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2011-08-10 11:08:32.000 – Julie Rodriguez,  Summit Volunteer

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A week on the summit, and I felt like a celebrity. The idea of cooking what, for me, amounted to a Thanksgiving dinner every night for a week was a little bit daunting, and I thought I might be cooped up in the Observatory (‘Obs’ for the initiated) kitchen for most of each day. Not so much. My partner, Christy, and I got a pretty decent partnership going right away that helped us get dinner on the table efficiently and allowed for plenty of hiking and down time, which is how I got to feel like a bit of a star. I got an early start and hiked as far as I could each day while still getting back in time to prepare dinner for 7-10 people. Most hikers I encountered on the trail assumed I had started at the bottom or a far-away hut as they did, so why was I already on my way down at 8 in the morning and why wasn’t I looking as exhausted as I should have? This started many conversations in which I was able to tout the work of the Observatory, the benefits of membership, and the fun I was having living for a whole week on the greatest place on Earth. Starting at the top also gave me a chance to visit trails and places I otherwise skipped in my many trips from the bottom. I found blueberries on the Wamsutta trail, saw the beautiful Weetamoo Falls off the side of the Great Gulf Trail. I finally made the side trips to Nelson Crag and through the beautiful Alpine Garden and bagged another 4,000 footer, Eisenhower. What a great way to spend a week. Thanks to the Observatory for the opportunity, and I can’t wait to come back in winter!

Julie Rodriguez,  Summit Volunteer