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

[KathyC]

Beautiful night shot, I just love all the stars that you see up there...

Great close ups of Marty...

I want some of those shrimp please and the pies that are in the observer comments...

[CHRIS]

Amazing night shots. Love the Marty close up. Keep them coming.

[Snow Miser]

Very nice photos to wrap up your week!!! I agree with Kathy, the night shots are beautiful. And the close up of Marty - precious!

[KD Talbot]

As you are probably aware, yesterday was National Pie Day. Not Pi, Pie! So, what to do after the rain and fog overtook the summit? Have a pie bake-off!

After a supper that consisted of entries of Beef Taco Pie and Chicken Taco Pie created by my partner and I, we got down to business.



Sarah Long, weatherperson of Channel 23 in Portland was last year's champ. This year she had a great shot at keeping her title with her Banana Whoopie pie entry!

Observer Brian Clark had a superb entry with his Boston Cream Pie.

Operation Assistant Rebecca Scholand also had a strong chance at toppling the champ with her entry, a Lime Meringue Pie.



For some impartial judges we looked next door to the State Park folks who were up for their shift. Bill and Jim came over and sampled each. Bill was blindfolded to focus his taste senses, (and add to the overall comedy!)

With comments like: "The banana flavor assaults the senses!" and, " Floating on a cloud of creamy goodness!" the contest was an uproarious success!



In the end Rebecca's Lime Meringue Pie was the winner! Great food and great fun!



KDT

[KD Talbot]

Slow day, unless you're rime ice...







KDT

[Snow Miser]

Rime ice is one of nature's most beautiful creations!

[Charlie]

very nice pictures Kevin looks like you had a good time

[KathyC]

Kevin, I really enjoyed reading your OBS Comments..

[KD Talbot]

Ummm, yes. Not sure who labeled the picture, but it is NOT a sunset. It is a night shot of the faint aurora and glow of distant cities...

KDT

[KD Talbot]

Some of the Characters

From the Observer Comments Section of the Mount Washington Observatory Website:

I look forward to these weeks on the summit with the same anticipation I looked forward to each Christmas as a child. As I drive north to meet the crew at the base of the Auto Road my heart quickens and I feel the same excitement a trip to see Santa would bring. As we meet and begin to load the tractor for the ride to the top I am filled with the same wonderment I felt nearly half a century ago as I rushed down the stairs on Christmas morning. I have lost track in my mind how many times I have actually done this now, but my heart remembers each trip, and reminds me that every time it is a unique and wonderful experience. This trip has been no different.


Marty


Our Ride is Here


Cool Ride

We came up the long, winding road on a crystal clear day. There were new people to meet, and old friends and acquaintances to greet. Since arriving I have been witness to sunsets beautiful beyond words, a stunning under-cast sunrise, a myriad of brilliant stars in an ink-black sky, a faint aurora above the glow of distant cities, and with all of this the near constant roar of the wind and vast array of water properties it can bring to the summit. This past Sunday brought a Bluebird Day to the summit along with a number of hiking friends I was lucky enough to get outside to see. Scenes like this make the hard work of feeding and cleaning up after groups as large as Saturday night's seventeen for supper and Sunday morning's breakfast for the same group seem a trifle compared to the beauty that envelopes me while I stand gazing out into the first light of an approaching dawn or the deep magenta clouds in the dwindling twilight.


At the Start of Our Descent


Mounts Adams and Madison in the Clouds


A Glance Back

Through it all I have had a near constant companion in my partner Paul Goundrey, without whom I would be somewhat overwhelmed. While I have gone about planning most of the main courses, he has complemented them with excellent side dishes and delicious desserts. Before last Thursday we had never met, but we now have a bond that will continue long past this week. If nothing else, these trips make you feel a kinship to the people and place that make up the Mount Washington Observatory, and indeed, the mountain itself. I will cherish these trips as long as I live just as I cherish those Christmas mornings so long ago. Thank you Mount Washington for making me a welcome guest!


Usually Buried Deep in Snow


Mounts Adams and Madison


Good-Bye for Now Mount Washington

Kevin Talbot – Summit Volunteer