January 24, 2010

Post date: Jan 25, 2010 5:41:55 PM

The Point Sur Lighthouse sits on a large volcanic rock that juts far out into the Pacific. This unique stone lighthouse, built in 1889, is a National Historic Landmark. The lens was shipped from Paris to Point Sur by way of Cape Horn, South America.

The trail north to Monterey at the time was long and treacherous, so the lighthouse keepers received supplies only once every 4 months. Due to the extreme isolation, the men sometimes made pets out of orphaned baby seals - even to the point of walking them on a leash!

The most famous wreck at Point Sur was not a boat, but a helium-filled airship in 1935. Fortunately the sailors on the Navy ships accompanying the blimp were able to rescue the crew.

The light station was automated in 1972, and became a California State Park in 2004. Most of the original buildings are intact, thus making it one of the most complete original light stations in California.