Westport Lighthouse

This was an AMAZING tour, the Westport Lighthouse.  It's the tallest lighthouse in WA State at 107' tall, and 123' above sea level.  Although its duties have been replaced by modern technology (it's still an active aid to navigation and the modern optic is maintained by the USCG Aid to Navigation Team from Astoria, OR.),  being able to actually see the Augustine Fresnel lens up close was totally worth the admission.

Built in 1898, it took only 1 year to complete.
The foundation is 12 feet thick.

Be ye warned!

Looking upwards.

Standing just below the actual Fresnel clam-shell lens with its two bull's eyes.  6000 lbs of handshaped glass made in France.

The two bulbs they changed to around 1910. 

Prior to that, they used kerosene that needed to be filled and the keeper also had to pull the chains every two hours to keep the clock-like gears turning so that the lighthouse would turn.

The bulbs and lens, facing the ocean.

A Sea Monster! 

Looking out from the lighthouse at cloudy, foggy Westport. 

The modern technology used at the lighthouse now, there's also a foghorn mounted on a buoy outside the harbor.
Paul came by the buoy and said it was very eerie when it sounded.

I love glass! 

The glass is shaped so perfectly, they must keep drapes on the windows because the magnification of the glass has actually burned items hanging on the wall.

The brass badge at the base of the lens. 

Lookin' down...

A crazy man...no, I'm not referring to  Bigfoot. 

Crabpots galore!

Stay tuned, the weekend's coming up!