Island in the Sky
2008-01-28 00:51:13.000 – Mike Finnegan, IT Observer
NULL
Today was one of those days when you feel most honored to have a job working atop a place such as Mount Washington. I woke this morning to the typical sight of whitish grey opaqueness outside. Around noon we broke out of the clouds, finding ourselves an island in a sea of clouds as far as the eye could see (about 80 miles). To the west, it was a flat plane of grey with hardly a texture to it. In the other directions, there were little undulations. Standing on top of the tower, I felt like I was Davy Jones, captain of the Flying Dutchman, looking out from the crows nest to an endless ocean, one fated to sail forever upon. I doubt however he was putting up a sonic anemometer due to ridiculously calm winds (2-6 mph!). The more often used pitot tube static anemometer is just too heavy to work properly in these sublime conditions.
We also took this opportunity to play outside on the observation deck. We tossed the football around, kicked the futbol around, and went sledding down the Yankee drift. We also hiked around the summit If you would like to see our leisure time activities in action, just have a look at this week’s Obs Cast. This is members only content, so if you’re not a member already, why not join this great organization?
It’s getting late now, and as much as I’d love to stay up and keep the moon and brilliant stars company, I will have to leave that to Stacey. I’m off to bed, looking forward to what surprises tomorrow will have in store.
Mike Finnegan, IT Observer
Seek the Peak 2026: New Adventures, Rooted in Tradition
Seek the Peak 2026: New Adventures, Rooted in Tradition By MWOBS Staff Seek the Peak is Mount Washington Observatory's largest annual fundraiser, and for 26 years it's brought together hikers, adventurers, and people who
What “Prepared” Really Means in the White Mountains
What “Prepared” Really Means in the White Mountains Early Spring in the Whites: The Most Honest Season By Andrew Harris, Burgeon Outdoor If you’ve spent any time in New Hampshire’s White Mountains in March,
March on Mount Washington
March on Mount Washington By Ryan Knapp Looking towards Mt. Madison at sunset on March 21, 2026. The calendar has spoken: Friday, 20 March 2026, marked the first day of astronomical spring.




