…walking up a very narrow, steep staircase was a new experience.

What was also exciting to me was the volunteer group, Friends of Wood Island Light House, which is working to restore the structure. Anyone, even if you don’t visit the site, can become involved with the project. Members I talked with said that being associated with a lighthouse connects you to an important and exciting part of the nation’s history and a monument to the people who served

in the U.S. Light House Service as well as the U.S. Coast Guard.

Practically speaking as the father of four, it was a great expenditure of $10 per family member for two hours that included a boat ride to the island and a visit to something we don’t have in the Midwest…a lighthouse in the ocean. We were there last summer and had called the week before to make reservations. Since

there are limited seats I would recommend calling further in advance.

According to the Friends of the Wood Island Light House Web site, here’s a brief snapshot of the island:

Wood Island Light Station was authorized by President Thomas Jefferson and built in 1808. Last year (2008) was the Bicentennial birthday of the Wood Island Light Station.

The volunteer group assumed the responsibility for its restoration and future use under a license granted by the U.S. Coast Guard. They began in March of 2003 and have made great strides in the last five years.

Wood Island is a 35- acre uninhabited island sitting at the mouth of the Saco River just off the coast of Biddeford, Maine. The island hosts a wide variety of birds and is the