Mount Washington Observatory (MWOBS) Seek the Peak’s 25th Anniversary did not disappoint.
Over 500 people laced up their boots & joined this event!
Your Trail, Your Hike!
Goals - to set them and work towards achieving them
My small part of a collective that works
tirelessly to ensure the future success of MWOBS
But …
This gal is truly thankful for those who were able to donate because in all honesty it’s a collective of everyone who came out that day not only in the form of monetary support but also those who invested time behind the scenes & on the front lines ensuring the festivities at the pre & post hike gatherings went smoothly.
This gal is truly thankful for those who were able to donate because in all honesty it’s a collective of everyone who came out that day not only in the form of monetary support but also those who invested time behind the scenes & on the front lines ensuring the festivities at the pre & post hike gatherings went smoothly.
Let's get this started!
Peter - every time I see him he is smiling
Tours of the MWOBS observatory are always fun as the staff, interns, volunteers & stewards share some of the rich history & importance of why we come together for this non-profit.
Even if you've toured behind the scene before
it's worth the stop & cookies to listen intently
while they share elements of the rich history of MWOBS
The weather Saturday as folks took to the trails that surround Mt. Washington & summits in the White Mountain region was LOVELY!
Steph & I soaking in the beautiful day as we hike over Lion Head
Seriously, that dance so many of us did as the unsettled weather from days prior was forcefully pushed out of the area two nights before left us standing with our backpacks, some opting to start well before sunrise while most chose as the sun rose higher; in awe of how lucky we were to have Mother Nature grace us with a day of splendor on a mountain that is world renowned for intensity like none other.
The breeze was gentle as a few clouds billowed at the Après Expo while peeps enjoyed tasty vittles in BBQ flavor, beverages were sipped, ice cream savored, post hike stories recorded, vendor swag shared, music setting an already gleeful mood, raffled items had us drooling & then … it was over.
To hike is one thing but to hike for a purpose is an
entirely different vibe while out seeking Mr. 6,288
Sad but not really …
The hype leading up to an auspicious event such as Seek the Peak’s quarter century mark that MWOBS hosted while we keenly watched the graph in the shape of a thermometer was no small feat but they did it … errr rather nope … WE DID IT!
My role, like several others, Stewards of Trails, Trail Stewards, Stewards, people like you but charged with a cause we were each tasked with helping share the story of Seek the Peak & what MWOBS represents now, in her rich past & looking forward into the future along with hiker safety and a plethora of ideas we infused weeks ago leading up to this momentous day.
MWOBS spoiled us, all of us peak seekers, like honored guests as we toured her observatory, noshed on grand sized cookies as we listened to the who, what, why, when & how by lifetime volunteers & summer interns.
To the tower!
“Do we want to go up?” such a silly question stripping off our packs as we ditched them quick, fast & in a hurry.
Well not really but it was fun to say anyway as that weight of my essentials were left behind for a moment of glory as I stood on top of the world with a grin that could be seen by those setting up in the valley below.
Yup, you feel alive in so many moments in life but that spiral climb up to the ladder that leads you back outside is a special set of stairs of which dreamy dreams are made of.
Yup, you feel alive in so many moments in life but that spiral climb up to the ladder that leads you back outside is a special set of stairs of which dreamy dreams are made of.
IYKYK
On top of the world!
It doesn't go without saying so I'll say it again ...
THANK YOU to those who could donate,
those who volunteered & those who cheered!
While in the weather station I picked up the latest WindSwept
There is a picture of me in my Seek the Peak Minus33 socks
as I headed up Tuckerman two years ago
We are not a singular but a tiny sliver, a piece of something much bigger & that voice isn’t tepid but waiting for the right moment to express love & joy of being a part of history.
Finding the words that sometimes evade is ok.
I don’t necessarily have that problem, as a loquacious gal they often spill freely like gusts of wind slamming into Mt. Washington.
They are blustery at times I know.
