A Hike to End All Hikes

2018-08-02 09:46:08.000 – Ben Seleb, Summit Intern

 

Despite living on the summit for most of the summer, my busy schedule has kept me from hiking Mount Washington from base to summit. With my internship at the Observatory coming to an end, and not having made the climb in its entirety, I made sure to find the time for it this previous weekend. Observer Adam Gill kindly joined me for the ceremonious occasion. Due to the threat of thunderstorms later in the afternoon, we decided on a shorter (but tough) loop up Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail and down Jewell Trail.

Our walk in the park was definitely not a walk in the park. Props to all the hikers that climb regularly! Except for the occasional break for water and to stretch sore leg muscles, our hike went without a hitch. Enjoy the following photos I took during the ascent.

 
 

A short break at the waterfall along Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail helped us prepare for the steep and slippery ascent that would be soon to follow.

 
 

This photogenic sign is located on most of the trails in the White Mountains, just above tree line. It wasn’t a big concern on the day we hiked!

 
 
We were mostly in the clouds before we made it to the summit, where we found blue skies and towering cumulus clouds that would be a sign of the storms which would arrive later in the day.
 
 
 

Try to find the critter that I spotted on our hike! He let me get close enough for a photo before Adam promptly scared him away.

I already mentioned that my internship is coming to end, and I’m not allowed to finish this blog post without getting a little soppy. As a mechanical engineering student, the Observatory was an unfamiliar field and a once in a lifetime opportunity, and contributed greatly to my knowledge and interest in the weather. I’d love to return at some point to experience the winter here. Until then, I’ll be thankful for all the experiences as well as the comradery that I shared with fellow shift members during our short time together.

 

Ben Seleb, Summit Intern

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