An Inspiring "Swim for the Lights"

I had the privilege of riding along in a support boat on Saturday as Gary Sredzienski swam four miles in 38-degree water, battling wind and waves to raise funds for lighthouse preservation. It was incredible. I'll be posting more very soon.

One more preview video for "Swim for the Lights"

Swim for the Lights cartoon in the Portsmouth Herald

The Portsmouth Herald has published a cartoon related to the Swim for the Lights event that's happening this Saturday, benefiting the American Lighthouse Foundation and the Friends of Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse.

The cartoon depicts swimmer/musician Gary Sredzienski towing the rest of his band as he swims past Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse.

You can win a prize by correctly guessing the name of the band -- click here.

The weather looks good for Saturday and all systems are go for this exciting event. I'll be out in a boat all afternoon shooting video of Gary's four -mile swim in 35 degree water. I've got my warm clothes all laid out.

To date, the event has raised about two-thirds of the goal of  $10,000. There's still time to donate to help support lighthouse preservation -- click here for more info.

American Lighthouse Foundation promo video

I put this promotional video together using my own photos of 22 lighthouses under ALF's care.

Swim for the Lights Preview Video

Here's another video preview for the unique "Swim for the Lights" event this Saturday, February 26. To date, the event has raised more than $6000 for the American Lighthouse Foundation and Friends of Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouses -- the goal is $10,000. See www.portsmouthharborlighthouse.org for more information.

Savings from American Lighthouse Foundation Gift Shop

http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Savings-from-American-Lighthouse-Foundation-Gift-Shop.html?soid=1101890536921&aid=hLdyECirCa4

Battling a Snowstorm at Owls Head Light in the 1960s

Owls Head Light Station, Maine

In calm weather, being a lighthouse keeper was hard work, but generally not stressful. During storms, on the other hand, keepers frequently had to battle heroically against extreme forces to keep the light and foghorn going for any unfortunate mariners in their vicinity. It was the same for the Coast Guard keepers of the modern era as it was for the civilian keepers of prior centuries. In severe weather, everything was always reduced to the simple equation of man vs. nature.

I just received the story below in an email from Linda Davis, who was passing it along for her husband, Melvin Davis. Jr., who was the Coast Guard lightkeeper at Owls Head Light in Midcoast Maine, 1965-68. In a storm in the 1960s, Melvin displayed courage and devotion to duty that would have made lighthouse keepers of any era proud.  Thank you to Melvin and Linda for sharing this.