Assistant Lighthouse Keepers 7/27- We found a magical island! Thacher Island

We found a magical island!  Thacher Island

Since Scotty and I are now both retired, I'm often looking on the internet for 'adventures' or 'opportunities'.  One day, I was looking at the Amava website which was listing opportunities for seniors.  Bingo - there was a blurb about a need for lighthouse keepers on Thacher Island during the summer.  After reading about it, it sounded a lot like what my friend, Anita has been doing for several summers.  I called her immediately and read it to her and she confirmed that it was indeed "her" island advertising.  I hung up and emailed Syd a letter/resume.  The next day I got a call to see if we would be a good fit.  He asked questions about our physical abilities and the ability to rough it on the island.  He agreed that we might be a good fit and we could come up and spend one day/night on the island.  I agreed and then called Anita.  Anita, in turn, called Syd and after conversing, Syd called us back and said we could stay for a week during the time that Anita and Wayne would be on Thacher Island.  WooHoo!  From then, the countdown began and some planning with the Smiths regarding meals, travel, etc.
The Thacher Island boat comes into Rockport Harbor at 6:00 a.m. on Saturdays.  The boat picks up lighthouse keepers for Straightsmouth Island and Thacher Island, as well as a work crew for that day.  Dave drove us down to the harbor with our luggage and groceries for the week.  It was apparent that the work crew was a dedicated, friendly bunch.  We loaded up and ferried first over to Straightsmouth Island where we dropped off 2 men that would be staying there for the week.  We also picked up Anita and Wayne who were finishing up a week there.  From there, we headed over to Thacher Island.  It was a ride full of anticipation for me!

The days that follow this post will show life on Thacher Island.

Straightsmouth at dawn as we motored over.

Coming up to Thacher Island and the view of the twin lighthouses.

Our first view of the North Tower as we pulled into the launch.

We loaded up our gear and Wayne drove it up to the lighthouse keeper's home.

These flowers were left by the previous assistant lighthouse keeper, Sharon (Dave's wife).
It was a simple, but kind gesture and definitely made us feel welcomed
into our new home for the week.