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At six feet tall, this first order Fresnel Lens is the largest Fresnel Lens ever made. Using a clockwork mechanism it provided a double flash every six seconds. That mechanism which turned the lens was lubricated by liquid mercury. Since mercury is now considered a hazardous waste, that mechanism will not be reactivated.

Lenses such as these were used in lighthouses all along the California coast to warn ships of the unsuspecting rocky shoreline. Roughly 90 miles north of San Francisco, this stretch of the Mendocino coast is home to one of the tallest lighthouse towers in the west. Dramatically perched on a narrow peninsula, the Point Arena Lighthouse tower is 115 feet tall. Erected in 1870, destroyed by the 1906 earthquake and rebuilt the following year, it was the first lighthouse to be made of steel and concrete.

The original Fresnel Lens was removed in 2008 and now resides in a museum at the base of the lighthouse.

Looking down from atop the Point Arena lighthouse, look in the upper right hand corner of this photo. That small white looking wave is actually water breaking over a tall rock formation called Arena Rock. Arena Rock is a mile long and a mere six feet under water. This point is difficult to navigate due to its currents, reefs and below the surface rocks. Thus a reason for lighthouses along this coast.

View of the copper roof looking up inside the lighthouse.

The Point Arena tower is the only Pacific west coast lighthouse of significant height you can climb all the way to the top. Narrow, spiral, see-through metal…did I mention spiral and narrow…steps lead you to the top. Once there the views are unrivaled. Plus for extra views, you can walk outside around the edge. The railing keeps you from falling. The wind buffets you against the walls.

See the whale bones in the museum’s yard?

More spectacular downward views.

The current lens.

Booking your trip during “shoulder season” usually means lower prices and fewer tourists, but can vary according to destinations. Here are some things to keep in mind…

Lower airfares will only apply if your whole trip is within that time period, however. So if you book your flight and part of it falls outside of a shoulder season, you will pay the higher price for the whole flight.

Pay attention to weather issues in certain areas. If you are going to the Caribbean, you will find emptier beaches and calmer weather…provided you are not traveling during hurricane season.

You may want to ask your resort when you book your stay if there will be construction. Often shoulder season is the best time for resorts to get all the repairs and remodeling finished.

Check the weather before you pack. And it never hurts to be prepared with a lightweight rain coat or umbrella.

Looking down from the Pt Arena lighthouse

Schoolhouse Beach at Bodega Bay

When preparing to travel to a country where a language other than your own is spoken, do you try to learn some words or phrases before you go?

I do. And I feel it’s a good idea to at least make the effort.

Even if you only learn some basic words people appreciate it. Here are some suggestions…please, thank you, good morning, hello, good bye, yes, no. Do you have more? I do but these will get you started.

Rows marching up the hillside, green leafy canopy protecting ripening fruit.

What looks like waste to us non-wine growers is really necessary for grape development. Unwanted clumps of grapes lay on the ground after a pruning session.

Fruit hanging around just ripening in the sun.

They look so yummy. Go ahead…taste one. Not me…I’ll wait for the bottles.

Perhaps you really like flying on one particular airline…but they don’t fly to your destination. So you need to check several different airlines in order to find the best deal or the best times to fly.

If you are like me, you have your favorite places to check flights, fares, deals and more. Some of those sites even compare several airlines or different booking sites for one destination, all at the same time. Those are a great place to start your search.

Google recently acquired ITA Software, one of those comparing sites. As a travel data clearinghouse it supplies everyone from Bing to Orbitz to Kayak with their flight information, according to Budget Travel.

Founded in 1996 by MIT computer scientists, ITA Software isn’t new but now it’s easier to look at and use. Keep in mind you cannot book from this site but it is great for giving you all the tools in one spot.

It might be worthwhile to check it out at http://www.itasoftware.com/.

If you travel a bunch and city or other noise bothers you or you have a hard time falling asleep, I recently read about a gadget in Budget Travel that may help.

Usually I don’t promote gadgets unless I have tried them, but this one sounds interesting. Check it out. It is available at Sharper Image for around $90, which isn’t cheap but if it works…

It is the Travel Sound Machine and it gives you 17 soothing sounds or simply white noise, including ocean surf, north woods, thunderstorms and more. You can record your own alarm, record a message and it tells time in two places.

Next time I’m at a Sharper Image store…I’m going to try it out. You never know…

When thinking about packing for an upcoming trip…where do you start and what do you pack?

Do you check the hotel’s website to see if hairdryers are furnished? If so, I leave mine at home.

Do you check the weather to see if you need a jacket, rain coat, umbrella or sunscreen? It sure makes packing easier.

Do you decide what goes in your carry on and what gets checked if you are flying? Do you know what you will keep in your purse or case by your feet and not put in the overhead bin? It makes a difference, especially if you are flying International and need your identification to fill out your tourist cards. I have my list.

Do you make a packing list? I do. Do you follow it?

What makes your packing easier? I’d like to know.