Places I can recommend you visit during the long, hot, days of summer, are the lighthouses of the United States of America. The original buildings, (those that have not been transplanted,) are in cooler locations next to water bodies. They offer refreshing and relaxing environments.

The lighthouse in today’s video is in California’s Mendocino County at Point Arena, and is a part of the new”ish” California Coastal National Monument. The monument designation means that it will be managed by the BLM, (the federal Bureau of Land Management,) and the land formations, seashore, and buildings have significant natural and historical value. The lighthouse was built 150 years ago, yet today still serves it’s duty as a warning to unwary seafarers.

Because I stayed the night in the motel rooms right next to the lighthouse, I captured the lighthouse in action during a dark, foggy night. The next morning, sunshine poured spectacularly for awhile into my room and over the Pacific Ocean. With a docent, I toured the lighthouse and walked to the top, then hiked the surrounding coastal bluffs — photos which are shown in the following video. (Take note of the original spiral staircase inside the lighthouse, with it’s metal stamp of 1869.) There is also a nice little gift shop to visit.

This summer, treat yourself to some time in this wonderful type of landscape.