Return of the Zlogars (and the Spud Trooper) 2008-05-07 07:00:50.000 - Mike & Sue Zlogar,  Summit Volunteers no words necessary Winter returned to the Summit for our second trip as volunteers to the Rockpile. It was great to see the crew again. However, the look on their faces when they discussed the return of winter after a two week hiatus was one of understandable resignation. Back to winter gear for the trip up. We were blessed with beautiful views until we hit near the peak and the snow cat was required for the final leg of the journey. This was

Mountain Travels 2008-05-06 06:38:04.000 - Mike Finnegan,  IT Observer I'm working nights this week. It has been quite a lot of darkness, hardly able to see the A-frame when I walk outside. We spent a few days in the fog, and that coupled with the fact the moon was rising in the wee hours of the morning and was approaching new moon, made it very dark. Yesterday morning, just after my shift ended at 4:30 AM EST, we moved in and out of the clouds for sunrise making for some ephemeral moments. Not long after, we broke out of the

attack of the boys 2008-05-03 13:14:29.000 - Stacey Kawecki,  Observer NULL “What’s it like being the only girl on the summit?”This was the question asked of me by one of our volunteers this week. For some, I think living on the summit, in the winter, with boys might be a trying experience. None of us shower for the duration of our stay, due to the limited waste water storage (ick, cooties). I must admit, there have been some occasions when I’ve wished there was another girl up here. For the most part, it’s just like living with three brothers; sometimes

NULL 2008-05-02 15:06:17.000 - Kyle Paddleford,  Meteorologist A bit hazy, but a nice start to the day! It has been a pleasant day upon the summit this lovely Friday the 2nd of May. Temperatures have been hovering near the freezing mark and winds have been light and variable. Halos increased and decreased in intensity with the ever morphing upper level ice crystal clouds. Sunglasses have replaced goggles and snow pants are hanging on the clothing racks. It may be just a tad below freezing but the strong spring sun is more than enough to overcome a slight chill in the

winter returns 2008-05-01 07:39:46.000 - Stacey Kawecki,  Observer NULL Temperature: 8 degrees FWind: W 71 MPHWind Chill: -23 degrees FVisibility: 1/16 mileWeather Conditions: Freezing fog, light snow, and blowing snowThese were the conditions when I checked the Mount Washington Observatory’s website just before leaving my house to drive to the base of the Auto Road. I quickly threw on a pair of snow pants, ascertained that I had my hat, gloves, face mask and goggles before starting my car and heading north. 7.2 inches of snow fell on Tuesday, and the summit was once again covered in a blanket of

Seak the Peak Coming Up Fast! 2008-04-29 17:44:08.000 - Brian Clark,  Observer Holding up the snow board at observation time It has been snowing steadily and rather heavily all afternoon today. There was a very quick change over from rain to snow around noon, which surprised me. I was expecting a change from rain to a mix of freezing rain and sleet, and then eventually over to snow right on the tail end of the storm. It will be interesting to see how much snow Steve measures this evening; my guess is at least a couple inches considering how hard

Marty - First Time Out 2008-04-28 21:32:13.000 - Marty,  Summit Cat Outside At Last Hello, Marty hereBig news.Been outside exploring for the first time.Very excited. Lots of rocks, caves, buildings and other strange things to investigate. Where is the ceiling? What are those things moving above?Strange smells.Brrrr - this white stuff is cold on my paws.Why does my fur ruffle?The floor is not flat and smooth – it’s really just a pile of rocks.Where is the sofa?What is that?Very excited. Have to exercise so can explore further.Lots of running to increase stamina.Pull ups - must build up upper body strength

Change is on the way 2008-04-27 20:37:53.000 - Brian Clark,  Observer The weather recently has been...well...unexciting to be honest. Of course, having the opportunity to live and work on Mount Washington certainly changes one's definition of exciting weather. Regardless, we have spent much more time in the clear than we have in the fog. Of course, anyone that knows anything about Mount Washington knows that this is truly unusual. At least yesterday I got to take advantage of the clear, calm, and rather warm weather. After being stuck inside all week because I had come down with a cold and

Night Shift 2008-04-26 21:25:15.000 - Steve Welsh,  IT Observer A recent sunset to start my day off Last Wednesday’s shift change felt a little different for me. Not only did we take the truck half way up the auto road, before transferring to the Snow Tractor for the final stage, but I was also thinking about the upcoming week, when I’d be working nights, for the first time, at the observatory. It’s been 20 years since I’ve done a night shift; way back when I was working in Antarctica. So it was with a little trepidation that I began the

Change 2008-04-25 23:03:08.000 - Matthew Morin,  Space Grant Intern Early spring scenery Change is something that I used to dread. I am not talking about the money you get back after a purchase or the coins under your sofa cushions. Those are not scary at all. I am talking about situations where you are forced to leave a familiar and comfortable reality. Fortunately, over the last few years, I have changed the way I view the world and all of the new opportunities it has to offer. I now embrace change with a mindset that it will always have a