Two steps forward, one step back
Remember our beautiful ladder and easy access that finally got installed last season? I should have known better. Really, I should have. After researching lighthouse after lighthouse destroyed by ice on the Chesapeake while writing the Maryland’s Lighthouses book, I knew the power of ice and the destruction it could leave in its wake. As I said in my last post, winter surprised us and we needed to get out and pull the ladder up. Unfortunately, the surprise winter blast sent the region plunging into an unusual deep freeze that it didn’t recover from for quite some time. By then the damage was done and it was too late. The first sign was a channel marker piling right outside the marina that is tilted at a 45* angle. I assumed a boat had hit it hard or something, but learned later it was a victim of ice. I was soon to find out the lighthouse was not spared the wrath of the moving building ice floes either once we arrived. My worst fears waiting out winter had been realized.
I couldn’t even get the inflatable boat anywhere near the platform due to the torn rungs sticking out. I feared we could puncture it. Plus, the other half of the ladder was lurking unseen underwater. Instead, we used the other hatch for the first time, since the ladder ends so high above the water line. That was fun! (okay, it actually required some acrobatics and heart racing). My heart sunk. Last year was the first “lighthouse season” spent with easy access, the ability to get volunteers on without them fearing for their lives, and the whole platform area was rigged for tying the boat up quickly even in rough water. All gone.
That first trip out was basically for assessing the lighthouse after winter and months away. Obviously, the ladder and platform were the most gut-wrenching and horrific discovery upon arriving at the station two miles offshore. Once on deck, I found the board closing up the privy had come off and was lying on the deck, but no damage was done and I nailed it back on. Apprehensively, I unlocked the door and we inspected inside the light station. I’m very happy to report that the reglazing of the lantern glass seems to have stopped the leaking. No new water damage or any changes at all occurred inside. So there was that relief!
We returned with a plan and two really long ladders to recreate the easy access. Plus, with a ladder on each hatch, we will now have the option of tying up on the leeward side moving forward. The poor boat was nearly overwhelmed with a work float and the ladders on it, but we made the trip successfully despite moderately rough chop on the Bay.
The new ladder was installed next to the hatch with a pulley system to pull it up out of the water. It’s long enough to extend down into the water, which is fantastic since the resistance keeps it from swinging around wildly. However, we will need to shorten it to above the water line and create a mechanism that locks it into place with the original short ladder as it is so long, it sticks out beyond the gallery.
The two halves of the old ladder were retrieved, covering us in the muck and the mire of slime and rust. Yummy. The ropes system was put back in place, so we can again tie up under the platform (which needs some repairs). Next project is to attach a ladder over there again that can be easily pulled up and down out of the water.
And finish the painting… But! At least it doesn’t leak anymore! Is the phrase two steps forward, one step back? Or is it the other way around? Anyway, lighthouse season is once again upon us, and we’re ready to keep moving forward after a slight setback!