Lighthouse

Before we headed back to highway 101 we traveled south to the Point Cabrillo Light Station.  The lighthouse was constructed in response to the 1906 earthquake.  The demand for lumber to rebuild San Francisco significantly increased maritime commerce on the coast and maritime safety was a concern.  Construction began in 1908 and the lens was illuminated for the first time in 1909. 

The lighthouse sits on a point and the ocean views are spectacular. The lighthouse itself is the museum while the old Blacksmith shop has been converted to a small aquarium and an Interpretative Center. Several of the buildings at the lighthouse have been renovated and are available as vacation rentals.

From  there we did a short drive further south to the Russian Gulch State Park.  Unfortunately, only RVs and trailers under 24 feet were allowed in the park.  We found a small stretch of shoulder across the street from the entrance, parked the behemoth and walked back into the park.

We hiked the Headlands Trail along the cliff edge, it was amazing!

We finally made our way back to highway 20 and the windy road through the mountains back to Willits.

Conversation on the drive back:

Bill:  Lets make this the smallest road we travel this trip.
Peggy:  That sounds like a good idea.

This post is dedicated to my friend Kathy, who loves all things lighthouse.  We were thinking of you the entire time we were there.

My 3 Fun Facts:

1. The Point Cabrillo Lightkeepers Association has received state and national awards for the restoration efforts. 
2. Russian Gulch's Devil's Punchbowl is a collapsed sea cave 100 feet across and 60 feet deep.
3. Postponing the drive back on highway 20 did not make it any easier.