by Chloe Ellefson
of the Chloe Ellefson Mysteries
by Kathleen Ernst
Someone once said you can't go home again. I know I've sometimes broken my own heart by visiting a special place...only to discover that it isn't so special anymore.
Happily, there are exceptions to the rule. And one of those is Pottawatomie Lighthouse, in Rock Island State Park.
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| Welcome to the oldest light station on Lake Michigan. |
The island is located off the tip of Wisconsin's Door County peninsula, in Lake Michigan. Reaching the lighthouse requires two ferries and a mile walk, so you have to want to get there.
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| After taking a car ferry to Washington Island, a passenger ferry will take you to Rock Island. |
A few years ago I was hired as a consultant by the Rock Island Support Circle (RISC), a support group which had taken on the overwhelming task of restoring the abandoned lighthouse. I got to stay in the lighthouse, which was---for the most part---an awesome experience.
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| I stayed in the Master Keeper's bedroom. Here it is, all restored! |
Things did get a bit complicated when I found a dead body on the shore. I didn't think it had anything to do with me or my work...until it became clear that the killer wanted
me off the island.
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| The evening I arrived I found a body here, on the beach below the lighthouse. |
It was a terrifying experience to be sure. But I survived, more determined than ever to complete my furnishings plan, and help RISC restore the lighthouse and open it for guided tours.
This summer I had a chance to visit, and see how the project turned out. There are
so many ways a project like this can go wrong that I was a bit fearful. All I can say is this: the restoration is magnificent.
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| The lighthouse is restored to its 1912 appearance. |
If you're ever in northeast Wisconsin, I hope you take time to visit Pottawatomie Lighthouse. Listen to stories about some of the early keepers.
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| For many years, every drop of water needed at the lighthouse was carried 154 steps up from the lake. |
Get a glimpse of what lighthouse service was like from 1836 - 1946.
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| The best thing to arrive on supply boats was a new library trunk! |
Explore the magnificent 1858 structure. (The original 1836 lighthouse was replaced.)
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| Docents will guide you through the building. |
Climb to the light room.
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| The view makes the climb worthwhile! |
And allow enough time to explore Rock Island. There are no roads on the island, just foot trails.
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| Trillium---one of many wildflowers on the island. |
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| Explore Rock's deserted shoreline. |
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| Wander through this meadow and imagine the lively village of fishermen and their families once found here. |
Have you ever visited a lighthouse? Do you find them as compelling as I do? Please share your thoughts and travel tips!
*****
Author Kathleen Ernst has had the privilege of serving as a live-in docent at Pottawatomie Lighthouse for the past eight years. The Light Keeper's Legacy, the third volume in the Chloe Ellefson series, won the Lovey Award for Best Traditional Mystery at Love Is Murder.
GIVEAWAY! Leave a comment below by midnight on June 19th for a chance to win a copy of The Light Keeper's Legacy. Please include your email (such as reader -at- reader.com). Good luck!
To learn more about the Chloe Ellefson series, please visit Kathleen's website.
Posts
I'd love to visit a lighthouse and the book sounds like one way to do it! Thanks for the chance!
ReplyDeletekaren(dot)kenyon(at)rogers(dot)com
My pleasure, Karen!
DeleteI've never visited a lighthouse but I would love to read this book—thanks for the chance to win a copy!
ReplyDeleteskkorman AT bellsouth DOT net
Good luck!
Delete