Last year, I hiked Mount Washington with my sister, Heather, to raise funds for the Mount Washington Observatory (MWOBS).

It was my sister's first summit in the White Mountains and my ninth of Mr. 6,288 (as I lovingly refer to this iconic mountain).

Our fundraising goal was high, the equivalent of Mount Washington’s elevation $6,288.

We traversed Tuckerman Ravine & Lion Head Trail reaching the summit together relishing in the beautiful day by taking in the sights, endless views, trail chatter, toured the observatory & the pièce de résistance climbing to the top of the tower!

On the heels of STP I volunteered for a full week with my husband for MWOBS living at the summit in the bunch house, cooking, cleaning, working in the Mount Washington Extreme Musueam and last but not least a few scratches were administered under Nimbus' chin before I escorted him outside for a spell but the weather wasn't agreeable for a prolonged kitty scamper around the summit so back into the sanctuary he snuggled back in.

However, in all that awesomeness our fundraising goal still fell short.

I believe $6,288 is still a reasonable fundraising goal. 

So I’m back!!

This year, I’m once again hiking Seek the Peak as a Steward of this epic event celebrating its 25th anniversary!

Please join me on this adventure in supporting the legendary non-profit Mount Washington Observatory (MWOBS) by making a minimum generous tax deductible donation in the amount of $62.88.

Three years ago, I wrote my Ode to Mr. 6,288 when I first joined Seek the Peak as an ambassador for Minus33 & I’m resharing it with you again this year as I prep my gear and prepare my body for a trail that I've not hiked before that'll take me to the summit where Nimbus that cat lives year-round with the dedicated observatory staff.

Ode to Mr. 6,288 (by me, Kal)

Words I love to write, almost as much as this gal loves to hike, I crafted my “Ode to 6,288” that I hope you enjoy; here it goes:

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, July 19th I make my ascent to where Nimbus calls home, on the mountain of the world’s worst weather elements!

See you at 6,288!

Kally :~)

Please consider making a tax-deductible contribution today in the amount of $62.88

P.S. Did you know that most employers match donations to a non-profit and this qualifies so don't forget to turn in those forms so we can receive those matching doantions!!

The nonprofit Mount Washington Observatory has been observing and reporting on Mount Washington’s infamous conditions for 90+ years from their mountaintop weather station, maintaining one of North America's longest continuous climate records. The data they collect is utilized in forecasting models, weather reports, landmark climate research and educational outreach. The free daily forecasts that the Observatory provides are an essential resource for those wishing to enjoy the outdoors in New Hampshire's White Mountains and beyond.

To learn more about Mount Washington Observatory, please visit mountwashington.org

For more on Seek the Peak, the nation's premier hiking event, visit www.seekthepeak.org

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