was not easy, but it was full of adventure. Life in a lighthouse was often lonely, and vigilantly attending to the beacon of light was a constant priority. Watching for ships, logging the comings and goings of vessels and handling any repairs that were necessary were typical duties. The lighthouse keeper had the responsibility of ensuring that the light shone brightly, so it could act as a beacon to guide ships away from shoals and other dangerous maritime events. Other responsibilities included maintaining the grounds around the lighthouse, cleaning and organizing the interior of the lighthouse, trimming the wick of the lamp, and refueling the lamp with oil. The keepers also had to make sure that the lenses and mirrors were cleaned and polished to ensure the light did not become dim and ineffective. Life in a lighthouse could be very different depending on the location, as some keepers had families who helped them at the lighthouse, while others were isolated for long periods of time and had only their own company for entertainment.