They are cascading like a sweet undercast at times as well.
They are electric like the thunder just before the flash of lightening.
They are soft like fluffy clouds being chased by a rainbow.
They are dark & scary with clarity on the horizon.
They are anything but empty on a foggy morning.
They are uplifting as they are read seeping into your brain.
They are shades of blue with edges of golden sun filled rays.
They are frozen in theme using nature as my muse allowing your heart to melt & cause pause.
They are mine that I freely share with each of you.
I’m not here to make up a good story, not really, but rather my quest is to continue the pages that have yet to be written.
Being a steward this second time for MWOBS I searched for more ways to explore as word of this place atop Mr. 6,288 was shared through me.
I learned more history reading about the founders, those who had, at the time, a puurhaps insane future vision, the grit to conquer & establish what we know today as the observatory that was to be the home of cats we all love.
It’s not just the weather they set out to conquer but to be in a rock solid place with years upon years upon … pushing 100 years we are … of data collection those in science, weather geeks, educators, lay person adventurers (like me) welcome & embrace.
THIS IS WHY!!
Up atop Mr. 6,288 I’ve been pushed around willingly by the invisible wind cresting hurricane force over the observatory wall as we tried our best at standing tall (& still) during our week of volunteering last summer & look forward to what she’s got in store this September as we’ll return once more.
Today the winds were almost null & the visibility offered
layers & layers of mountains to gaze at
Did you happen to see the number
under gusts in 24-hour data ... 50 MPH!!
Karl Philippoff (Weather Observer & Research/IT Specialist)
Ellen Estabrook (Communications Manager), my amazing go-to
for everything stewards needed during Seek the Peak
Insert picture with Wendy Almeida here ... oh drats I forgot to get one but I still can hear her laughter while greeting & chatting with folks during the kick-off and at the expo; I got a hug so that'll have to do!
Kelly & Kally back together again (Kelly was paired with me last summer while I volunteered in the gift shop & my sounding ear as we prepared meals for the staff)
My journey through life has taken twist & turns, those years way back in my early 20’s when my romance with mountains I’d not fully recognized would deliver me to the tower of this iconic observatory.
Lakes of the Clouds Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) hut
Sharing myself with a non-profit is a choice not taken lightly not unlike the essential gear we carry in our packs as we explore remote places both known & those that are new; always, always, always, be prepared.
Spending the beautiful day hiking up Lion Head & traversing back down Tuckerman with a crew from Minus33 dawning our Seek the Peak 25th anniversary wool socks & t-shirts that read “Ask Me About My Wool” was trippy fun.
Go ahead ... ask
We’d chatter with fellow peak seekers along our route & at the summit in line for our tour and pictures at various spots; did you get one at the famous water spigot? I did!
“What’s the scoop with your wool?” one might ask for which my reply would be, as I pointed to various parts upon thee, “my toes are covered, my bum is too, my shirt of of merino wool” then I’d proceed to share that while overlanding I practically live in their gear, trusting it 100% as we explore roads of dirt, areas less known, ice fishing, kayaking, biking … they quickly got the picture as I shared a unique Seek the Peak discount code.
Steph & I met two years ago during my first Seek the Peak
event & decided to pair up again this year a
few days prior to our, what would have been, solo hikes
With splash of pizazz we stated back down Tucks, surprised the falls wasn’t with more water with the rain events in recent days but what do I know other than it was still super pretty.
Flora that was blooming beautifully
in what can be such a harsh environment
Looking out with Wildcat ski area in the distance
With keen eyes one in our hiking party, Gavin, saw a black bear that was running full speed down near the bottom of the ravine.
As it ran into the woods we wondered if it was a baby or just looked smallish because of our still high elevation.
The line descending was reminiscent of a conga dance, each taking steps in rhythm as we danced our way back to Pinkham … the real party was soon to get started on the field below adjacent to the start of the auto road.
