It’s been a long winter for everyone. From snow, snow and more snow to bitter cold, it has been one for the record books.
In the hope that it would be nice spring weather in late March, I planned a quick trip to see how the lighthouse fared over the harsh winter months. While there was nothing that said “spring” anywhere in sight, I made the trip anyway.
I bundled up in several layers of warm clothing, boots, gloves and warm socks and braced for the whipping winds along Headlands Beach. I made the trek through the park and down the beach with both excitement and trepidation for what I might find inside the lighthouse after a long winter’s nap. The walk was easier than I anticipated since the frozen lake was pulled way back from the beach making what is usually a treacherous balancing act along the rocky break wall, well…more like a walk on the beach. The long, tough winter was evident as the beach was barraged with driftwood and an unusually large amount of trash of all kinds washed or blown onto the sand.
Because the lighthouse had been closed up tight since November, I wasn’t really sure what to expect. Upon reaching the lighthouse and making my way inside, I’m happy to report that the lighthouse weathered the winter quite well. Although it was a crisp 32°F inside, not a drop of water, snow or ice was anywhere to be found. The brand new upstairs windows that were installed last fall worked flawlessly to keep the elements at bay and provide a dramatic view of the frozen lake below from every angle. The antique interior storm windows that were found in the eaves and installed on the first floor windows for the season, held true and did their job.
To take a closer look around, I needed a bit more light thanks to the haze of gray clouds outside. With a few hard tugs on the generator, it started up begrudgingly to provide light into the deep corners of the basement for a quick inspection. Fortunately, the painting of the walls and ceilings that was done last summer and fall still looked shiny and new. The kitchen was clean and the dining table and chairs were in place awaiting guests. I was thrilled. Fairport Harbor West Lighthouse had weathered the tough winter fully intact and like the rest of us – was clearly ready for spring
Although, the visit was short, it was worth braving the elements for a happy result. Now, if it would just warm up a little more, I could get started with the next round of renovations. But that will have to wait until Mother Nature is ready. Everyone else sure is.
