Sunset Soiree

2010-09-12 02:59:50.000 – Mike Carmon,  Staff Meteorologist

Soiree-ing on the Summit!

As our shift drove up the Auto Road on Tuesday evening for our special early shift change, the summit was in the clear and the sun was setting off to the west. As twilight faded and the stars came into focus in the moonless sky, the faint flicker of lightning from distant thunderstorms created an impressive show for the early part of the night. As the showers and storms approached the summit, fog engulfed our mountaintop location. Little did we know that the fog would not let go until early yesterday morning.

For three consecutive days, no adjacent peaks, towns, or lights were evident from the summit thanks to the tenacious fog. We all wondered, with our annual Sunset Soiree approaching, would a sunset be visible for the hundred-plus members that were planning their evening amidst the dusk atop the Northeast’s highest peak? As yesterday approached, chances were looking better for the not-so-proverbial clearing.

As previously mentioned, the fog did in fact lift, and the Sunset Soiree went off without a hitch! The shuttles of members started to arrive on the summit around 6 p.m. as the sun was beginning to sink in the western sky. After a time of desserts and champagne in the rotunda area of the Sherman Adams Building, everyone headed up to the observation deck around 6:45 to toast to the waning sun. Just after sunset, around 7:05, our executive director, Scot Henley, said a few brief words, in particular, calling attention to the significance of yesterday’s date, September 11th. After a few words from him, our president of the board of trustees, Drew Landry, made a toast as we all elevated our glasses. The weather could not have been more cooperative, with nearly calm winds, mostly clear skies, and crisp temperatures hovering in the lower 40s.

After the toast, everyone gradually made their way to the vehicles from whence they came. We fear our visiting members will be taking the clear and tranquil conditions with them, as we are expecting the fog to return with a vengeance sometime this afternoon, and remain until the conclusion of our shift on Wednesday. Some wintry weather may be in the forecast as well!

Nevertheless, the evening was an enjoyable one, and one that we hope you can be a part of next year!

Mike Carmon,  Staff Meteorologist