My first few days... 2007-05-26 09:31:10.000 - Lynn Metcalf,  Summit Intern A lot of work ahead... As a Forest Engineering student, I was admittedly nervous about my first week as an intern with a meteorological observatory. However, my fears were soon laid to rest by the friendly staff. I really enjoy gathering around the table for supper (the food has been great, thanks to our wonderful volunteers) where we all get to talk and joke with each other. Although there may not be any forecasting in my future, I was put right to work learning how to use the various

Hazy and perhaps record breaking heat... 2007-05-25 07:52:46.000 - Jim Salge,  Observer The view from Bretton Woods... Typically we get far more phone calls from telemark skiers than telemarketers on the summit. Yesterday though, I did receive an interesting phone call from a business solutions company (?). The phone call began with a simple question: Are you looking to relocate your business or office in the next five years?I was quite taken aback, and had to pause for a minute on this one, before asking the woman if she was prepared to move mountains to help us. Some polite banter

Winter to summer... 2007-05-24 05:15:03.000 - Jim Salge,  Observer Hazy summer-like view... Changes in the weather patterns on Mount Washington can come every bit as rapidly during the summer months as in the winter…and the variations can be every bit as striking. Two days ago the summit was a winter wonderland, with plunging temperatures, wind and ice. But, that was short lived, as yesterday dawned amid clearing skies and warming temperatures, and haze free vistas for shift change.The crew, including our second new intern of the summer, assembled at the base in lightweight gear and was able to ascend in

NULL 2007-05-22 15:08:35.000 - Laura Cranton,  Summit Volunteer NULL This is my first time volunteering atop the Summit. My primary duty was to cook dinner for a staff of four. The pantry is a well-stocked adventure, and the staff was appreciative of everything put in front of them. I was fortunate to have been paired with a seasoned volunteer who knew the ropes. The daily schedule allowed for a decent amount of free time, which I spend relaxing and enjoying the mountain.During the first several days here, the weather was foggy and we had little wind. Then, Sunday night into

NULL 2007-05-21 14:22:42.000 - Kyle Paddleford,  Meteorologist May 21st ? A little winter weather came our way yesterday as winds turned to the northwest and ushered in cooler air on the backside of the departing low. Temperatures dropped below freezing and various precipitation types fell throughout the afternoon and evening. It was as if Mother Nature could not make up her mind. Rain changed to sleet, then snow, then back to a rain and snow mix, then more snow and sleet. I think I could actually write a whole comment on the many transitions that the precipitation went through, but

First week at 6288 feet 2007-05-19 11:04:42.000 - Maria Zatko,  Summit Intern Undercast Clouds My first few days up here have been wonderful. I instantly felt comfortable in the observatory. The kitchen is well stocked and the living room is filled to the brim with books and movies – it is incredibly cozy. The weather room upstairs is very professional, but it is loaded with character. I am in the process of learning about the station and all of the instruments and equipment- this is my first experience in the operational field so I have much to learn. But thankfully

Brent 2007-05-15 12:44:58.000 - Brent Antkowiak,  Summit Intern NULL Well, the fantastic weather streak has ended, and the fog has returned to the summit. It was a good stretch of nice weather though, which many of us are convinced is due to having a member from the other shift, Mike Finnegan, on board with us this week. We get the clouds and wind, they get the sun and calm, at least that is how the majority of the past few months have been. Lucky for me, our shift has seen plenty of extreme weather, with winds sustained well over 100

Still clear... 2007-05-14 07:51:25.000 - Jim Salge,  Observer Clear sunset... The streak of rather nice weather continues on the peak, though the past 24 hours have featured a significant drop in the temperatures. Despite a clear sky and bright, warming sunshine, wind-chills actually dropped below zero the last two mornings. Though the spring cleanup and pack up is underway at the summit, we are certainly reminded by these cool temperatures that accumulating snow is still likely (climatologically) on the peak. And for an in-depth look at how the staff is dealing with the change in the seasons, check out this

A beautiful day 2007-05-12 23:03:44.000 - Mike Finnegan,  Summit Intern A Wee One and the Cog What an incredible day up here on the summit. Winds were but a gentle breeze and sun softened the snow and warmed our faces. Visibility extended from the ocean all the way to the fine state of New York 120 miles away. All this added up to the perfect opening day of the cog railway. Two cogs made their way slowly to the summit today, one oil powered, the other coal. The plumes of black soot and white steam rose in stark contrast to

Showers and a shower... 2007-05-11 12:53:28.000 - Jim Salge,  Observer NULL A line of showers moved over the summit this morning, ending the heat wave and the streak of largely dry weather on the summit. Through the first ten days of the month, the Observers only recorded 0.05 inches of precipitation on the peak, which, having experienced the ‘World’s Worst Weather’ for the past for years, seems absurd to me! A few more showers are possible on the peaks into this evening, and then we’re in for more dry, but seasonably cool weather.And speaking of showers, yesterday was Thursday, yet