The Next Chapter

2021-08-04 07:16:47.000 – David DeCou, Night Observer

It’s hard to believe that today will be my last shift change as the Night Observer at Mount Washington Observatory. After an extraordinary 17 months of incredible weather and awe-inspiring views, this last week has been a relatively ordinary one. We’ve had days of fog, rain, and gusty winds with a few sunrises and sunsets sprinkled in. We even had a brief taste of winter, with temperatures falling to around freezing combined with sustained hurricane-force winds. I may be experiencing some of these things for the last time on the summit, but what’s important to me is that I’ve lived all these experiences in the first place. After all, my last sunset on the summit isn’t necessarily more special than my 100th and every one in between. I am simply grateful to have been here for them in the first place.

I am grateful for the meteorological experience and skills that I’ve gained here at the Home of the World’s Worst Weather. I am grateful for my wonderful fellow observers, who have taught me so much, and helped make Mount Washington my home over the last year and several months. I want to thank Jay, who was an incredible help acclimating me to night observations and forecasting and instrumentation and quality checks and everything in between, who I was lucky to have worked with on shift when I first arrived. I also want to thank Sam and Nicole for being amazing coworkers and observers to share the summit with during these last few summer months. I won’t forget the nights watching and listening to thunderstorms roll in or the many dinner table conversations or the late mornings up in the weather room after shift. I won’t forget the evening we all rushed outside to enjoy the double-rainbow at sunset, with undercast skies below. I won’t forget the calm early mornings or the frantic late-night ice storms. I also won’t forget how talented you all are at Wii Bowling. In addition to my wonderful coworkers, I also want to thank Becca for being such an incredible and supportive boss during my time working here.  I began working at the Observatory amid shutdowns and uncertainty with the onset of the global Covid-19 pandemic, and Becca was instrumental in getting me settled both in the Valley and on the Summit. Everyone I’ve worked with at the Observatory has had an impact on me in some way or another, and I am grateful for all of you.

By the end of this year, I will be returning to Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station, working as a meteorologist with the US Antarctic Program. It will be quite a jump from one extreme weather environment back to another, and as sad as I am to leave the Observatory, I am very excited to begin the next chapter (hopefully with a more normal sleeping schedule). After all, goodbye is not necessarily goodbye forever, and I would definitely love to visit the summit again. The Mount Washington Observatory is an incredibly special place to live and work, and it has undoubtedly left a place in my heart.

David DeCou, Night Observer

Summit Observer in the Valley: Seek the Peak Edition!

2021-07-27 17:37:42.000 – Jackie Bellefontaine, Weather Observer/Education Specialist

 

Seek the Peak 2021 Adventure Expo in full swing.

 

Fantastic to see the outdoor community come together to support the Mount Washington Observatory! 

  

Jackie Bellefontaine, Weather Observer/Education Specialist

Seek the Peak 2021

2021-07-05 11:25:03.000 – Krissy Fraser, Director of Marketing & Communications

The non-profit Mount Washington Observatory (MWO) announces the gathering of local non-profits that promote safe and responsible outdoor recreation in the state of NH as an important addition to their largest annual fundraiser Seek the Peak – Mount Washington Adventure Expo.

In an expanded event this year, Seek the Peak will culminate Saturday, July 17^th from 12-7pm at the Adventure Expo, taking place at Great Glen Trails Outdoor Center. Included in the expo will be an extensive vendor village supported by anchor sponsors Backpacker Magazine’s Get Out Tour, Eastern Mountain Sports, Oboz Footwear, and Granite Outdoor Alliance.

Each exhibiting vendor will be paired with a local nonprofit organization that helps visitors and all adventure enthusiasts safely and responsibly utilize the region’s outdoor resources. Non-profits will include the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC), White Mountain Trail Collective, Granite Outdoor Alliance, Science on the Fly, Confluence Collective, Trout Unlimited, Protect our Winters, XNH Adventure Trails, NH Outdoor Council, The Access Fund, and Ability Plus. All vendors will have representatives from their booths to answer questions, share their work and even lead clinics. Various topics will include a demonstration from AMC experts on their iNaturalist app, fly fishing demonstrations with Trout Unlimited, and encouragement of advocacy by Protect our Winters to name a few.

“Volunteers with Protect Our Winters are thrilled for the opportunity to be included in this event and to be supporting the work of the observatory,” said POW New England Alliance member Anne Geisler. “As part of our exhibit we will encourage guests to contact their local representatives to support investments in clean energy and protect our public lands. Anyone who takes that action will be entered into a raffle to win a POW Prize Pack.”

