NELL Gives Long Point Light, Cape Cod, Ma. A New Coat

On Friday Oct 20, 2006 nine hearty volunteer members from New England Lighthouse Lovers met Jim Walker, of Race Point Light, at the Ranger Station by Cape Cod airport and were transported to Race Point Light. Upon arrival at Race Pt. the following NELL members Lynne and Bob Kerber, Hilari Seery, Linda Speece, Ron Foster, Alan Ells, and Tom Kenworthy were treated to a delicious chili dinner with rice, cheese and a salad. For dessert we were served brownies and apple strudel.  All this was prepared by NELL member and Chef, Maureen Kitching, who was escorted to the light by another NELL member, and proud husband Reg Kitching. These  nine NELL members along with NELL member and Executive Director of ALF, Bob Trapani Jr   (to be picked up at the Ranger Station in the a.m.) had one  one mission to accomplish, and that mission was to paint Long Point and Wood End Lights.  After dinner and a glass of wine we retired for the night to get a good night sleep for what awaited us in the early a.m.

Upon rising at 6 a.m. we were treated to a breakfast of eggs, sausage, bacon, real home fries (home made I'll let you know), fruit, coffee, tea, milk ...the list goes on. Finally, the time we all were waiting for. We piled into the Suburban's and after picking up Bob headed out to Long Point Light. It was a little more difficult than expected. Putting the vehicles into low four wheel drive AND lowering the tire pressure (as recommended for driving over sand) we headed out and passed Wood End Light. That’s when we started sliding toward the ocean and sinking further and further into the sand. Stopping, we let more air out of the tires bringing the pressure down to about 11 pounds per tire. After Jim made sure all tires were at the same pressure we tried again and slowly but surly started making headway. Finally arriving at Long point we all took our pictures and climbed the light.

After taking our "before" group picture we unloaded the "burbs" and started the daunting job of bringing the light back to life.

After several hours went by and the ladies having finished the trim on the oil house we stopped for a bbq lunch of grilled  tube steaks (hot dogs for the uninitiated) and hamburgers with cookies for dessert. When we finished cleaning up from lunch we continued our job, with Hilari and Linda going topside to paint the exterior of the lantern room as Bob T continued lying down on the job. (He was really painting the underside of the gallery, lying on his belly almost hanging upside down to complete the job.) I asked him if I could help him and he said no…. I said a little prayer of thanks, because if he said yes I would have been in for it. Alan, Bob & Lynn K and I continued on the light keeping a low profile painting the bottom half with Ron, Reg and Bob T taking the high road. They say timing is everything and we started running out of paint (over 45 gallons for those curious folk) as the day was slowly coming to an end. We stopped work for the day to allow for clean up and our "after" group picture. With that done, we all piled into the "burbs" again and headed back, driving over the sand bar without incident this time. We couldn't make it to Wood End but we are planning on returning next year to dress that one up.

Following are some personal observations: We all know that due to the remote location of most light houses that some of the population with little to do like to see what they can damage and or destroy. Long Point is not an exception to that even though some people would think that the wealthier people wouldn’t behave like that. Wrong! Try as they might, the Coast Guard cannot prevent this from happening, as we discovered when we arrived at Long Point. We found that some unknown person or persons were able to break the protective covering of the solar panels, damaging several panels. We did find a nice size rock nearby that was more than likely used to cause that damage. Someone also used the lantern room for what looked like target practice for what I'm sure was some type of firearm. And this in a state with extremely restrictive gun laws.

Now for natures damage. I never would have believed the amount of sand that is blown into and onto the lights that are in that type of environment (which is most of them). Remember, the wind was at a pretty steady 40 mph that day. The sand was at least 1/4” to 3/4” thick at the base of the light and went up the sides at least a foot in many areas of the exterior wall and was extremely difficult to get off. In spots we couldn't get it all off and had to paint over it using huge, abnormal amounts of paint to cover it. This damage was something I never even gave a second thought to. But it happens and it adds to the "wear and tear" of our beacons.

I would also like to say that even a small group of people can make a BIG difference. Just look at the before and after pictures if you need any proof. It was tough work and many aches and pains sprouted up, but they will work themselves out and be gone in a few days. It was a great weekend and a lot of fun (and we all look forward to going back next year) and something very worthwhile was accomplished. If we don't do something to help our lighthouses they too, unfortunately, will disappear like those aches and pains we got trying to help preserve them.

Tom K.