My First Week on the Summit

2014-05-27 19:04:30.000 – Andrew Tucker,  Summit Museum Attendant

A windy night atop the parapet

Living among the clouds has been phenomenal since day one. I met an incredible group of individuals that have been very welcoming. Although we all work in different departments on the summit, we gather at the dinner table and unwind with conversation of the day and even extended periods of laughter. There is definitely a great group of people up here.

On the sixth night of my first week, I had the opportunity to not only hear the roar of the high winds but I was also able to stand against them. At about 10:30pm (EDT), the group proposed the idea to go outside to the parapet and stand in the 70mph sustained winds with gusts up to 90mph. I was hesitant at first, but figured it was an offer I could not pass up. We made our way up the tower with the wind echoing off of the walls. We climbed higher and higher and finally reached a black door that led outside to the top of the tower. We made our way outside and I looked up, realizing that we had not yet reached our destination. One more ladder stood between us and the parapet, so we pushed forward. With the winds whipping at my face as I climbed the ladder, the only thing running through my mind was, “Take it one step at a time and just hold on.” I finally made it to the top and was able to experience the high speeds tearing at my jacket. It was definitely something I have never before experienced but I am glad I did!

Andrew Tucker,  Summit Museum Attendant