An Intern’s First Sunset

2010-01-11 20:31:37.000 – Andrew Foley,  Plymouth State Intern

Sunset between two cloud layers

Generally speaking when we hope for ‘good’ weather up on the summit it is something on the order of category 1 hurricane winds, snow, rime and all the wonders that make the summit of Mount Washington so unique. However, the dominant high pressure yesterday was an event that you hope for every once in a while as well. Along with this calm system, winds were only at a lulling 50 mph, with a visibility at a maximum 120+ miles below some higher clouds. Kyle and I were fortunate enough to travel up in this beautiful weather for our second trip as PSU winter interns. We shared the snowcat trip up along with a film crew who are making an indie film based upon an observer on top of Mount Washington. As they needed a shot on the way up, we stopped around the 5 mile marker on the Auto Road, and wow what a view. With a 15 minute break I shot as many pictures as possible of the close and distant mountains from west to east.

Upon arriving at the summit and settling in, I realized how much I had already missed being up here. Every hour or so, I couldn’t resist the urge to go outside and walk around to take in as much as possible since we were expecting foggy conditions for today. Along with an amazing view of the southern Presidentials and beyond, there was a perfect ending to such a nice day. As under cast clouds rolled in from the northwest the sun began to set over the undulating ocean of clouds that surely had the valley in overcast, we were provided with a view of opportunity. As the sun set, we stood by the windows trying to catch a glimpse of the illusive ‘green flash’, alas, with no such success. Yet the fiery sky, with clouds sandwiching the sun, I had to run outside to take some pictures. With the wind in my face and the sun falling below the clouds, I finally was able to see my first Mount Washington summit sunset.

Andrew Foley,  Plymouth State Intern