Observer Comments Written to Santa

[Santa]

Dear Ryan,

As you suspected I DID check your website this morning, even before checking my naughty and nice list. I was happy to see that you wrote to me, and in fact, had been concerned that I did not receive a letter from you sooner (though I realize it is hard to mail anything at 6,288 feet, in the middle of winter)! Clearly the post office didn't have Mount Washington weather in mind when they came up with their motto!

Regarding naughty and nice, initially, I was worried when I saw you and Brian fighting, but then I realized it was just to put on a good show for the members.! For a moment, I thought I might have to put the two of you on the "naughty" list!

We'll see what my elves and I can do about your Christmas list... As you know, it is quite difficult to get to the summit in the winter, even with flying reindeer! If it is not too much to ask, a landing zone or runway marked out on the observation deck, and some magic oats for the reindeer, would be ideal!

See you soon!

Merry Christmas!

Ho! Ho! Ho!

Santa

P.S. If you see any bad weather on Christmas Eve, be sure to let me know!

[spyboy]

Santa,

How do you de-ice the reindeer?

Kirk

[Mike D]

Santa,

How do you de-ice the reindeer?

Kirk

Not with a crowbar I hope!

[Brad]

Maybe Santa has a heated skirt?

[Mike D]

Maybe Santa has a heated skirt?

Only in Scotland.

[Santa]

Just like technology helps the observatory, things have come a long way since the old days for me too! It used to be that I had to make do with fur robes, fur lined mittens, and the like.

Now, I've found that layering works best - long underwear, fleece, down, and Goretex - much like the observers wear - all play a role. My current suit actually consists of a a Goretex shell, with a fleece lining (custom made by L. L. Bean of course!) - the fake fur trim is just to keep up appearances.

Regarding the reindeer, we avoid icing problems by flying low in the rural areas - the sleigh now has terrain-following radar, and a FLIR camera! In populated areas we do have to fly higher, and do have to worry about icing. I have a heated lab robe and boots (electric), and the reindeer have electrically heated vests. We generate electricity using wind turbines, and the high speed allows them to produce enough power to keep themselves de-iced, and to keep us warm (unliked the unsuccessful wind turbine experiments at the summit). At lower altitudes (where we might be seen) the reindeer take off their vests, so that no one learns our secrets!

Kirk, you're sliding down my list towards "naughty." Shape up! Brad and Mike, keep up the good work!

Have a Merry Christmas, and for those of you on the summit, watch out for low flying reindeer!

Santa

[Bill O]

Only in Scotland.

That might be the best joke I've heard all year.

[Charlie]

Santa is it possible to bring Steve in FL a little snow when your down there [ about 3ft on his lawn will work ]

[Santa]

Perhaps if Steve truly believes in me... At Christmas time, miracles do happen...

[Borat S]

Jagshemash.

Instead of netflix dvd Christmas I think we buy more shovels for summit crew.

That way they are strong like famous Kazakh weight lifter Bakhyt Akhmetov. After me his is most famous man in all of Kazakhstan. He's nice.

I like you, I like Mountain Washington.