Mount Washington Observatory Summit Volunteer 1/19-25/12/11

Once again I have the privilege of being a volunteer for the Mount Washington Observatory. I've actually lost track of how many times I've been up to do this now, but I wouldn't say I was a veteran, more of an intermediate. I've been paired with another volunteer again and for the next 7 days we'll cook and clean here at the Obs for the crew and some occasional guests. Our trip here was delayed by a day. A normal shift change day is Wednesday for the crew and volunteers, but this Tuesday night a cold front moved in and brought with it plummeting temperatures, low visibility and steady winds above the century mark which made a snow tractor ride to the summit impossible. The peak wind gust was 129mph Tuesday night into Wednesday morning, but Thursday morning broke bright and clear, and although still pretty cold, nothing like the wind-chills which forced last weeks crew to stay an extra day on the summit.


Our Destination


Home for the Next Seven Days


View West to Franconia Ridge


Southwest to Mount Carrigain, The Osceolas and the Hancocks


Looking Down the Long Arm of the Southern Presidentials


Toasty

KDT

I'm so jealous! Do you get to post one of the observer updates on the site? How's the internet connection up there? They just installed a new land line recently if I'm not mistaken. What do you do on a daily basis?

@ Jacob

The volunteer program is open to all members of the Obs:

http://www.mountwashington.org/about/volunteer/

The daily duties consist mainly of cooking and cleaning for the crew, usually 4 but sometimes more, and for visitors to the summit. They have a program known as Edutrips that can bring up to 10 extra folks to the summit for a night. So, it is possible you could be cooking for up to 16 people on some nights. You are generally paired with a partner to help, but I sometimes have worked alone including 2 Thanksgivings. It is common practice for new volunteers to work a summer shift before being allowed to do a winter shift.

This week we have no Edutrips, but we have a climbing group coming up Saturday and leaving Sunday, and also what is known as a VIP trip that will come up for the day that we will serve lunch.

Usually the last comment of the shift is written by the volunteers.

The internet connection is great!

A Few More From Today


Sun Disappears Behind the Clouds


Clouds Move Over the Northern Presidentials


Clouds Swallow the Southern Presidentials


My Partner Made Curry Chicken w/Peppers, Onions and Mushrooms for Supper Tomorrow I'll Cook

KDT

Kevin said:

. this Tuesday night a cold front moved in and brought with it plummeting temperatures, low visibility and steady winds above the century mark which made a snow tractor ride to the summit impossible. The peak wind gust was 129mph Tuesday night into Wednesday morning,

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and what was the temperature and wind chill?

"impossible for a snow tractor" OMG

@ Little Rickie

Conditions at 8am Wednesday morning when we would have been loading the tractor to make the ascent were:

25*@ the base of the auto road and 3* at the summit. The summit had sustained winds at 80mph for a -32* windchill.

The real factor was blowing snow and heavy fog which made visibility beyond the plow on the tractor 0'. Tough driving conditions! 8 )

KDT

Friday on the Summit

We spent most of the day inside as conditions outside were mostly blowing snow and fog. I had a good talk with Guy from State Park, then with Mike. Somehow Chris made it up with Dan in the Bombardier so they could change shifts despite 60mph winds and poor visibility.

Around 4pm there was some occasional clearing, so Paul my partner ventured back outside to watch the sun sink below the clouds in the west. This afternoon was pretty high up in the category of beautiful nature scenes I have witnessed. We stood surrounded in orange glowing fog as 65mph winds whipped snow across the summit. Paul went back in after a little while, but I managed to stay out for 45 minutes trying to shoot pictures as the wind buffeted me around. Wind chills were in the -40 range.


State Park Has a Quick Conference Before Heading Down


Boott Spur


Undercast Sunset From Goofer Point 1


Undercast Sunset From Goofer Point 2


Stage Office


Summit Shot


Clearing Ice From the Instruments in 70mph Winds


I Cooked Brown Sugar Bourbon Steak Tips for Supper Tonight

KDT

This is why I come...


Cranberry/Walnut Scones for Tomorrow's Breakfast


Valley Fog Below Nelson Crag


Mount Adams


Tonight's Sunset from Goofer Point


Southern Presi Alpenglow


Last Light on the Carters, Wildcats and Baldies


Taking it In


Night-Night!

KDT

Getting any Northern Lights there tonight???? They're expected, and have been seen from Rumney and Conway.

Aurora

We're looking forward with fingers crossed! Forecast has dropped from a 5 to a 2, though. Think I'll go look...

KDT

Wow ...great shots ...so jealous.....have a great week.

Amazing images Kevin! Hope those scones were even 1/2 as good as they sounded. Enjoy the rest of your week and keep those pictures coming!!

That is one serious Wolf Range!

I remember a big article on the installation of that new stove, but can't find it on the Obs website anywhere. Anyone know where it is?

Your post is outstanding. Beautiful pics.
Next best thing to being there. Thanks for sharing!

I have always wanted to do this!

P.S. My family thinks I am nuts.

Range, etc.

Una-I had to stop and think for a second, the Wolf Range, isn't that in Montana? OH! The Wolf Range! Yes, it is awesome! 6 burners and huge oven!

Michael- I asked and then searched, but couldn't find the article either.

Maddy- Thank you!

Mark- Like they say @ Nike- Just do it!

KDT

Sunday on the Summit

Seventeen for breakfast, then they were off to hike back down to Pinkham. Paul and Brian went out for a turn on the Eastern Snowfields during the break. When they came back in they told me I had some friends outside. I went out to find Mike C, Marty, Jason B and Paradox, awesome! They hiked up Ammo and bagged Monroe, Washington and Jefferson today! At lunch time we had a group of VIP's on the summit that came up with outreach folks from the MWO, so ten for lunch. Tonight we have 2 extra guests, Sarah Long, weather person for channel 13 in Portland and her cameraman, Dave, so eight for supper.


Mah-tay!


Heading to the Eastern Snowfields!


Marty, Paradox, Jason B and Mike C


Another Sunset from Goofer Point


The Green Spine at Sunset


You May Have Seen Something Similar Recently 8)


Mojito Lime Shrimp for Supper!

KDT

Hey Kevin,
Great seeing you yesterday in your Teva sandals on the summit What a day! Will be in touch as we discussed.

What a motley crew Paradox, Jason, Mike and I were

Best regards,
Marty

marty said:

What a motley crew Paradox, Jason, Mike and I were

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But you were awesome on bass!

Good to meet you up there Kevin. Looks like you are cooking up a storm.