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2007-12-27 14:33:01.000 – Stacey Kawecki,  Observer

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This shift week could not have begun any differently than last shift week. Last week we came up in the Snow Cat with two interns, one volunteer, and two observers, in winds gusting to over 100 mph, snow, freezing fog, and blowing snow. It took about two hours to make the trip. The week that followed was windy, cold, and somewhat hectic. This week, the trip took just about an hour, as winds were calm, skies were sunny, and we had a beautiful photo opportunity, with clouds drifting below us. This week, at least for the first half of the week, there are only four people atop Mount Washington: two observers (myself and Kyle), one volunteer (Jason Hill), and one State Park employee (Mike Pelchat).

We’ve also said a heartfelt good bye to the long time resident cat, Nin. Besides the small number of people (and cats) on the summit, the amount of noise has also been drastically cut. We are officially on the grid, and the lack of generator noise is distinct. Between the calm winds and no running generators, it is eerily silent; so silent that one can hear the whisper of snow falling to the ground (and not smacking into the windows).

I think I’ll try to enjoy the peace and quiet while it lasts, because come Saturday, there will be an exciting change in the pattern. We’re expecting an awful lot of guests for the weekend, and the summit will once again be brimming with people!

Stacey Kawecki,  Observer