Shoveling

2010-01-31 14:42:56.000 – Nick Lovejoy,  Summit Intern

Wolf Moon

Shoveling is my favorite intern responsibility.

Don’t get me wrong there are many activities which I love taking part in up here at the Observatory, but shoveling has recently been near the top of the list. After I wake up in the wee hours of the morning, I’ll pull on some snow pants, get a few warm layers, strap up my boots, and head out the door. I like to shovel with a ‘Top Down’ approach, where I’ll start in the tower, move down to the Observatory deck, then shovel the emergency exits, and finally the front entrance.

This may sound like a lot of work to some, but for me, it’s a great way to start out my day. Getting outside and really feeling the weather in the mornings always gives me an idea of what’s in store for the day. It’s also quite amazing how the summit can get only a tenth of an inch of snow, but if the winds are just right, that little bit of snow can blow into gargantuan drifts, usually right where I need to shovel.

Recently it has been quite cold. These low temperatures coupled with some decent winds have made for interesting shoveling. I can’t wait to see what tomorrow morning has in store for me.

Nick Lovejoy,  Summit Intern