The Adventure Expo also includes live music from the Mountain Bear Band and Shark Martin, plus Mount Washington Radio Groups and food trucks Kimberly’s Gluten Free Kitchen, Tin Can Company, and Crescent City Kitchen & KozBar. Participants of Seek the Peak get free entry to the event as part of their fundraising efforts. The event is open to the general public and guests can join the Expo for $10 and kids under age 12 are free. Sorry, no dogs allowed. Visit www.seekthepeak.org to register today.

Happening July 16-17, 2021, Seek the Peak raises a significant portion of the Observatory’s annual budget to support its work in weather observation, education and climate research atop Mount Washington.

All activities will be prepared with COVID protocols in place and CDC guidelines will be followed.

Visit www.mountwashington.org to learn more about the Observatory’s work, how to become a member and other interesting happenings.

Seek the Peak is made possible with support from additional sponsors including The Mt. Washington Auto Road., Martini Northern, First Light, White Mountain Oil, Eastern Slope Inn, Northway Bank, Melcher Prescott Insurance, Settlers Green, Delta Dental and WMWV 93.5.

About Mount Washington Observatory:

Mount Washington Observatory is a private, non-profit, member-supported institution with a mission to advance understanding of the natural systems that create the Earth’s weather and climate. Since 1932, the Observatory has been monitoring the elements from its weather station on the summit of Mount Washington, using this unique site for scientific research and educational outreach. For more information, call (800) 706-0432 or visit MountWashington.org

Krissy Fraser, Director of Marketing & Communications

Cycling the Cross New Hampshire Adventure Trail to Support Seek the Peak

2021-06-14 16:01:13.000 – Marty Basch, Windswept Editor

Spring was being snarky. Outside our Woodsville, NH motel room, the temperature was a wintry 37 degrees.

The Presidential Rail Trail between Whitefield and Gorham showcases the splendor of the northern Presidentials with Mount Washington’s summit towers in view.

Not what you want to see when you’re starting a bicycle trip from the banks of the Connecticut River on the Vermont border, heading east on the 83-mile Cross New Hampshire Adventure Trail (xNHAT) to Bethel, ME.

So we donned multiple layers and gloves to start our late-May two-wheel overnight adventure on a collection of bumpy unpaved rail trails, dirt roads, bike paths and bucolic back roads across northern New Hampshire’s alpine splendor.

But my wife Jan and I knew we’d remove that gear quickly as the MWOBS regional forecast was calling for highs around 70. Even better, there’d be sunshine and a push from tailwinds out of the southwest at about 10 miles per hour.

Jan was all smiles at the Pondicherry viewing platform.

Riding before 7 a.m. from the Nootka Lodge, morning dew glistened, a yellow finch checked us out and a rabbit paid us no mind as we pedaled along the Ammonoosuc Rail Trail and its namesake river.

We’ve completed the trail twice before and thought it a fitting choice for the 21^st Seek the Peak, given the stunning views of the northern Presidentials from the Presidential Rail Trail, the route’s sparkling, scenic leg. The trail is loaded with rail lore and wildlife, as we’ve ridden the PRT countless times on day trips seeing moose, deer, bear, lupine and other wildflowers.

Marianne Borowski created the xNHAT trail. An avid cyclist, she pieced it together from her arsenal of day rides, and officially unveiled it with maps, cue sheets, planning tips, and website (xnhat.org) in 2019. Borowski and other cycling enthusiasts are leading day trips along the multi-use trail on July 16 and 17 as part of Seek the Peak, Mount Washington Observatory’s largest annual fundraiser supporting their work in weather and climate science.

Jan and I threw in new twists for this trip.

Instead of doing it in an unhurried three days, we’d do it in two because Jan now owns a new pedal-assisted electric bike. Tired of me waiting for her and totally ticked off at walking up hills, the bike is a great equalizer. Her full-figured companion is named Zoe.

Jan and Zoe make their way along Israel River Road with its glorious scenery.

So the girls and I were off to a quick start with me on my trusted gravel bike. Jan and Zoe carried their essentials in two panniers including a charger, while I carried my necessities in my two saddlebags. We carried no camping gear as we hoped to overnight at Hub North in Gorham after a long 57-mile day.

