Volunteering

2012-01-03 23:12:56.000 – Ed O’Malley,  Summit Volunteer

Sunset

I arrived at the Mt. Washington Observatory for the first time in late October 2007. That was my first time on Mt. Washington, and also my first volunteer week here at the Observatory. Until May 2007, my only knowledge of Mt. Washington was of its reputation for extreme weather, and the occasional sighting of a ‘This Car Climbed Mount Washington’ bumper sticker. At that time, something in the media brought the Observatory to my attention, and led me to apply to volunteer at the summit. I have always enjoyed the winter in particular, and weather in general, so it seemed like the perfect opportunity.

Just over four years later, I am nearing the end of my most recent volunteer week on the summit, which included New Year’s Eve.

My volunteer weeks on the summit have brought me many unique opportunities, including friendships, stories, pictures, and memories. I enjoy my time here, including the opportunity to help the Observatory, experience the extreme weather, and to see all that Mt. Washington has to offer.

As some of you may know, I always take a lot of pictures during my volunteer weeks, and share them with family, friends, and the Observatory itself.

Until last year, my family and friends had only had the opportunity to visit Mt. Washington through my pictures, videos, and stories. Luckily, in Seek the Peak 2010, I won the opportunity spend a night at the Observatory with five friends. As it worked out, four friends and I availed ourselves of this opportunity last February. Mount Washington performed admirably, as usual, and my friends were able to experience classic wintry summit weather.

As always, I took plenty of pictures, but more importantly, each of us came away with some great stories and memories! In April of this year, I will have an opportunity to share another winter Mt. Washington overnight with a few of my family and friends, and this time, I hope that my sister and brother-in-law will be along for the ride.

If you want to visit the Observatory, at any time of year, either as a guest or volunteer, please be sure to explore the Observatory website – there are lots of opportunities!

Meanwhile, you can see Mt. Washington for yourself, through the many pictures that I have taken during my volunteer weeks here at the Observatory. I will be home soon, and will post the newest pictures then.

Ed O’Malley,  Summit Volunteer