Seven nights & eight days was our length of volunteer days atop Mount Washington assisting the staff at the Observatory (MWOBS).
Eric & Nimbus sharing a moment in the well stocked kitchen
After dinner a few of us headed outside to see if we'd be able to catch a sunset. Instead is this neat image of the MWOBS tower in the seemingly constant cloud cover
MWOBS gift shop proceeds support the work of this non-profit. Of course, anyone who knows this gal wouldn’t be surprised that the soft & snuggly Nimbus plush animal was my favorite item sold. I’d ask “do you want me to remove his tag?”
Working at the MWOBS gift shop by day and
Education has been an integral part of the Observatory’s mission since its founding in 1932. That spirit of exploration lives on along with the quest for shared learning.
Impressive is an understatement. The emotion I felt was like the first time I saw an undercast, truly magnificent. Done with this extraordinary experience, I headed back to the safety of the structure engineered to withstand 300 MPH winds offering security as the living quarters are essentially underground. I was pushed invisibly towards the door, happy to see Nimbus snuggled into his blanket on the couch.
From: Kally & Eric
Life is a tapestry of events, moments stitched together, interlaced with people you meet along the way.
In summary, I believe there’s no time to waste in giving thanks & giving of yourself fully to a cause you love. A lifetime pursuit, sowed in the seeds of the principal non sibi, I thank you for investing your time in reading this, a recount of a week we’ll recall fondly as this experience has left an indelible mark sharpening my commitment and values.
Eric & I enjoying the nearly 70 MPH winds as they
crashed over the wall like an invisible wave
But it didn’t start there, ‘twas a year ago when I hiked Mr. 6,288 with the Minus33 team during the 23rd Seek the Peak as a brand ambassador. While touring the observatory, I asked about becoming a volunteer.
The application was submitted for both my husband, Eric, and I. When we retired early three years ago we both wanted to dedicate ourselves to non-profits; MWOBS' mission is exactly what we were searching for to invest ourselves a bit more.
All loaded into the MWOBS van for our ride to the top!
Interestingly, our week volunteering coincided with the 24th annual Seek the Peak; which I became more engaged as a Steward. Over several weeks, I created whimsical posts for social media on serious subjects related to the weather, hiking preparation, trails and trials, forecasts, the strong draw of nature that we immerse ourselves, challenging ourselves and my very own Ode to Mr. 6,288 in hopes of brining together a community and financial support of the Mount Washington Observatory (MWOBS) via their largest fundraising campaign.
Our ride to the summit just a few days after hiking up Lion Head with my sista’ as we both raised money for this non-profit organization I’ve relied upon for years; the higher-summit forecast an absolute must, for in it this hiker gal trusts.
Little ol' me as one of the
2024 Seek the Peak Stewards.
I fell short of my fundraising goal of $6,288 but it's ok because you can still donate through the end of August and help me reach for that elevated goal!!
There were plenty of unexpected surprises during our stay. Our week was a whirlwind of volunteer work infused with hurricane force winds, both wet & dry fog, smoke you could taste from the wildfires scorching our earth, glints of a sunset while the clouds refused to let go of the summit denying us viewing of a "plateau-like" overlapping peaks of the Perseid meteor shower as well as hiding the potential for an aurora borealis sighting.
A brief glimpse at a sunset over the Mt Washington summit sign & observatory tower
Smoke from wildfires in Canada and the northwest US took over the summit & horizon
Disappointing it was, knowing as I write this the crew that replaced us had clear skies and saw the Milky Way and stars that were delightful just a night after we left the summit ... next time!!
Since we returned, I've been asked this question a lot "how many hikes did you get to go on?" or "I bet you got to explore the summit and trails each day". The truth of it is, neither is true! Our time there was to directly support the belly of the weather beast we all know as "M- WOBS".
Eric & Nimbus sharing a moment in the well stocked kitchen
Each day was a flurry of activities, tasks & chores that needed to be completed not unlike the weather observers and data scientists that live at the summit for a full week then rotating their shift; a week on and a week off. I’ll admit that sometimes it felt chaotic getting everything done but channeling equanimity it all came together like a puurfect storm of controlled chaos creating a rhythm not unlike Nimbus’ purring contently as he settles for a nap on the latest weather report.
