8/4/07
Summit Volunteer Cookout and trip up The Mount Washington Auto Road

7.6 miles Elevation gain 4500'

On the first Sunday in August the Mount Washington Observatory graciously held a cookout for the Summit Volunteers at the Glen House, opposite the base of the Auto Road. After an enjoyable cookout featuring the usual classic American fare of hot dogs, hamburgers, salads and sodas we were invited by Howie Wemyss, president of the Auto Road, to journey to the summit via the Auto Road to watch the sunset. Before the cookout we had the privelege of taking a peak inside the Auto Road Museum in a large barn behind the Glen House where we got to see the different modes of travel used on the Auto Road over the years. It was a privelege to be invited to this special event. I was allowed to bring a guest, and I brought my mom. She had been with me to the summit via the Auto Road once before, but of course the Auto Road closes well before sunset, so this night was a real treat. At the cookout we met the Finnegans who rode with us as I drove to the summit, a very nice couple whose son had been an intern on the summit. At the summit, my mom got a chance to see where I stay when I'm on the summit cooking for the crew, but the real attraction was a chance to meet the world famous Nin. The weather couldn't have been more cooperative. There was a light breeze and temperatures remained mild even as the sun began to sink toward the horizon. To our east, the Wildcats and the Carters slowly sank into the lengthening shadows of Mount Washington. The Pyramidical shadow of Washington rose into the pink "Belt of Venus" above the Wildcats. The last rays of the sun brushed the summits of Mount Hight and Carter Dome, then the lower summits of Nelson Crag and Boott Spur, and finally Ball Crag was the last sunlit spot. To our west there were just enough clouds to add beauty to the surreal scene as it unfolded. The clear skies allowed distant views to the now purple spine of Vermont's Green Mountains. Franconia Ridge looked close enough to touch in the crisp air. I want to thank all the people from the Observatory for arranging this and allowing us this chance. It was a truly extrordinary experience, provided by truly extrordinary people.