Wind

2008-03-20 21:33:29.000 – Ryan Buckley,  Summit Intern

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Well the winds are picking up as predicted. The wind has already gusted up to 123.4 MPH and the peak of this storm has not yet come to fruition. As we sit inside, eyes fixed to the Hays Chart, I get the feeling tonight is going to be a long one.

I set up my sleeping bag in the library so that I can be woken up whenever Stacey needs to be accompanied out into the chaotic abyss located just outside the observatory door. All my gear is laid out in an organized way in order to make it easy for me to roll out of my sleeping bag and jump into my clothing. My head lamp, goggles, gloves, balaclava, green wool hat, down jacket, hard shell jacket, ski pants, gaiters and boots are all part of my armor I wear when I go out into these extreme conditions. Crampons at the ready with complementary ice axe for a 100 yard walk that will take more energy than a 5 mile run. Though all those tools are important the most important part of surviving the high winds is keeping your cool. The second that you start to lose your cool, suddenly you have lost all sense of direction, your heart starts to race and the direction that your mind decides to charge is the wrong one.

Now I am going to gaze back off into the hypnotic eye of the Hays Chart; have a great night everyone.

Ryan Buckley,  Summit Intern