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.

18 May 2017

From Navigational Aid To Bed-And-Breakfast



Built in 1922, the Cape d' Or Lighthouse is located at Advocate Harbor, Nova Scotia, Canada. It is situated on a rocky projection of land extending into the Minas Channel with sheer cliffs rising 500 feet behind it. This lighthouse is located in one of the most spectacular spots in the province. The light was operational and manned from 1922 until 1989 at which time it was deactivated.

This lighthouse now serves as a restaurant and bed-and-breakfast. At the time of my visit, visitors could walk down to the lighthouse, or enjoy the hiking trails along the cliff edge above the light station. The water just beyond the lighthouse, known as the Dory Rips, is almost always turbulent here where the violent currents of the Minas Basin meet the Bay of Fundy.


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2 comments:

Raquel Martina Martinez said...

When would be the best time/weather to visit this B and B?

Thu May 18, 02:32:00 PM CDT
Al said...

Hi, Rm Martinez.
Late July and month of August.
Thanks for taking time to comment.

Al Bates

Fri May 19, 09:20:00 AM CDT

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