About Me

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After retirement, for two summers I worked as a tour guide at the Umpqua River Lighthouse in Oregon. This opportunity enabled me to learn more about that lighthouse than any of the others I've seen. Although I have personally visited and photographed over 300 lighthouses in the United States and three Provinces in Canada, the Umpqua River Lighthouse has special meaning for me. That Lighthouse inspired me to write two fictional books with the characters working, living, and enduring the challenges of lighthouse keeping. All pictures posted in this blog were taken by myself, unless noted otherwise.

Book Info.

I hope you will find time to enjoy my books. Preview the book covers below at the right side of page.

Book #1: "The Wickie and the Umpqua Lighthouse." Detail: "The Wickie and the Umpqua Lighthouse" is an 1860's story about the lighthouse keepers and their families at the Umpqua River Lighthouse. It will stir your emotions and warm your heart. Discover the challenges they met but never expected, and their determination to maintain navigational aid to mariners on the Oregon coast. (Wickie is a nickname used by the early lighthouse keepers at the Umpqua River Lighthouse in OR.)

Book #2: "Spirit of The Lighthouse" is a sequel to The Wickie. Detail: Jesse Fayette, assistant keeper at the Umpqua River Lighthouse, finds himself alone to operate and maintain an Oregon lighthouse after the accidental death of his head keeper. After notifying the Lighthouse Board and requesting help, he is surprised but must deal with an acquaintance, Red Saunders, who believes the lighthouse is haunted.

Book #3: "Unexpected Moments" has a different theme than those of Book #1 and #2. Detail: Dan and Megan, as well as their old friends Jim and Anna, experience unexpected moments of hardships and tragedies in Arizona and California. Will they survive these unexpected moments and find any hope for their futures?

All of my books are available on Amazon.

02 June 2011

Washington - Grays Harbor Lighthouse

Grays Harbor Lighthouse was built in 1898 and is located at Westport, Washington. It is one of the tallest lighthouses on the Pacific Coast. The octagonal white masonry tower stands more than 107 feet. This lighthouse was commissioned in 1897 and since built it has served as a coastal light guiding ships into the harbor. The 135 step metal spiral staircase has nine landings and leads to the lantern room. The light emits both red and white flashes but only the white flashes are visible for 23 miles. The tower sets on a 12 foot concrete sub-base. At the time of my visit in 1999 this was an active light owned by the Coast Guard. This lighthouse was normally open to visitors, but was temporally closed for interior work during my visit.
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5 comments:

Sandy said...

I need to check this one out when I get to Seattle. Some of my ancestors lived in Gray's Harbor. Your photography is great!

Thu Jun 02, 02:32:00 PM CDT
Al said...

Thanks for your comments, Sandy. Glad you enjoy the blog.

Thu Jun 02, 06:36:00 PM CDT
Judy said...

This one looks so secluded...as if it's not even on the coastline. Really neat picture.

Fri Jun 03, 06:52:00 AM CDT
Jigger said...

If you ever come back to Grays Harbor, Al, come and see us!! Neilton is just 32 miles north of Hoquiam!! Jigger. PS: We really enjoy your pictures and the history you include!

Fri Jun 24, 11:00:00 AM CDT
Al said...

Didn't realize you were that close to Grays Harbor. I'll be sure and stop if I'm up that way again. Thanks for your positive comments about my blog.

Fri Jun 24, 11:06:00 AM CDT

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