Meal preparation was hungrily important. The freezer, refrigerator & pantry well stocked Eric and I “only” needed to decide what to create.
Eric & I in the MWOBS fully stocked kitchen, this is where a lot of magic happens!
Homemade meatballs with baked ziti, a full holiday meal with homemade pumpkin pie, chicken legs that fell off the bone with a hearty pasta salad laced with veggies galore, pork tenderloins accompanied by oodles of salad greens, a hearty Kal creation minestrone soup that hid spinach among other veggies, Eric’s Pièce de résistance Mexican themed bowls that I dare you to say anyone else’s are better accompanied by the absolute best guacamole made by one of the crew (Karl - please share the recipe), my first ever giant cast iron skillet peach cobbler that didn’t disappoint and while I was sweating a bit during the final moments of my French toast Wolf oven breakfast creation for 17. Would it become bread pudding (insert a few raisins) or a tasty breakfast dish baked at higher elevation served with real maple syrup and sprinkles of powdered sugar, oh how I hoped they’d enjoy!
Nimbus, an expert biscuit maker himself, showing up just in time to help make homemade drop biscuits that’ll be coated in butter, rosemary & cheese
A GIANT peach cobbler heads into the Wolf oven inside a cast iron pan that'll feed 17 hungry MWOBS peeps & teachers
Dirty dishes a few appreciate but alas they must be done so Eric and I took turns at this necessary cleanup. What happened each evening immediately afterwards was planning and prep for the next day's meal, starting early in the day allowed for savory flavors to take hold like a summit ensured in clouds, the boldness & taste bud happiness.
I spent copious amounts of time in the MWOBS gift shop with Kelly; those that week had a treat of duo Kally & Kelly as greeters. We'd ask how they arrived at the summit. "Hey there, did you take the COG or the auto road today?" or "which trail did you hike?" It's pretty easy to spot the difference in ascents by attire, all eager to enter the Extreme Mount Washington weather museum.
Behind the register, cashing out customers I'd ask where they'd traveled from "where is home?" while engaging them with bits of history about the Observatory, shared tails of the cats that lived here before Nimbus did. I'd ask the kids, "do you know what Nimbus' primary job is ... it starts with a M". Faces would light up when they'd answer "MEOW!" I'd giggle, that being the most popular answer but alas it's being a "mouser".
Nimbus & a toy mouse relaxing on the MWOBS couch
This museum brings together aspects of Search and Rescue, Rime Ice, Weather Observers and Big Wind exhibits while delivering the science and excitement of a Mount Washington winter to summer visitors of all ages though high-tech, hands-on self-guided exhibits. When you enter you'll learn how rime ice forms, pilot a snowcat, see how Mount Washington Observatory scientists observe and record infamous conditions along with getting a taste for life in the alpine zone, plus no ice aces are required!
MWOBS gift shop proceeds support the work of this non-profit. Of course, anyone who knows this gal wouldn’t be surprised that the soft & snuggly Nimbus plush animal was my favorite item sold. I’d ask “do you want me to remove his tag?”
Then, as I watched each kid's eyes widen, I would carefully cut off the tag. I'd hand him back over the counter, greeted with eager smiles and adorable “thank you” as they snuggled the soft stuffed Nimbus into their arms.
Vacuuming was fun as rocks of a variety of sizes were left behind brought in by hiking boot treads. “Henry” the hearty vacuum was my BFF most evenings as I spent nights in the museum. For fun, I brought the larger stuffy of Nimbus with me as my lookout while I completed chores wondering if I was not alone in the Extreme Museum among the exhibits.
Working at the MWOBS gift shop by day and
at night, don't your fret I had a stuffed Nimbus keeping guard during my
"Night at the Extreme Museum" duties
Back in the living quarters where the real Nimbus lives along side the interns and full-time MWOBS staff we’d feast as a family sharing stories of our day. Family-style were our meals lovingly created with one night sharing the table that was set for 17 for an EDU trip joined us overnight.
A tasty holiday meal with all of the fixings
Early morning coffee with Nimbus before creating a French toast bake
accompanied by bacon & fruit for 17 peeps
During this EDU trip, eight teachers from across the region learned about how weather and climate affect the natural world, increased their science literacy, and would depart with tools they can use in their classroom sharing the love for environmental science.