Given how biking, hiking, paddling and more are now part of Seek the Peak, and all outdoor recreational pursuits are weather-dependent, we wanted to support MWOBS’ weather station—on the iconic rock pile—by cycling in the glow of the mountain’s impressive heritage.

That first day took us by small White Mountain towns like Bath, with its weathered covered bridge and The Brick Store containing a sweet selection of fudge. In Lisbon, we took a breather on the banks of the Ammonoosuc by its dam, as an angler plied the cold waters. Littleton, with its pedestrian covered bridge, old mills and shops like Littleton Bike and Fitness was the perfect place to shed layers and let the sun work its magic on pale legs.

Now the spotlight shone on Jan and Zoe. Outside of Littleton, the elevation rises sharply along Route 116 to Whitefield on a huge staggered hill that Jan has walked enough. Cycling behind me, she keenly waited until the slow travel lane emerged before rapidly pedaling past me with gloating laughter and a smile wider than Mount Washington’s shadow.

At the top, she waited for me. When I reached her, that smile was still there.

We descended into Whitefield’s Kings Square and sat outside the handsome gazebo eating some PB&Js before venturing into the grocery store for dinner items that included vital miniature boxes of cabernet.

Outside Whitefield, the scenery is striking. Wheel onto Airport Road and be wowed with that majestic alpine wall. Soon enough you’re on the PRT through splendid Pondicherry Wildlife Refuge and notice the uptick in people—cyclists, walkers, birders—all bound for a wooden viewing platform with gorgeous Cherry Pond, Presidential and Pliny Range views.

This is the best part of the trip—the PRT, paved Israel River Road and dirt Valley Road (though it was freshly graded which made for some maddening soft sections). Unfortunately, young Zoe started mouthing off a bit. We finally figured it was some debris caught between her tire and fender. The odometer was also misbehaving, failing to record Jan’s total miles.

But that was behind us upon reaching Hub North (hubnorthnh.com), about a half-mile off the trail. Once a Girl Scout camp, it’s now a property with stylin’ lodge and yurt glamping convenient to mountain bikers, skiers and hikers. We unwound, plugged in Zoe’s battery and slept soundly knowing we had only 26 miles left.

The Cross New Hampshire Adventure Trail coincides with the white-blazed Appalachian Trail briefly on Hogan Road in Shelburne

Marty crosses a bridge in Bethel, ME during the final stretch to the banks of the Androscoggin River in Davis Park.

North Road is a paved road paradise, a shaded roller coaster ride. Jan easily rode ahead, enjoying the forest and field landscape, which leads past under-the-radar hiking trails maintained by the Shelburne Trails Club, and into Maine with its Mahoosuc Land Trust trailheads, one with a radiant flower garden.

Then at a Bethel red fire hydrant, we turned onto a bike path for the final glorious mile to Davis Park along the banks of the Androscoggin.

When I got there, Jan was still beaming.

Marty Basch, Windswept Editor

Marty Basch and his wife Jan are Observatory members, donors and volunteers. Together, they’ve ridden the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route from Canada to Mexico and done a couple of silly spring skiing rides on a tandem pulling a cart with their alpine descending devices. Marty has completed several solo bike tours including cycling from Maine to Alaska, Maine to Georgia, New Brunswick, Canada to Newfoundland and Labrador, and riding near and above the Arctic Circle in Iceland, Norway, Sweden and Finland. An Explorers Club member, he’ll be leading a leisurely hour-long spin at Great Glen Trails during Seek the Peak on July 17. Jan and Marty can’t thank those enough who have donated to their 2021 Seek the Peak adventure along the xNHAT. They look forward to riding the trail together for a fourth time.

Marty Basch, Windswept Editor

Choose Your Adventure for Seek the Peak

2021-06-03 12:16:23.000 – Marty Basch, Windswept Editor

The venerable Seek the Peak is now a multi-sport expo complete with activities like hiking, rock climbing, mountain biking, paddling and more. The beloved event to benefit the science and research work of the Mount Washington Observatory on July 16-17 is now a chance to explore familiar or new pastimes within sight of Mount Washington.

Along with its generous partners and sponsors, Seek the Peak is a valuable opportunity to connect with trusted weather reports, trail information, and local tour operators loaded with knowledge. You can plan your own outing, take a guided option with an Observatory partner based on your STP fundraising level, or use a service of your own finding. The Observatory is even putting together a guidebook for participants.

