Live the life of a Victorian-era light keeper at Tawas Point Lighthouse.
That's the lure in an announcement this week that the Michigan Department of Natural Resources is accepting applications for 2014.
Volunteers stay in renovated living quarters in the light house.
In return, they pay $250 per week, and lead tours or do maintenance work.
“It's a very unique experience to be able to be in something that's 138 years old,” says Peggy Allen. She coordinates the lighthouse keeper program.
“Plus it's kind of special here at Tawas because you can always see the sun rise and the sun set every day,” Allen adds.
Brett Saunders has volunteered three times.
He says you don't need to be a lighthouse buff.
He comes for the photography and bird watching.
Saunders says on some days you can see bald eagles and underwater shipwrecks from the tower.
Chris Zimmel plans to volunteer for a second time.
“You have unlimited access to the lighthouse which is kind of magical in and of itself. You can be up in the tower and watch the sunsets and sunrises,” says Zimmel, “And it's also fun to meet with the public and talk about the functions of lighthouses.”
Zimmel says in addition to enjoying magnificent views, some visitors choose the tower as a place to propose marriage.
Virginia Gordan, Michigan Radio Newsroom
