Rockland Breakwater Light

May 20, 2011
As you can see from the video below, it was foggy when we chose to go to the Rockland Breakwater Light.  Actually...it was foggy for a lot of our anniversary trip but you can't plan the weather!

This is the bottom line...we never made it all the way out to the Light.  It was almost dark by the time we started...it was over three/quarters of a mile walk out to it...and because of extenuating circumstances we turned back after about a half-a-mile.  It was very rough walking but so tranquil and peaceful with the foghorns and the water birds calling.  I must have some of the sea in my blood because I'm ready to go back to the Maine coast! Check out the link above and see the satellite view in Google Maps

Owls Head Light

Well...here I am...blogging about our anniversary trip last year!  Maybe I'll finish by the time our 30th rolls around!

While we were in Rockland ME, we drove out to the Owls Head Light in West Penobscot Bay at the entrance to Rockland Harbor.  The station was established in 1825 and the present lighthouse was built in 1852.  It is presently in operation as you can see (and hear) in the video and the foghorn just added to the atmosphere of the day.  Tami and I watched this video and got homesick to go back to Maine!  Go figure!  This foghorn is at least three miles as the crow flies from  the Berry Manor Inn but we could hear it very plainly in our room with the windows slightly opened.  When you're standing within thirty feet of it, it jars your teeth!!

And last but not least...the grave of Spot, The Lighthouse Dog...

Christmas Eve Deer Hunt!

Going out this morning with "Ole Betsy"!  Made this rifle, (45 cal) from a kit in the early 80's (1980's not 1880's).  Cooler this AM...15 degrees! I only have a antlerless tag so maybe an ole Mossy Horn won't come by and tempt me!!

12/19/1963

Forty Eight years ago today, I discovered America!  I so appreciate my Mom and Dad that raised me in the fear of God.  Also my grandparents that showed me the way to live.  And...while I'm giving thanks...My big brother Ralph, that knew how to "push" my buttons and therefore helped perfect my aim with rocks!  BTW...this is me at 15 months

Norman Brown, Esq.

 My good friend, Norman Brown, expounding on the correct procedures to perform a Polaris (north star) observation (circa 1820).  I was able to visit with Norman quite a bit at our surveyors rendevous (our job was baking the biscuits...in a dutch oven) and, as always, I learn something new.  Such as...How "Popeye" got his name....

The beard is real...he has not shaved since 1962!  Norman is one of the premier historians of the original General Land Office surveys in Missouri.  He served as the Chief of Field Surveys at the Missouri Land Survey for many years and has instructed a whole gaggle of young surveyors the fine art of surveying with compass and chain!!

Don't try this at home!

Our draftsman, Chris Webster, is a "Seinfeld" junkie.  (Almost) everything I mention he says "oh, there's a Seinfeld about that". Although I have no TV, I have learned quite a bit about this comedy show from his commentary.  One episode included a sketch about broccoli dipped in chocolate...so...we were working in Sedalia, MO...ate at Golden Corral...they had a chocolate fountain...and broccoli...there was a double-dog dare.........the result cannot be detailed in a public forum.....  Just kidding! Chris said it was perfectly, totally, absolutely AWFUL!!!! 

Rendezvous 2011

Robert Ross, Missouri State Land Survey, Cadastral Section Chief, expounding on the proper way to prepare a corner registration document.  Location is Fishwater Creek, northeast of Salem, MO in Dent County.