As kids, we learn how to make our beds but up here this gal did that for them. Well kind of sorta, as bunks were fitted, more like wrestled with those darn sheets, four bunks to a room they arrived with sleeping bags for our adult sleepover.
Our cozy & comfy bunk room for the week
The living quarters aren’t large so that evening it was truly bustling with lively conversations over tasty vittles followed by a trek to the iconic Mount Washington summit sign.
As I stood there, now my 15th time, I recall each ascent with family and friends, in all seasons. Winter is my all time favorite hike to the summit but then again there was that epic “ALL THE WAY FROM MADISON!” presidential traverse.
Admittedly, I may have cheated a smidge in my latest count. Simply because, most recently I practically rolled out of my bunk, the sign literally only a few steps away from me during my stay. Albeit one morning it was a great challenge, I was warned of the 83 MPH gust we recorded overnight as I headed out alone onto the observation deck. It’s an eerie feeling in the fog as your being crashed upon by invisible waves of immense strength!
The short walk had my mind swirling with intimidation, not a day I'd want to be above tree line but there I was headed for the summit that had no one in line. A rarity, only a few short steps but oooof! what a great experience, on the cusp of hurricane force winds.
Impressive is an understatement. The emotion I felt was like the first time I saw an undercast, truly magnificent. Done with this extraordinary experience, I headed back to the safety of the structure engineered to withstand 300 MPH winds offering security as the living quarters are essentially underground. I was pushed invisibly towards the door, happy to see Nimbus snuggled into his blanket on the couch.
We hit 83 MPH overnight!!
Why does Mount Washington experience such severe weather?
The summit's prominence, its exposure and storm tracks. For over 1,000 miles there are no big mountains UNTIL you reach Mount Washington so there's no stopping the build up with friction from the ground ... until!!
A few days prior, I was standing in the Atlantic Ocean with my sista’ who would be hiking with me during the 24th Annual Seek the Peak event. While salty water crashed at our feet we gleefully splashed at the oncoming chilly cascading waves chatting about the trails we’d share ahead.
My sista', Heather, and I doing our own Sea to Summit during Seek the Peak
The day was soon upon us as we laced up our boots around 2,032 feet, 8.4 miles we’d hike together up and over Lion Head then down Tuckerman Ravine; no small feat! An elevation gain of over 4,200 feet one way awaits!
It was a stunningly gorgeous day to be on the trails! A cool breeze, views that stretched across the layers of mountains nearby and virtually none of that oppressive humidity we'd been coping with recently, thankfully!
“Sistas’ Seeking Mr. 6,288” was our fun team name
Together, we are stronger and I’ll forever be thankful Heather joined me on the day, an adventure with Kal I don’t think she’ll soon forget. The views, the trails, behind the scenes tour of the observatory, and that tired feeling of accomplishment!
Heather headed up to the observatory tower
My turn!!
I did let my sister ascend the observatory tower first since I'd stood here a year ago during Seek the Peak but what a treat to have hiked the 24th Annual Seek the Peak with my sista' they call "GG"
The tower is at 6,311 feet and filled with smiles that can't be beat!!
Team "Sistas' Seeking Mr. 6,288" finding 6,311 instead :~)
Love ya’ all the way to the summit and back!
Ironically, several of my hiking peeps were partaking in the Annual Adaptive Sunrise Ascent while I was volunteering at the summit. I awoke super early that morning, before my daily chores began, to meet them just below mile marker six on the Mount Washington Auto Road. Eagerly, I joined them on the rest of their journey to the summit with Jesse. He relies on adaptive crutches required by a traumatic brain injury (TBI); he's 82 years old and this was his ninth walk up.
My shadow at 6AM as I headed down the auto road to meet my friends who were walking up as part of the Adaptive Sunrise Ascent
Team Remberance
(Jesse, Kristin, Amanda, Suzanne, Amy)
My last morning on the summit, with all of our tasks checked complete, we packed up to leave, the two of us among the several hundred thousand of visitors each year at New Hampshire's most visited museum atop New England's tallest peak for which I call Mr. 6,288!
