SeekthePeak

2007-07-27 10:46:18.000 – Maria Zatko,  Summit Intern

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The Observatory has awoken today in a flurry of excitement in anticipation of tomorrow’s seventh annual Seek the Peak hike-a-thon. The hike-a-thon is an all day event where hikers can traverse up any trail on Mount Washington. The funds raised for this hike-a-thon benefit the non-profit Mount Washington Observatory. These funds allow the Observatory to continue its scientific research and education of weather and climate.

Nearly 250 hikers of all ages and abilities this year will attempt to raise a total of $50,000 to benefit the observatory. Tonight, the Seek the Peak event kicks off at Horsefeathers in North Conway where hikers and their families can meet up with old friends, gather the registration materials and just get psyched for their hikes tomorrow. This year each hiker will receive a goodie bag worth over 150 dollars in items from well known sponsors. In addition to the goodie bags, the chances to win grand prizes are available as well. There is a “his and her” mountain bike package including two Acadia Cruiser bikes, helmets and accessory packs from L.L. Bean. Another major grand prize includes a winter Edutrip for two on the summit of Mount Washington!

In addition to the great exercise, good company, and great gifts, we will be offering complimentary “behind the scene” tours of the observatory all day. Kyle, Zach, Dan and I all look forward to getting to know the hikers tomorrow and are excited to share a bit about our lives up here! We’ll be excited to hear about the adventures encountered on the hike up.

On that note, please keep an eye on the weather for tomorrow because it is crucial to remain safe and out of harm’s way. The chance of for rain showers and thunderstorms are in the forecast for the entire day tomorrow. With these storms come the chance for nasty high wind gusts above the tree line. Please check conditions before starting out, and keep safety in mind and only attempt what you are comfortable with.

If the weather is too treacherous to hike tomorrow, the festivities in North Conway will be still worth the trek into northern New Hampshire! The after-the-event awards dinner at Great Glen Trails includes a warm and tasty dinner from Hart’s turkey farm as well as live acoustic music from Tom Dean and Tom Yoder.

From the Observatory, we deeply thank all of the hikers who have been willing to donate their time and money to this year’s hike-a-thon. I know I speak for my fellow employees as well when I say this observatory has become close to our hearts throughout our time up here. It means very much to us to have fellow nature lovers, weather-a-holics, and exercise enthusiasts supporting the Observatory. If you are looking for more information about this hike-a-thon, please check out the website at SeekThePeak.org.

Maria Zatko,  Summit Intern