My First Seek The Peak Bid!

Wow, it seems like it has been so long since I’ve written in my blog. Coming up for air lately has been a struggle with school and work. But I figured it was time to dust off the keyboard and write about an event that I will be participating in this July.

This year marks the 11th year for Seek the Peak, a hike-a-thon fund raiser for the nonprofit Mount Washington Observatory. The Mount Washington Observatory is a very important scientific and educational organization that has been supported by members since 1932. As many people know, the summit of Mount Washington is the home of the world’s worst weather and holds the record for the highest wind speed ever observed by man. On April 12th, 1934, the crew observed a wind gust of 231 miles per hour. Today more than ever, the Observatory plays a large role in worldwide meteorological research. For hikers, it provides high summit forecasts (in New England) so that we can prepare ourselves for safe and successful treks.

Aside from the Observatory, the mountain itself is a lot of things to hikers. It’s the highest peak north of the Carolinas and east of the Mississippi, standing 6,288 feet above sea level. It is the home to the worst weather in the world. It’s known as “The Rock Pile”. It can be seen from most other peaks in New Hampshire and some from neighboring states. It is a stop along the northern part of the Appalachian Trail. But most of all, to all serious hikers, it is a mountain that must be respected. Throughout the years, many have lost their lives on this mountain due to misfortunes and extreme weather changes that people weren’t prepared for. A great book to read regarding these misfortunes is Not Without Peril. The book is a bit depressing to read, but does open your eyes to the dangers Mount Washington can throw at hikers, if not given the proper respect. Always be prepared!!!

I first learned about Seek the Peak last year while participating on the Mount Washington Observatory Forum. Many forum members were talking about it in the days before, excited to participate in the event. I recall looking into it and was surprised to see that the event lasted a couple days. They had gatherings for the participants (kick-off parties, etc.) and then on the big day, all the participants climbed the mountain in the route of their choice. Some chose to climb at night under headlamp, where most climbed during the day. Some chose to climb more challenging routes like Huntington Ravine where as some decided to climb more popular routes like Tuckerman. The pictures that followed the event were awesome. All these forum members got together, raised money for the nonprofit, Mount Washington Observatory and got to hike the mountain for a great cause. I was sold!

My Seek the Peak Page

This year, I’m not missing out. I’ve registered for Seek the Peak and I am very excited to be a part of it! My goal for this fundraiser is $125 and I would appreciate your support if you have the means and desire to help this organization. I would also urge people to register if you feel like participating. If you don’t reside in the region and would not be able to attend, you can still register and raise funds as a “virtual hiker”, which I thought was a neat option. Again, please help support my hike…and keep our Observatory running strong for years to come!

Karl’s Seek the Peak Sponsor Page: Click Here

My First Seek The Peak Bid!