A Member’s Comments

2012-06-19 23:10:18.000 – Charles G. Staples,  Mount Washington Observatory Member

Mount Washington has always been a source of inspiration to me. I got my love of the mountains and hiking from my father Harold. He was a member of the Appalachian Mountain Club and Green Mountain Club. When I was 7, he signed me up for membership to the Observatory and I’ve been a member ever since. That was 75 years ago.

I’m 82 now and have climbed Mount Washington about 60 times. That’s just a guess. I haven’t climbed it for about 12 or 13 years now. But last month I climbed Mount Monadnock, the Dublin Trail. My heart and muscles felt fine. I didn’t feel fatigued. It took me two and half hours to get to the top.

The first time I came to the summit was 1939 with my family. We drove to the base and then took the Cog up. In 1941 while attending Camp Tohkomeupog in Madison, I climbed it for the first time.

I didn’t know about me being a long standing member until I got a letter marking my 50th year and an invitation to a dinner. I couldn’t go since I was working and living in Chicago. But since then, we’ve marked the milestone and this is the third overnight my wife Joan and I have spent at the summit.

I really have a fondness for the the mountains. They are a special thing in my life. I admire the Observatory, and its work. I like to get back up here whenever I can. Hopefully in another five years.

Charles G. Staples,  Mount Washington Observatory Member