NULL

2009-12-15 08:39:56.000 – Mary Ellen Dunn,  Summit Intern

NULL

My final shift as summit intern is almost through and the fact that I won’t be back up here next week still hasn’t sunk in yet. I can’t believe how fast this whole experience went by!

Living on the summit of Mount Washington certainly exposed me to all the beauty of the White Mountains from an amazing vantage point. Being able to witness first hand some of the extreme this mountain has to offer was definitely an experience. From the calm, beautiful 130 mile visibility days, to days with thick fog and frozen precipitation whipping around in hurricane force winds.

Although, there was some pretty amazing weather during my time here, as intern this whole experience was also about learning. I was exposed to summit operations, instrumentation, and the art of observing. I was also able to take skills learned in school and enhance them through forecasting and taking part in daily tasks.

Looking back, there are many highlights from the past four months! From the unexpected Cog Railway ride back in October to the exciting much anticipated first Snow Tractor ride of the season; all the delicious meals cooked by the many wonderful volunteer; movie nights and some hilarious game nights; working with Deb in the museum and interacting with the public giving tours; all the amazing views, sunrises, and sunsets; and of course all the extreme weather! The most exciting was watching the Hays wind chart for the 137 mph wind and then going out for a walk on the observation deck later that afternoon with winds gusting well over 100!

I would just like to thank Stacey, Steve, Mike, Deb, Ken, and all the summit and valley staff for making this great experience one I will never forget!

Mary Ellen Dunn,  Summit Intern