Monday, April 18, 2022

"Northwest Backroads" Now More Than Two Decades Ago

Going through a box housing random papers this week, I discovered some 8.5 X 11 photos of the New Dungeness Lighthouse trip we had taken in March of 2001. The 8.5 X 11 prints were paperclipped together along with a little hand-written note. When I saw the photos with the date on them, I was surprised that it had been so long ago.  I had also forgotten all about the fact that we would not have any digital photos as it would still be another five years before we switched from developed film to digital. I suppose I should actually look to see where those 2001 photos may be stored.  Another day .  .  .  

For those not aware, the New Dungeness lighthouse is in Sequim, Washington and has a great view across the Straits of Juan De Fuca where the lights of Victoria on Vancouver Island can be seen at night.  Lots of container ships and other seaworthy crafts sail across the view as well.

Our family of four had scheduled staying a week at the lighthouse with two friends with whom we also had been "keepers" before.  We were notified that the King5 television show "Northwest Backroads" wanted to know if we would be willing to be interviewed by Grant Goodeve about the New Dungeness Lighthouse on their Northwest Backroads show. Our friends, MB (mostly) and DB agreed to do much of the interview.  Faced with a video camera I always default to "deer in the headlight" and either say "duh" or just look surprised and speechless! It was obvious to me that my role would be best while providing support services.  As I had anticipated, our friend M B did a great job!!

This first photo gives the perspective while approaching the New Dungeness light.  This is a scan version of one of the printed photos on regular paper. . .  We have stayed for a week at the lighthouse 8 or so times over the last 30 years now.

 The King5  Northwest Backroads team arriving from Seattle in the special sand-travel vehicle.  You can see the light flashing out to sea in the tower.  The Keepers House is seen to the far left of the photo belowl


This particular photo again catches the light as the tower light swings around. And at this time the sky was a beautiful dark blue. 


Here the crew were choosing background and adjusting lighting to get the best of the weather that had started to become cloudier.  Grant Goodeve is on the right side of this  photo.  


Here is a photo of us on the front porch of the Keepers House at the Spit.  It is right next door to the lighthouse and is beautiful and has everything we need except for food.  In this photo my husband and I are to the left and our friends to the right.  Our kids are sitting on the stair edge.


Here is a photo of us on the front porch of the Keepers House at the Spit.  It is right next door to the lighthouse and is beautiful and has everything we need except for food.  In this photo my husband and I are to the left and our friends to the right.  Our kids are sitting on the stair edge. 

I can't remember now whether the note and photos were given to us right away or whether a bit more time was needed to edit and print our copies.  Likely came in the mail! It was nice getting the little note thanking us for participating. The show aired a few weeks later and we enjoyed watching it and seeing how well our friends had done in the limelight!  it was also interesting to see how the editing pulled all the pieces together. Today was a bit of a walk down memory lane! Hard to believe its been over 20 years.




Signed by Jace Magisos I believe.  I could not find a link to the show itself so far!

And at the end of the day we discovered that one of our daughters had drawn a picture of the Lighthouse.  Just before they left, Grant Goodeve signed her original drawing.  It was a perfect ending to a very fun day!!