Lighthouse Bill Finishes up work on Chantry Island

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Lighthouse Bill and his Jack Russell partner bid farewell to Chantry Island after 4 1/2 months of work.  Lighthouse Bill built his own boat which is uniquely suited to his hazardous work around remote Lighthouses.  If you have a Lighthouse handy, make sure you give him a call.

Lighthouse Bill has been around the Island for so long that intrepid volunteer and Vietnam veteran Joe Scholtes felt the need to give him a goodbye kiss.

The Chantry Island Light tower needed repair after 150 years facing the elements.  In most need of repair was an area that  faced the constant torrent of rain, sleet and snow from the southwest.   Spauling occurred on this face over the years and many stones were replaced.  Since the Tower is 100 feet tall has walls that are 8 feet thick at the base, this is no easy task.

Note the beautiful cornice near the very top

On the last day Bill and a member of his crew were doing an extensive cleanup. 

On the left is the 'Gypsy Stone' under which exists a concrete crypt that contains a time capsule from 2001 to be opened in 2101.  It contains notes to the future by children and adults. Since Chantry Island is a place of the spirit, the Gypsy Stone is appropriate.

The stone itself is very unusual in that it is very heavy and contains unique inclusions.

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Wednesday, October 21, 2009