Like the bridges, lighthouses can be designed for function or esthetics, and the best combine both. I'm also struck that in my everyday world, I see old things demolished and new things (like shops and restaurants) designed in a cookie cutter mold. So to see these old and original creations is especially thrilling. Add in the beautiful natural environments and the combination is unbeatable. Here are a few highlights. Guy took all these photos.
Yaquina Head Lighthouse (and to the south, Yaquina Bay) - we toured both.
Yaquina Bay (only working for a few years) - toured
Heceta Head Lightkeeper Home (down from Lighthouse)
Heceta Head (toured)
Heceta Head Light (Fresnel lens)
Umpqua River Lighthouse (went to the Coast Guard Life Saving Station now a museum, a few yards down)
Coquille Lighthouse at Bandon (didn't go inside)
Cape Blanco (toured) this is the westernmost point in the continental United States!
Most of these lighthouses have Fresnel lenses. These were created in France then shipped over here in molasses.... I couldn't believe it, but they are very delicate, and the docent explained that molasses cleans up pretty easily. Wow!
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