon I was on my way to the next lighthouse on the list.
This lighthouse, Coquille River, was a trek up a hill, but the view was worth it! It was beautiful! The thing that I am really loving about this lighthouse quest is that I am getting to enjoy the ocean. The sight, the sounds, the smell; it is all filling my senses right and has a great calming effect for me. Each of these lighthouses are out away from distractions so I could sit here all day and just soak it all in.
I am on to what I thought was going to be my last lighthouse. This one, Umpqua, is open, and they are giving tours! It is amazing as we got to climb up to the top and see how the light actually works. I will put a picture of it in the gallery. The tour guide explained how the lighthouse used to be out all by itself in the water (it is now surrounded by land/sand) and there is a new lighthouse that has been put farther out into the ocean since a landlocked lighthouse cannot be the becon for the ships that it needs to be. The guide that is giving the tour suggested that I add one more lighthouse to my list. It is about thirty minutes north and she said it would definitely be worth my time. I figured what the heck, I might as well go.
This lighthouse, Heceta Head, was fantastic! It is the one pictured here. If you ever get the chance to visit a lighthouse in Oregon and can only do one, this is the one to visit. I didn’t get into Portland until after midnight because of the trek to this lighthouse but man it was so worth it.
“Some people are destined to be a lighthouse for a lost comrade.” Erin Forbes
