Summer Coming
2009-04-30 10:58:08.000 – Steve Welsh, IT Observer
My first sighting of a Cog train this year.
I haven’t been on the summit for three weeks having missed last shift due to a vacation break. Things have certainly changed during this time. When I was last up here it was still mostly winter with crampons needed when venturing outside. The summit cone and surrounding peaks were still covered in snow and ice and the wind still had a bite to it.
Yesterday, thanks to the recent mild weather, we managed to make it all the way up the auto road in our truck and van for the first time this year. It wasn’t easy going though with several ditches (water bars) to cross and some icy patches that, even with chains and 4-wheel drive, had us all wondering if we’d make it. The snow has pretty much gone from the lower elevations now and even the summit is starting to look very bare.
This morning the mild conditions continue and, while outside observing the weather, I saw my first Cog train of the season on a special maintenance run. In the accompanying photo you can see the train stopped between us and Mt Clay while workers inspect the track. Looks like summer is coming.
Steve Welsh, IT Observer
From Mountains to More Mountains
From Mountains to More Mountains: This Time with Stronger Winds By Alyssa Bélanger On the observation deck in high winds. Hello there! My name is Alyssa Bélanger and I am a fall
From Summit to Sign-Off: My Farewell to the Rockpile
From Summit to Sign-Off: My Farewell to the Rockpile By Amy Cotter Enjoying my last Mount Washington sunset (for now) on September 13, 2025. After two incredible years with the Mount Washington
Trail Report: Seek the Peak Hikes 16 and 17!
Trail Report: Seek the Peak Hikes 16 and 17! By Chris Nichols September 22, 2025 – Summit 16 of 17 A chilly morning turned into a spectacular day on Mount Washington. The thermostat in