Join presenting sponsors Great Glen Trails, Eastern Mountain Sports and Oboz on July 17 from noon to 7 p.m. at the foot of Mount Washington as Great Glen Trails Outdoor Center is transformed into a base camp that includes the Mount Washington Adventure Expo with a vendor village, live music and food trucks. Hear from experts from brands like Oboz and Petzl alongside nonprofits like the Access Fund and AbilityPlus.

Scratch hiking Mount Washington or another glorious peak from that bucket list. Or, go climbing or mountain biking. See landscapes from another perspective while paddling. DIY or hire a guide. Attend a clinic.

No matter what you choose, a safe experience starts with Observatory weather forecasts or a resource like North Conway radio station WMWV (93.5 FM).

Eastern Mountain Sports climbing school manager Keith Moon says the Observatory forecasts are an incredibly valuable resource for anyone recreating in the White Mountains.

“There is no better and more accurate product for 24 to 48 hour forecasts for Mount Washington and the surrounding valleys,” he said. “I personally check their forecast before every one of my personal and guided trips. We should count ourselves lucky to have the Observatory at the top of the highest mountain in our region.”

The valley is also lucky to have knowledgeable guides.

Great Glen Trails Outdoor Center events and marketing director Lisa McCoy says insight that a guide brings to outdoor adventure, from rock climbing to kayaking to biking, and even yoga, is invaluable.

“With their fingers on the pulse of activity, guides know the best places to go for specific conditions, and are trained to bring guests the best experience possible,” she said. “This summer, in partnership with the Observatory, we are offering our guided flat-water and whitewater kayak trips as a benefit to those who have raised money for Seek the Peak. It’s a win-win-win!”

Hiking is the backbone of STP. Planning is key. New Hampshire Fish and Game and the White Mountain National Forest have promoted the “hikeSafe Code” to encourage hikers and other backcountry travelers to enjoy their adventures smartly and responsibly.

Even by carrying hiking essentials and being smart by turning back in foul weather and the like, trouble happens. That’s where Fish and Game’s hikeSafe card comes in. Think of it as backcountry insurance with proceeds benefitting the department’s search and rescue fund.

Gladys Brooks Memorial Library Curator Peter Crane, an avid hiker and president of the New Hampshire Outdoor Council, says responsibility for wilderness search and rescue (SAR) in the Granite State belongs to the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, with some involvement also by other state or federal agencies, such as New Hampshire State Parks and the U.S. Forest Service or the New Hampshire Army National Guard.

“These paid professionals are assisted by many unpaid professionals, volunteer members of the several search and rescue teams that serve hikers, climbers, and others in need of emergency help in the state’s mountains and forests,” he said.

Sometimes Observatory staff serve as SAR members. Though no such service is part of the Observatory’s standard mission of weather observation, research, and education, Crane says it is part of being a good neighbor on Mount Washington. When accidents occur near the summit, it’s not unusual for Observatory staff and interns to work with State Park personnel and others in providing a timely response. The snowcat may be used to help in winter too.

“Over the years, several Observatory staff have also joined local SAR teams, so that on their ‘off time’ they are on call to assist in SAR activities, extending the value of lessons they have learned while working at the summit,” he said.

So, what will you do?

Hiking

Crane has a few suggestions for hikes other than Mount Washington like a short trip on the Lost Pond Trail and Square Ledge Trail up Square Notch in Pinkham Notch across from the Appalachian Mountain Club Visitor Center on Route 16. Though there’s a quick scramble, the view of the eastern face of Mount Washington is awesome.

A 6.2-mile Raymond Path loop through the mountain’s forested lower slopes also from the visitor center serves up more of a challenge. Use the wide and rocky Tuckerman Trail before taking a right on the Raymond Path, one of the oldest trails on the mountain that was once a bridle path. Then take Old Jackson Road back.

For a challenge, consider the 10.2-mile lollipop loop to Carter Dome, one of the top ten highest in the state. Start with the 19 Mile Brook Trail, about a mile north of the Glen House on Route 16 and then use Carter Moriah Trail, Carter Dome Trail with its switchbacks and 19-Mile Brook again.

They don’t call New Hampshire the Granite State for nothing and North Conway’s highly visible and massive White Horse and Cathedral Ledges just outside the village have attracted rock climbers for almost 100 years scaling the cliffs more than 500 feet tall. Between the two cliffs there are more than 300 established routes from easy to expert. North Conway has a number of climbing schools.

“The high quality of rock, large variety of route levels and incredibly easy access make these two cliffs classic destinations,” said Moon.

