Seek the Peak Spotlight: The Cloud Chasers

By MWOBS Staff

Mike Bergeron and Desiree Bolton have been participating and volunteering for Seek the Peak for three years now. Together, they comprise Team Cloud Chasers for the Observatory’s annual fundraiser, and you can count on them to deliver smiles and positivity both on the trail and under the event tent. We recently connected with Mike and Desiree to see what sparked their interest in the Observatory.

“We both have always loved experiencing weather and the study of,” shared Mike. “It was the -109 event that opened the door for our volunteering. I met a volunteer from Peterborough one day after the record. We were talking about how cool it was when she mentioned the volunteer program during a retail transaction.” After that conversation, Mike went home and filled out two applications “expressing our love, excitement, and pride for Mount Washington, the Obs, and the unbelievable weather we get the privilege to experience.”

“I think most importantly is the friendship and bonds made with everyone at the Observatory,” Mike continued. We both always feel very welcome and special, and that feeling is what we try to emanate when we help out. For us it’s the being part of such a great organization. We already loved the mountain and weather, but to help make sure the Obs and its knowledge is around for future generations is our favorite aspect of volunteering.”

This summer, Desiree will be joining the summit for her second volunteer shift and Mike will be on his sixth. As for their Seek the Peak volunteering: “We both really enjoy help at STP both for set up and tear down but also working the beer tent, we love putting smiles on everyone’s faces,” Mike said. On top of summit and Seek the Peak volunteering, Mike has also tabled on behalf of the Observatory at various satellite events across the state, like the annual Youth STEM Expo. Mike shared that one of his favorite parts about these events is answering questions about his experiences on the summit. He shared, “during my summit trips I try to help out wherever I can, and was trusted enough to fix facilities and instruments. But I really enjoy cooking for everyone and hope that I make their experience something even more special.” Beyond these experiences, Mike and Desiree enjoy tuning in to the Observatory’s Science in the Mountains programs and attending special events.

As for their Seek the Peak hike this year, the Cloud Chasers set up a group hike on Mount Monadnock for July 4th. They’ve surpassed their fundraising goal by 315%, and wear their Seek the Peak shirts on their adventures to help spread the word. Please join us in giving a big kudos to this awesome team, and be sure to say hello to them at the Après Hike Celebration Beer Garden on July 18th!