Let It Shine/Cape Blanco Lighthouse

The Cape Blanco lighthouse was built in 1870 with a light run off of lard from the nearby pig farm.  It has endured 179 mph winds during the famous Columbus Day storm in the 60's and countless rainy days.  I can't even imagine what it was like to be one of the old lighthouse keepers staying up through the night to make sure the light stayed burning and hearing the howling winds that feel that much more eerie with the surrounding waves.  

My brother and I drove out there on a fairly mild day.  My dad Jack gives tours in the lighthouse and it's become a bit of a tradition to drive out and visit him when I'm back in Port Orford.  My dad is very suited for the job being a history buff and a talker.  He brings Annie dog out who fits in perfectly with the surroundings.

You climb up flights of narrow spiral stairs and are rewarded with a spectacular view of the furthest western point in the lower 48.  

The lens is intriguing, a gigantic series of magnifying glasses that rotates 24 hours a day, rain or shine.  The lens was shipped over from France 140 years ago.  The detail is intriguing and has almost no marks except for the a few spots that were marked by vandals in the early 1990's.

Such a beautiful spot, Cape Blanco is one of those places that I will never tire seeing.  There are no two days alike out on the rocky coast.

Bonus: Seeing little porcupines wandering happily, a beautiful campground right down the path, an amazing beach to walk on and a bounty of mushrooms in the fall.