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F I R S TP R E V532NEXTLAST

Lighthouse, Point Reyes National Seashore
The iron-plated lighthouse at Point Reyes dates back to 1870. It was designed stocky to withstand the high coastal winds, recorded at up to 133 mph. The lighthouse was also placed far down on the rocky cliff in order to be below the often high fog. Unfortunately this means that visitors have to navigate the 320 steps down to the lighthouse. The lighthouse's jewel-like Fresnel Len light, which can be seen for 24 nautical miles, is still working today along with the foghorn which sounds for eight seconds every minute during foggy weather. The remote location along with the incessant wind and fog led to National Park Service reporting "incidents of insanity, alcoholism, violence, and insubordination" among the various lighthouse keepers stationed here in the 1800s and early 1900s. Statistically, Point Reyes is the foggiest and windiest spot in America.
[ MAP H-3 ]


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