What would our stay atop Mr. 6,288 be without bringing up a Tuckerman's 6,288?
We enjoyed this our final night together, it's tasty no matter the weather!
This crew of interns, weather observers, research specialist and gift shop gal extraordinaire all made a mark in our hearts as we got to know each of them during this time together in close quarters, A MWOBS family. Your dedication to continuous coverage & weather observations, hosting tours, conducting research, instrument TLC, and simply being down right decent peeps didn't go unnoticed.
To: Ryan, Karl, Francis, Joshua, Jacob & Kelly
From: Kally & Eric
We believe no matter what jet stream your future takes it will be filled with oodles of opportunities for star gazing under dark skies filled with the potential of northern lights, epic storms of data collecting, sunsets that surprise you, a few blustery tails (oops that’s Nimbus’ job) and unlike the summit that’s enshrouded in clouds almost 60% of the year that each of your journeys are bright; be a welcomed microburst in life as you create each of your own legacy’s.
Two summer interns: Joshua & Jacob with Eric & I (be on the lookout for these two cool cats, they'll be a force to be reckoned with during their careers)
Life is a tapestry of events, moments stitched together, interlaced with people you meet along the way.
Tucking myself into my bunk that last night nearing 11PM I felt as though we gave ina way that was unique. I'd never dreamed I would ever have the chance to live for a week at the summit of the highest point in the northeast. It wasn't a cake-walk that's for certain but amid these living quarters I reaffirmed my calling; crating a home for the week deeply rooted in my motherly instinct.
I truly hope that my passion to be kind, do good work & live in harmony with a pinch of grit and cheerfulness left a mark on those whose paths were crossed during the week.
In summary, I believe there’s no time to waste in giving thanks & giving of yourself fully to a cause you love. A lifetime pursuit, sowed in the seeds of the principal non sibi, I thank you for investing your time in reading this, a recount of a week we’ll recall fondly as this experience has left an indelible mark sharpening my commitment and values.
Nimbus' long late afternoon shadow on the one day we had ample sun
Our stay as dedicated volunteers, being a steward for this year's Seek the Peak event promoting recreational safety in the White Mountain National Forest and surrounding region through reliable precise weather forecasting and data during the Observatory's largest annual fundraiser along with being a trusty Nimbus treat dispenser are woven cherished memories that I'm certain wll remain imprinted forever (or furever which ever you puuurer) in my heart and soul. Sure, I know it sounds cliché but it's 100 puuurcent truthful.
Saying tootles to Nimbus
One last thing, indulge me please!
Before you go on your next adventure I highly recommend you ALWAYS utilize their higher summit forecasts before heading into the vast wilderness of our White Mountains, be engaged in their ongoing science in the mountains and become a member of MWOBS.
Eric and I enjoying the top of the MWOBS tower at 6,311 feet in winds that topped
70 MPH during our stay
Also, did you know that you can include MWOBS in your estate planning, through this mechanism you can leave a trace of your legacy; contact the Observatory directly for more information.
The ship door that allows for egress, you must check-out with one of the staff
BEFORE you enter the outside world (check-in also required!)
Nimbus asking if he can go outside
https://youtube.com/shorts/oXFF89LB5IY?si=zn-QueQGlzFKtKE7
Nope, it's not kitty safe outside so back to the couch Nimbus goes
https://youtube.com/shorts/ASqHcJyuZq8?si=RZ5bcCEz7XdtqsbJ
Nimbus going outside
https://youtube.com/shorts/Iki0NqbAQdg?si=7qWeLvhdX_w6iHaj
Nimbus finally was able to venture outside for a little bit
Make sure you join MWOBS for many of their Science in the Mountains year-round virtual learning programs as each month they bring experts from across the fields of weather, climate and beyond directly to you. Be sure to visit https://mountwashington.org/ for more information.
Do you believe in synchronicity? I do!
Our first day back I checked my mail and there it was like a letter from up above. The summer edition of WINDSWEPT staring back at me with an image of an aurora taken from the observation deck; I want to go back!
How apropos!! WINDSWEPT
In science we trust,
Kally Abrams (& Eric too!)
Eric & I our first morning atop the summit of Mount Washington
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