Another Quiet Night

2010-12-27 16:19:02.000 – Mike Finnegan,  IT Observer

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Well, it is going to be another quiet night here on the summit. Not unexpected, but not necessary planned either. We were supposed to have our first overnight climbing trip of the season led by EMS, but the mountain seems to have had other thoughts. Snow has been falling all day here on the summit, as it has in most of the northeast, and winds have been moderately strong in the 50-80 mph range. This is a perfect speed to lift this newly fallen snow and deposit it in the lee areas. Some areas in the notch have recorded nearly two feet of new snow so far today, so travelling is sure to be laborious to say the least. Add to that significant blowing snow and thick fog above treeline coupled with subzero temperatures on the summit and it is a surely a difficult day to be outside on the mountain. Turning back is quite often a very good idea. As much as one wants to make it to the summit, as many times as people have been shut down before, the mountain will be here another day and you will be here to give it another go. For tomorrow, winds are looking to stay strong through the day, but the fog should clear to reveal a newly sculpted landscape of snow and ice.

Mike Finnegan,  IT Observer