Brushing Up On Looking Down

2013-12-08 17:59:57.000 – Ryan Knapp,  Weather Observer/Meteorologist

What it looks like up here to look up and down.

When flying home this past Thanksgiving, I picked up a book called “Small as an Elephant” by Jennifer Richard Jacobson. It was a quick read since it was meant more for kids, but it was still enjoyable for two reasons – it takes place along the Maine coastline (so it was very relatable with those, “Oh, I’ve been there” moments) and it had a poem I really liked. The poem read:

We all wear bifocals
Some invisible
When looking down, remember to look up
The view might be clearer
And vice versa

I liked the poem as it kind of summarizes life and work at 6288 feet. Living and working at the Northeast’s highest point, we have to be mindful that the weather doesn’t just occur above us, it occurs below us as well. So, when we go out on our hourly weather observations, we have to “put on our bifocals” and take time to observer the world above and below us. While we get to see the world above as well as below us, this activity isn’t just limited to us or this summit. So, hopefully you can take some time once a day to pause, observe, and enjoy the world above and below you; and all things both big and small.

Observer Footnote: If you’re in North Conway, NH this coming Wednesday at 7pm, Eastern Mountain Sports EMS North Conway will be hosting an event titled “Into the Heart of Cold – Stories from the Ends of the Earth.” Eric Larsen, polar explorer, will be sharing entertaining stories from nearly two decades of extreme expeditions, leaving you laughing and inspired. Eric’s engaging presentation focuses on daily routines, team work and his favorite gear choices. Eric will also speaks about technology he relies on while exploring in one of the most remote places in the world. For more information can be found on their event page available here.

Ryan Knapp,  Weather Observer/Meteorologist