NULL 2009-06-12 17:09:42.000 - Stacey Kawecki,  Observer and Meteorologist Much like Aesop's fables, one often finds him or herself learning valuable lessons on the summit of Mount Washington. Sometimes the lessons are humorous and light (like don't kneel on a glass-topped table). Others leave a slightly stronger flavor behind, lingering for years (once you've been zapped, you don't want it to happen again). Well, this week, more definitively, the past two days, has left that particular flavor in my mouth.On Wednesday Steve, Amy, Mike C, and Scott hiked to the Lakes hut to ensure that the data-logger was working properly.

Annual General Meeting 2009-06-11 12:00:52.000 - Karen Hemeon,  Membership & Events Coordinator The Granite Landscape 'Unlike forested landscapes, whose histories are measured in centuries, the forces that have shaped domes of granite involve the deep time of mountain building and the slow work of ice, wind, fire, lichen, and heath. By gaining a deeper understanding of what makes granite domes look and feel as they do, it is my hope that you will experience these compelling landscapes in new and exciting ways.'-- Tom Wessels, on The Granite LandscapeYou are cordially invited to join us on Saturday, June 20 at the

NULL 2009-06-10 11:02:34.000 - Cara Rudio,  Marketing and Communications Coordinator NULL Calling all Seek the Peak hikers! Having trouble fund raising? Worried you're not going to make the $100 minimum to get your goodie bag? Fear not: we're holding a free, interactive webinar tonight at 7 p.m. to teach you how to go about soliciting pledges. Register now for 'Seek the Peak Fund raising 101: How to Take Your Fund raising to New Heights'.This free, 30-minute seminar will begin by reviewing the basics of Mount Washington and the Observatory, giving you simple, concise talking points to use when approaching potential

Volunteer Reflections 2009-06-09 17:05:20.000 - Mike Sabia and Chet Wickett,  Summit Volunteers On Lion Head A couple days ago, we went for a hike through the Alpine Garden. Up here the hiking is always dramatic with interesting rock formations at your feet and deep ravines almost at your fingertips. There are the beautiful views with layers of mountains in the distance. Add to that the emerging wildflowers lining the trail in the Alpine Garden and you have one of the more magical days we have had the pleasure to spend in the Whites. Even the cairns took on the look

Forecasting, it's harder than it looks. 2009-06-08 21:44:36.000 - Ryan Knapp,  Staff Meteorologist Forecast nailed, but I did not see this coming. Our interns are a much needed and much appreciated group of people that, in general, work very well with us and work very hard at any task we provide them. One such task is their intern projects. These projects run the spectrum of topics depending on what their backgrounds are prior to arriving here. Some recent projects that come to mind are computer programs they have written for our instruments, data input, El Nino/La Nina impact studies on

A Fairytale Life 2009-06-07 21:25:23.000 - Mike Finnegan,  IT Observer I could write this comment on the trip Brian, Alex, and I took over to the Great Gulf to seek some June turns, but I think you would be better off looking at this week's ObsCast. The short video shows the trip from beginning to end, leaving work and returning home with a few runs in between. Instead I will tell you of a different enchanting place. Within this mountaintop citadel, there is a room with panoramic windows that run from the west to the east, the rocky ridge of

First Internship Comment 2009-06-06 15:31:18.000 - Alex Jacques,  Summit Intern Beautiful Summit View on Friday 6/5 It has been a gorgeous stretch of weather over the past couple of days. Clear skies and visibility of over 80 miles at times has made for some breath-taking views in every direction. This morning, we were treated to an undercast below the summit. I must say that I am anxiously awaiting some more active weather, but I will absolutely take the views (like the one here) and picturesque sunsets for now. This is my fourth day interning for the Mount Washington Observatory and

A moonlit hike 2009-06-05 16:44:54.000 - Brian Clark,  Observer and Meteorologist Conditions last night were perfect for a little night hike down to Lakes of the Clouds. Temperatures on the summit were in the upper 30's, winds were around 10-15 mph, and probably most importantly, the mountain was free of fog with nearly a full moon in the sky. So, after dinner and right at sunset, Mike Finnegan, our special volunteer Patrick, and I headed out.Besides the weather, there were two other reasons for our hike. First of all, the Lakes of the Clouds AMC Hut just opened to the

My days in paradise 2009-06-04 23:11:05.000 - Patrick Tagan,  Summit Volunteer My first sunset on the mountain It is nice to be part of the observatory team up here on Mount Washington. Over the past few days, I have gotten to learn all about the instruments, the techniques, and the people that make this weather observatory unique. From pulling wires to learning about weather observations, I have acquired a variety of new skills. My adventure started on Tuesday, when I ascended to 6,288 feet above sea level. I was welcomed to a cool 34 degrees Fahrenheit temperature and around 32

NULL 2009-06-03 07:10:47.000 - Amy Terborg,  Summit Intern My first view from the summit Today I have achieved a great accomplishment. I have survived my first week on the summit and have decided that I have the coolest summer job! Who else can say that they experienced a hailstorm and had to de-ice in the same day? If this week was an indication of what the rest of the summer is going to be like then it should be an amazing season.Just want to say a quick thank you to the crew up here for welcoming me into the family