Routes like Standard and Inferno on White Horse and Thin Air and Recompense on Cathedral are well known.

Moon says climbing is a sport where you can start at any age and it’s not uncommon to see climbers well into their 70s.

“We will be offering programming for folks who have been interested in climbing and just want to check it out, to private trips for climbers looking to get on a dream route, polish their skills or become better prepared for self-rescue scenarios,” he said.

EMS, along with other schools, will host a climb and rappel station at Square Ledge in Pinkham Notch.

The plentiful rivers and lakes of the Mount Washington Valley and its surroundings are prime places to paddle surrounded by nature’s bounty.

The Saco River is popular, perhaps overly so, with an easy stretch a short drive from the Observatory’s Administration Offices. Paddle eight miles from First Bridge on River Road in North Conway to Davis Park with its covered bridges.

The experience is heavily dependent on water levels. Local shuttle services and kayak and canoe rentals are available; two vehicles are helpful.

Conway Lake with its Mill Street access is a fine alternative, about eight miles from North Conway.

“Conway Lake is always good for a four-hour paddle,” says Great Glen Trails Outdoor Center program director Nate Harvey. “It’s easy, unless there are huge winds, and pays out big time with swimming and loon sightings.”

For a more secluded paddle travel north from the Great Glen Trails Outdoor Center to the Androscoggin River where osprey and eagle spotting could prove positive. It’s about a 3 or 4-hour float just over the Maine border from Gilead to Bethel. Two cars or shuttle are necessary. Great Glen offers both half-day and full-day guided wildlife kayak tours of that stretch, as well as whitewater kayak clinics on its summer recreational menu.

Mountain biking is enjoying a knobby-tired renaissance with North Conway seeing a multitude of new trails and local spirit. Both the long-standing White Mountains Chapter of the New England Mountain Bike Association and new White Mountain Bike Coalition are instrumental in trail development and maintenance. Download the Trailforks app and choose your ride. One pod loaded with sinuous singletrack for all abilities is the Marshall Conservation Area on West Side Road, a short drive from North Conway. Downhillers like the growing trail grid off Hurricane Mountain Road.

Looking to try lift-served mountain biking? The Cranmore Bike Park opened last summer and offers rentals and lessons.

Another mountain bike club spreading the gospel of dirt is the Gorham-based Coos Cycling Club which oversees a growing network including those found in Moose Brook State Park. Last year the club surprised former Observatory trustee Howie Wemyss after he retired from his role at the Mt. Washington Auto Road and Great Glen Trails by naming an intermediate/advanced trail after him with a play on his name—Howie Roll.

Great Glen Trails is also a mountain biking hub, offering miles of wide carriage roads and narrow singletrack for all skill levels. With a base lodge and rental shop, grab a map before heading out on the well-signed network.

“The cool thing we have at Great Glen is vistas, streams to put your feet in, wildflowers everywhere and pedal-assist e-bikes,” said Harvey. “Biking at Great Glen is also cool for the family.”

Bicycle travelers can ride the Cross New Hampshire Adventure Trail, a 83-mile long collection of northern New Hampshire paved and dirt back roads and rail trails between Woodsville, N.H. and Bethel, Maine. In the shadows of Mount Washington, the xNHAT is used by a variety of outdoor lovers including bicyclists, hikers and runners. The trail passes through small towns and has an ample supply of lodging opportunities from camping to inns, restaurants and grocery stores.

Hardcore cyclists can do it in a day, but more leisurely bicyclists carrying their own gear tend to do it in three days and two nights, and can even get a patch upon completing the whole trail.

Trail founder Marianne Borowski and volunteers will lead guided rides along pieces of the route during STP. One easy and scenic out-and-back 8-mile ride is to the Pondicherry Wildlife Refuge along the Presidential Rail Trail. Another is a moderate 21-mile out-and-back ride on rolling back roads and the PRT.

No matter your choice for STP, you’ve made the right one.

This article also appears in the Summer 2021 edition of Windswept: The Bulletin of the Non-Profit Mount Washington Observatory. For more information, visit our Premium Content page. Windswept Editor Marty Basch and his wife Jan have twice bicycled the entire Cross New Hampshire Adventure Trail and plan to do it again for Seek the Peak. Marty is also leading a leisurely hour-long spin at Great Glen Trails during STP on July 17. To register, start raising funds, or support a participant, visit seekthepeak.org.

Marty Basch, Windswept Editor