Comments from Volunteers

2012-03-27 16:32:05.000 – Connie & Werner Griesshammer,  Summit Volunteers

NULL

This was our second time as volunteers. What a week it was up here! The weather put on quite an elaborate show for us. We came up last Wednesday to temperatures of 54 F, sunshine and low winds. Not what you would expect in late March. The next day was still a record breaker but the wind had picked up. Friday was around freezing for the whole day. The next day brought freezing rain, and rain later on. Sunday surprised us with light snowfall, fog and rime ice. Last night we had -7 F and wind gusts up to 113 mph. It certainly made up for the earlier mild weather.

Today, we were outside in -35 F windchill and were blown around like leaves. But we had also the luxury of great visibility with views to the Atlantic Ocean.

We admire the staff here: observers Steve, Mike and Rick and the intern Brian who brave the weather and are out there with their instruments to record weather conditions. It was very nice to get to know them and of course cook for them. Without any complaints they ate whatever we put in front of them: homemade pork sausages with sauerkraut and potato salad, pork chops, gulasch, chicken creole, pizza, sauerbraten with dumplings and red cabbage, apple fritters and apple cake. It was the greatest pleasure to hear them ask if we would consider coming back for their next shift.

One of the jobs up here is taking care of Marty, the cat. We can assure you that he was well-fed, played with and groomed.

So long, Mt. Washington, until we will be here again to brave the storms (whether they are in the kitchen or outside).

Connie & Werner Griesshammer,  Summit Volunteers