Maritime experts say there are only a handful of lighthouses still standing on the coast of California.
The Piedras Blancas Lighthouse on the central coast has been burning bright for over 135 years.
But decades of harsh weather have taken a toll on the historic lighthouse.
Now a group of maritime enthusiasts are breathing new life into the old beacon on the hill.
"I was amazed how beautiful and serene this place could be. A little piece of heaven."
As the sun rises over the Piedras Blancas Lighthouse, a new day begins.
Surrounded by lush plant species, and abundant wildlife, the lighthouse is a pleasant spot for tourists. But it's also a forgotten place to many.
"You can see the decay here." John Bogacki has called the lighthouse home for nearly a decade, working as a site manger for the Bureau of Land Management.
Now Bogacki heads a group determined to restore the historical landmark.
"Every day we are able to turn around and see something that we did, something tangible that's going to help make this place better as it gets restored."
Today, volunteers use original blueprints to rebuild old victorian style structures that once housed lightkeepers.
When the job is done, volunteers say the lighthouse will reclaim its maritime majesty.
Carole Adams, a lighthouse volunteer said, "we live such busy lives in cities today. Just experience nature, and let it wash over you."
For decades this lighthouse has served the maritime community, shining bright since 1875.
Standing nearly 200 feet tall, it was a lifeline for the lost skippers on the open sea.
"And just imagine, the early ships didn't have navigation, they didn't have GPS, and they would have to battle their way through tortuous weather conditions. Sixty mile-per hour winds, pounding rains. And then there are days like today, where the fog is so heavy set and so dense that you can't even see the lighthouse behind me. That's why experts say these lighthouses were a vital tool in guiding blind ships on the open sea home again."
Visitor Tony Balessio says, "It's just the unbelievable sights that the lighthouse was back in the early 1920s, 1910s."
Bogacki adds, "People are amazed to see the secrets, and the sights."
As Bogacki looks out at the progress of his restoration project, he hopes more people will discover the history and beauty that lies in the lighthouse.
John Bogacki and Carole Adams wrote a book about the Piedras Blancas Lighthouse. It was printed by Arcadia Publishing in its "Images of America" series.
If you would like more information about the lighthouse or the book, you can visit their website at
http://www.piedrasblancas.org/
