Volunteer comment

2011-03-22 17:41:15.000 – John Bauhs,  Summit Volunteer

Hark! Is that a lenticular I see!

A mountain is largely rock, stone, and soil. Although life exists upon it, weather is influenced by it and people are inspired due to it’s vistas and the joy it brings. However, the mountain itself does not have a soul, a conscience or a memory.

Mount Washington provides gifts that are as variable as the ever-changing weather. From 100+ mile visibility to riming conditions that are so fierce that you can’t see your buddy five feet in front of you. Winds as calm as 3 to 5 miles an hour with bright sun lull you into thinking that the peace and quiet will last forever…then a strong storm with gusts as high as 122 mph really change your perspective. The beauty of the alpine environment takes your breath away whenever you see a stunning sunrise or a phenomenon such as a sun pillar.

For me, Mount Washington represents people; the human experience of working closely with a small group of dedicated weather observers. It also represents the enthusiasm shown by visitors who, for the first time, experience winter conditions on the “rockpile”. Many thanks to my friend and co-volunteer, Ed O’Malley for a great week and to Brian, Ryan, Mike, and Rebecca for allowing us into your mountain home to enjoy a week on the summit.

If you’d like to investigate possibly volunteering on the summit of Mount Washington, go to this link. Maybe one day you, too, will spend a week at the “Home Of The World’s Worst Weather”.

John Bauhs,  Summit Volunteer