FOWIL volunteers set out on January 27, 2024 to retrieve the historic peapod inside the storm-damaged boathouse.
(Photo by David Adams)
There has been a lot of focus on the devastating storms of January 10 and 13, 2024 – and rightfully so. The storms left extensive damage in their wake. The havoc caused throughout Maine’s coastal communities, and at its venerable lighthouses, was of historic proportions. The adverse impacts and costs of these two weather events are still being assessed.
For lighthouse stewards with finite resources, the recovery process is quite challenging – both financially and operationally. It can be hard not to become disheartened with the suddenness and magnitude of the destruction. Lighthouses are emotional places that move our spirit. Groups care deeply about them, so it’s only natural for human emotions to run the gamut amidst the “storm.”
In times like this, we all need some good news to buoy the heart.
Accessing offshore lighthouse sites like Wood Island during the winter requires extensive planning and intrepid volunteers.
(Photo by Josh McPhail)
History shows us that during challenging times, when the human spirit remains indomitable, people rise up and do great things. Whether these accomplishments are modest or grand in nature matters not. What does matter is maintaining the will to overcome – and ever-stoking the flames of the “can-do” spirit.
After the January storms battered and moved the boathouse at Wood Island Light Station some 20-feet off its foundation, there was profound concern for not only the historic structure, but the contents inside as well.
The American Lighthouse Foundation’s chapter – the Friends of Wood Island Lighthouse (FOWIL), knew it was imperative to carry out a “rescue” mission of the boathouse contents – one being an historic peapod. Was the peapod damaged? Could it be removed easily? Could the operation be performed safely? These questions and more were racing through the minds of the volunteers leading up to the site assessment.
Before the volunteers could even launch their boat, snow had to be removed from the boat ramp.
(Photo by David Adams)
Time is no friend in the midst of an active storm season, and to complicate matters more, FOWIL had to contend with a set of logistical challenges in regards to their boat, Light Runner since it was out of the water for the offseason.
Even when the day arrived to set out for Wood Island, FOWIL volunteers had to shovel an ample amount of snow from the boat ramp before launching Light Runner. The notion in life that nothing is easy certainly applied to this effort in the making.
Despite the many would-be barriers to the retrieval operation, FOWIL’s intrepid volunteers persevered and made it to Wood Island on January 27, 2024. To their collective relief, the important contents inside the storm-damaged boathouse were found to be safe and sound.
FOWIL volunteers are shown removing the undamaged peapod from the boathouse.
(Photo by David Adams)
Following the trip, David Adams – a FOWIL Executive Committee member, noted, “I am happy to report that today’s weather and sea conditions were favorable, and a team of FOWIL volunteers were able to successfully retrieve our beloved – and undamaged, peapod from the wrecked Wood Island boathouse. It has been placed in covered storage for the winter. In addition, we were able to remove the garden tractor and generator.”
Adams went on to say, “I want to express my appreciation and gratitude for the initiative, flexibility, cooperation and teamwork demonstrated by the group to complete this project. Our team was focused, efficient, and most importantly, were returned safely to shore. A shout-out to our coxswain, Russ Lowell! We could not have done it without each and everyone one of you.”
The storm recovery process at lighthouses like Wood Island will be ongoing throughout 2024 and beyond.
(Photo by David Adams)
Make no mistake about it – the storm recovery process for lighthouses like Wood Island is going to be a long and arduous undertaking. However, it warms the heart of all those who love lighthouses that there are volunteers who not only passionate, but go above and beyond for what they believe in.
When volunteers demonstrate a “can-do” spirit, the hope it inspires in the present is nothing short of amazing!
FOWIL Executive Committee Member David Adams said it best…”Please join me in extending appreciation to the following volunteers without whom this effort would not have been successful:” Leslie Smith, Russ Lowell, Jim McMahon, Kyle Noble, Mike Foley, Kurt Wittneben, Norm Labbe and Denis Santere
The American Lighthouse Foundation and lighthouse enthusiasts everywhere echo your thankfulness, David Adams. Bravo!
FOWIL volunteers aboard “Light Runner” with the historic peapod in tow. Mission accomplished! (Photo by David Adams)
