Inspired by this magnificent stone walled staircase, this painting's title is in honor of Led Zepplin's Stairway to Heaven.

The Lifeboat Keeper's Cottage is consistent with federal maritime service buildings done in the early 20th century, and would be at home on military bases such as the Presideo in San Francisco. Its hard to believe it is located on the coastal wilds of Marin County, California. It was built in 1927 when the Point Reyes Lifeboat Station was relocated from its orignal on-th-beach location. Now, protected behind a hill, this new location gave the crew a measure of protection from the worst of Pacific storms.

The residence was built for the officer in charge. Back in the 1920's and '30's, this location was very remote, a long drive away from town. The stone-walled staircase leading down toward the boathouse was added a few years later during the WPA era, and, although there is no record of its construction, the work was probably done by WPA workers.