Another volunteer week

2010-05-12 22:21:17.000 – John Pearson,  Summit Volunteer

NULL

Another volunteer week on Mt Washington, ho hum. That’s what my sea level friends said when I told them I would be on the summit for this my fifth trip as a volunteer. How wrong could they be?

When I arrived at the summit last Wednesday, it did appear that spring had arrived. Two feet of snow a week or so ago, and now the ground was bare. I have learned never to sell this mountain short when it comes to weather, and was not disappointed this shift. Winds gusting to over 90 mph, snow, sleet, freezing rain, and even a thunder snow storm, with a direct hit on the summit, were but a few of the entertaining features of this last week. That’s with two fantastic sunsets, and one sunrise to soften the winter blow.

The crews (that’s right crews, I am told by Brian that I may be the first volunteer to cook for both crews during the same volunteer shift), were as usual great, eating whatever I served up, with great gusto. Meals, because of the remote nature of the summit, are really important for the entire crew. Since I live at sea level and quite close to the ocean, I always bring some seafood up as a surprise or the crew. In fact, as I write this, baked stuffed sole is prepared for Tuesday night’s diner.

Those of you that read these comments, and thousands do every day, might wish to consider taking the Mt Washington challenge, by signing up for week. Join the observatory, fill out the application, and you on your way to a great adventure.

Oh, by the way, in addition to all of the fun listed above, I had time on Tuesday to do some great spring hiking in low winds and reasonably warm (for Mount Washington), temperatures. I know it’s just the frosting on the cake.

John Pearson,  Summit Volunteer