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2011-08-09 22:59:35.000 – Jaclyn Ritzman,  Summit Intern

Well I lied; this will be my last comment! Since I last posted a comment on Thursday we were fortunate enough to catch a glimpse of the aurora borealis on Saturday! This has always been a dream of mine and I cannot believe I actually got an opportunity to witness this breathtaking phenomenon! Today, the summit has been packed with visitors and we had a busy day with tours up in the Observatory, which is great! It is always great seeing children who are interested in what we do up here on the summit of Mount Washington. A few of the kids were particularly excited to be the tallest children in the northeast. Every time I give a tour, everyone always says, “Wow, you have the coolest job in the world. This experience must be amazing for you.” In response to those who say this, it definitely is. I wouldn’t trade this experience for anything!

I will miss writing to everyone who reads the observer comment; it has been my pleasure to share with you my experiences this summer. I cannot believe how fast this summer has gone, it feels like just yesterday I graduated from Valparaiso University and began the 17+ hour drive to Mount Washington. This long drive to the northeast is nothing like the painful drive I will endure starting on Friday. The long drive will begin on Friday morning and stops at Niagara Falls, one of my favorite places. There I will say goodbye to one of my best friends and get a chance to catch up with an old college friend. From there, my mom and I will head to Wyoming where my next adventure begins.

Well, this summer has been awesome. I will miss everyone at the observatory and getting a chance to meet tourists from not only across the country but from around the world. I will miss the observatory, my co-workers, and Marty (he gave me a nice goodbye scratch today). They have all made Mount Washington into my home away from home this summer.

Observer Footnote: Backcountry travel can be exciting and beautiful, but what do we do when confronted with unexpected injuries? To find out, please join us Wednesday evening in North Conway for our “Science in the Mountains” lecture series. For Wednesday’s program, experienced outdoorsman, local physician and cofounder of SOLO Wilderness Medicine School, Dr. Frank Hubbell, will explain some hazards faced whilst traveling within our rugged White Mountains. The program begins at 7:00 p.m. and we look forward to seeing you there!

Jaclyn Ritzman,  Summit Intern