Shooting Stars 2012-12-14 16:11:45.000 - Steve Welsh,  Weather Observer/IT Specialist NULL Yesterday evening we were treated to a great celestial 'firework' display as a major meteor shower occurred overhead. For once the fog stayed away, the sky was crystal clear and there was hardly any background light due to a new moon. The Geminid meteor shower, which peaks this year on December 13th and 14th, is by far the most intense meteor shower of the year. It often lasts for days and includes everything from small dust grains, giving us those typical short lived streaks that flash across the sky,

A Warm and Dry Fall 2012-12-13 18:07:26.000 - Mike Dorfman,  Summit Intern The icy (but not snowy) road looking to the North. Normally in early Fall, the last leg of our weekly commute to the summit involves driving up the 7.6 miles on the Auto Road to the summit building. This van ride up the auto road becomes challenging in late Fall, requiring chains on tires and using a plow to push snow off the road. At a certain point in the late Fall, we make the transition from traveling up the auto road by car to using our snow

12/12/12 2012-12-12 23:23:28.000 - Mike Carmon,  Weather Observer/Meteorologist A Gear Collage! Although the calendar date is about 13 days short of Christmas, it felt like December 25th this morning for us observers, as a new shipment of EMS gear arrived on the summit!Here are some of the pieces I received, that will go a long way to ensuring my warmth and dexterity during the long winter on the rockpile:1. EMS Men's Theorem Pants: Essential for all of my trips and trudges through snowdrifts during the winter, and also to keep my legs warm through those nights when temperatures could potentially

Week on the Summit 2012-12-11 22:05:49.000 - Abby Blackburn,  Director of Summit Operations Sunrise on the Summit It's been two years since our last volunteer operation on the Rockpile and it was good to be back. Lots of new faces, interesting people with fascinating lives to share at the dinner table and around breaks for good eats, but first Mike and I would like to thank our four legged friends who made our time here so special. Slim's two golden retrievers Zephyr and Jack, (Slim is the Transportation Czar for MWObs,) are both beautiful and friendly (it's probably overkill to

Wishing for Snow 2012-12-11 00:36:31.000 - Rebecca Scholand,  Weather Observer/Education Specialist Giving Mother Nature a Jolly Hint for Snow Today has been anything but winter weather. I woke to snow but the warming temperatures quickly changed it to freezing rain, then rain. With the snow on the ground dwindling by the time I took over observations for the day, I had my doubts if we would have a white Christmas here on the summit in two weeks. Knowing that this is the summit of Mount Washington and anything can happen, I tried my best to encourage Mother Nature with a

All Things Come to an End 2012-12-09 17:50:33.000 - Stephen Lanciani,  Summit Intern A sample of my experiences Time flies when you're living on a mountain, that's how it goes...right? The time has come for me to say my goodbyes to the summit, as I have reached the final days of my internship. It's hard to believe that on Wednesday, I will head down after shift change and not return the following week. Having lived this week on-week off life since August, it will certainly feel weird when I don't meet with the crew at the base next Wednesday morning.

Back into the Fog 2012-12-08 22:14:38.000 - Roger Pushor,  Weather Observer/IT Specialist NULL After a couple of near perfect days here on the Summit with clear skies, low winds and moderate temperatures for this time of year, we moved back into the fog early this morning. Today also saw a few hikers coming to the Summit to take advantage of the conditions before winter is upon us again in full force.Inside the Observatory, the Christmas Tree is setup in the Living room with decorations being added. Under the tree, a couple of gifts can be seen. There's also a wreath

My First Winter Overnight Since Joining the Observatory 2012-12-07 17:38:14.000 - Krissy Fraser,  Development Coordinator EMS Crew out for a Hike My first winter overnight trip since joining the Obs team in June - good living!I had the fortune of being on a trip along with a team from Eastern Mountain Sports doing a photo shoot for their climbing school. The day started with a smooth ride to the summit arriving at 6,288' to sunshine, calm winds and endless visibility (or 120 miles is what I am told from Intern Steve).We proceeded to spend the entire day outside with EMS

First Trip of the Season 2012-12-06 22:19:50.000 - Rebecca Scholand,  Weather Observer/Education Specialist NULL Today kicked off the trip season on the summit with our first overnight. Eastern Mountain Sports rode to the summit today with various staff members to capture some pictures and footage for their climbing school. They were in luck too as the weather could not have cooperated more. With winds decreasing as the day progressed and temperatures rising just enough, it made a long day outside tolerable. Even though this first trip of the season was EMS staff there are still plenty of trips to sign

Our Commute To Work 2012-12-06 00:23:00.000 - Ryan Knapp,  Weather Observer/Meteorologist Truck & Van w/ chains was part of todays commute. If you work a typical 9 to 5 job, a commute is part of your daily routine. You wake up, get ready, and then head out the door to hop in a car, wait at a bus stop, ride on a train, board a plane, or walk. If all goes right, you show up on time, do your job, then at the end of the day, you take your method of transportation home and call it a day waiting