It takes patience to navigate this section
& with all of the seekers it took a bit more as
we each needed to navigate safely & without haste
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they accomplished on this absolutely stellar of a day!
Back at my car I cleaned up only slightly removing my boots that fit like Cinderella’s slippers for its the thing we always do before we trail gate post hike & this was to he a spectacular venue.
Almost done.
Just a short drive between where my day began, in the coolness of the early morning glow to now as it was warm enough to stay in my hiking attire as I snarfled BBQ, sipped a cider, savored wild Maine blueberry ice cream & chatted with fellow ongoer’s and vendors until it was time to go.
Sue joined me on my very first 4,000 footer hike in 2011
As they say, "the rest is history"
Back home I started to layout some of the goodies received
& STELLA immediately assumed it was fur her
I've got a functional idea I'm noodling for my
25th Anniversary Seek the Peak trail sign
There’s a few saying that ring between my ears:
“there’s always next time”
“can’t wait until next year”
“wait until you can’t”
“the mountains will be there”
They are all true but what is a hard truth is that without each of you & your generosity the Mount Washington Observatory (MWOBS) would no longer exist.
So…
In the end, I’ve got two things left to say to you.
1) As luck would have it if you missed the opportunity to donate I’ve got good news … we’re keeping the link open for a bit longer for stragglers who believe in a good cause like this gal does.
Here is the link:
https://secure.qgiv.com/event/seekthepeak2025/account/1995141/
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#AdventurewithKalSeekthePeak
2) My most sincere, heart felt thank you for reading these words, watching my seemingly endless reels & social media posts as I tried my best to spread the word about all the elements encapsulated in the 25th Anniversary of Mount Washington Observatory’s Seek the Peak.
#AdventurewithKal
#SeekthePeak25
#STPSteward
P.S. for those of you who've not yet read it or would to read it again here is what I crafted after my first Seek the Peak:
Ode to 6,288
Highest recorded wind gusts of 231 MPH & coldest wind chill a mere minus 109 degrees.
A pile of rocks, harshness you emit, not fable, urban legend or folk lore.
Visitors arrive galore via foot paths, your twisted roadway or even rail.
No matter the vessel it’s a challenging assent upwards as we scramble, ride or climb.
Met with bluebird skies or snowflakes, sideways rain or “just” gusty winds, rime ice is beautiful but make haste & heed warnings.
In awe of your epic views clear days display, layers of mountainous terrain whilst others remain socked in, sleet & treacherous weather that completely ruin a day.
Higher-summit forecast, a reality sets in, perhaps we should turn back, not go further for danger is ahead & trail-gate instead.
This destination, an epic journey, peeps in line wanting pictures at the top.
Oodles of memories, they’ll last for my lifeline for I’ve known your glory Mr. 6,288.
I’ve shook your hand, stood at that sign, proclaiming I have arrived, a guest for only a short period of time.
Ammonoosuc a fun jaunt, Lions Head the steepest way up, Jewel’s a gem, the epic Presidential Traverse & even the auto road for which I “ran” once upon a time!
Sweeping across the White Mountain National Forest I proclaim this gal is in fact joining “Seek the Peak” yet again this year.
Tuckerman Ravine for charity the winds howl my name.
Irresistible, rugged & strong. Yet your alpine zone remains fragile to even that one footstep that didn’t belong.
Shhh … I’ve got a secret. Nimbus, the kitty of the MWOBS is the real reason I’m returning.
Purrhaps he’ll allow a scratch behind his ear?
No doubt, if I were to lay down my snuggly Minus33 gear Nimbus would climb onto it & making of biscuits would quickly commence, his eyes slowly closing as a kitty nap would commence.
If you won’t press the donate button for me purrhaps you’ll choose to donate for the kitty named after a cloud formation.
Caturday, I make my ascent to where Nimbus calls home, on the mountain of the world’s worst weather elements!
See you at 6,288❣️
