Mt Washington Weather

What started out as a fairly pleasant morning atop New Hampshire’s Mount Washington, a beautiful but relatively small peak, turned into a weather phenomenon that would go down in history. Mount Washington experienced the windiest day it has ever seen … though to call it windy would be an understatement. On April 12, 1934, the Mount Washington Observatory anemometer recorded an astonishing wind speed of 231 mph. Or the equivalent of a F4 tornado!

Not only did this small observatory make history, it continues to maintain its reputation of having some of the “worst weather in the world,” according to meteorologists.

Who would have thought that this little peak in New Hampshire, a place that appears so beautiful and serene to distant onlookers, would be home to the worst weather in the world?

Going Up Mt Washington

The autumns day drive up to the mountains base, however, is beautiful, with trees showing off their reds, oranges, and yellows as if they were contestants in a beauty pageant.

Mount Washington is part of the Presidential Mountain range in the White Mountains. It is a favorite for avid hikers. But today, we opt to take the Mount Washington Cog Railway instead of hoofing the 6,000′ ascent hike,

The Climb

Cog Railway Engine

The Cog Railway, a charming, rickety train that looked like it was designed by a steampunk enthusiast. The conductor, a jolly fellow with a beard that rivaled Santa’s, assured us that the train was perfectly safe, despite its antique appearance.

Training going up mountain

As the train chugged up the mountain, the views grew more spectacular. We passed hikers who looked at us with a mix of envy and disdain. “Suckers!” I thought, as I sipped my hot cocoa and watched them huff and puff their way up the trail. I think to myself, one day I’ll do that hike….one day.

Mt Washington in Fall

Arrival at the Observatory

Stepping off the train at the summit, I am immediately struck by the view. The sky is a brilliant blue, the kind you only see in postcards or after extensive Photoshop editing. The air is crisp and clean, with just a whiff of pine.

Mt Washington Observatory

The observatory itself looks like a futuristic fortress, perched atop the mountain like a sentinel watching over the world below. I half-expect to see Dumbledore standing at the entrance, staff in hand, welcoming weary muggles. Instead, I am greeted by a sign pronouncing the worst weather in the world along with a list of those who had died on the mountain. A somber reminder that Mother Nature don’t play.

We find a series of exhibits showcasing the harsh conditions that Mount Washington is known for. There were photos of ice-encrusted buildings, windblown scientists, and snowdrifts that could swallow a car.

The Observation Deck

After a cruise through the little gift shop, we step out onto the observation deck, and are greeted by a view that can only be described as breathtaking. Rolling hills stretched out as far as the eye could see, painted in autumnal hues. The wind, while present, was more of a warm gentle caress than the usual face-slapping force. I feel like I am standing on top of the world.

Atop Mount Washington

Tippy Top

While exploring the summit, I stumble upon the Tip Top House, a rustic stone building that dates back to 1853, making it one of the oldest structures on the mountain. Originally a hotel, the Tip Top House has weathered countless storms and still stands strong, a testament to the resilience required to endure Mount Washington’s notorious weather.

Stepping inside felt like a journey back in time, with the stone walls whispering tales of adventurers who sought refuge within its rocky embrace. The Tip Top House once housed an entire herd of sheep during a particularly brutal blizzard. As I look around, I couldn’t help but admire the blend of history and practicality, making the Tip Top House a charming highlight of the visit. But a herd of sheep, really??

Tip Top House

The Descent

We board “The Cog” for the ride back down, and I marvel that the chairs flip to the opposite direction of the ascent. This is to ensure that though the train is at a steep angle, we sit comfortably level.

Mt Washington Cog Railway

As we near the base, the conductor makes a final announcement. “Ladies and gentlemen, I hope you enjoyed this rare treat of perfect weather on Mount Washington. Don’t forget to buy a souvenir T-shirt that says, ‘I Survived Mount Washington’s Weather – On a Good Day!’”

Back at the base, I take a moment to reflect on the day. Visiting the weather observatory on Mount Washington during such impeccable conditions felt like winning the lottery. It was a reminder that even in a place known for its ferocity, there are moments of calm and beauty.

Stud Puffin

For as long as I can remember, I have been an amateur ornithologists, okay a Bird Watcher aka birder. There I admit it.

One of my greatest joys as a child was sitting in my grandmothers back yard watching various song birds visit her array of feeders and bathes. There were always scraps of bread, fruit rinds, seeds and corn cobs in her yard each attracting a particular species of bird.

She would point to a water filled garbage can lid she had fashioned into a bath and sing “Splish-Splash a robin taking a bath”. Then later proclaim, “Look at that a blue jay with a peanut”, “see that nuthatch”, look over there ” a goldfinch”.

Her fountain of bird knowledge always made for a head swiveling marvel of entertainment.

This fascination she created has followed me well into adult hood. Through my travels, I’m always on the look out for a new birding encounters. From Galveston’s Featherfest to Parrot Mountain, my camera SD cards are full of bird pictures. I always look to rekindle that joy of identifying a new bird.

Birthday Bucket List Bird

My bird sighting books and field guides, are worn from years of use. I even have high techapps to identify birds by sight and sound. But there is a bird that is so unique that it doesn’t require a guide to know what it is. I have seen these on TV nature shows and they always seemed like they are located in some cold, desolate, distant land that I’ll never have the desire or courage to visit. You know, kind of like Detroit.

It is of course the Atlantic Puffin. With its distinctive black and white tuxedo attire and a beak that seems to have taken a dip in a rainbow, I’ve long yearned to see one of these little guys.

Little did I know that their main breeding ground is not in some frozen tundra, but within a few hours of my summer home in Maine. A very creatively choreographed birthday surprise puts me on course to see these guys up close a personal.

The Puffin Journey starts from New Brunswick, Canada. The ferry leaves Blacks Harbour for Grand Manan. From Grand Manan, we board a charter, Sea Watch Tours to Puffins & Machias Seal Island to Machias Seal Island.

Machias Light House

Machias Island History

Only a few hundred feet wide, this little mile-long island in the lower Bay of Fundy is a must-visit. During the non-nesting season, the two lighthouse keepers are the only island occupants and have maintained the lighthouse for over 100 years on behalf of the Canadian Coast Guard.

Canada and the US both claim this island based on a conflicting condition and exemption in the Treaty of Paris. The lighthouse was built by the British to physically lay claim to the island, then inherited by the Canadians a few years later. The two Canadians living here are lighthouse keepers, but because the US disputes Canada’s claim, the US officially recognize them as squatters. It’s the last disputed territory between Canada and the US. None of that matters today as the island featured residents are thousands of birds make their home here during nesting season, including the Atlantic Puffin, Razorbill Auk, and Common and Arctic Terns.

Puffin Watch

After debarking the shuttle skiff, we are guided over some slippery seaweed-covered rocks before heading to the orientation area. The guide equips us with 3 foot long poles, with instructions to hold over our head at all times. These poles serve as a decoy for the dive bombing Arctic Terns that are also nesting on the island. These terns will opt to peck at the tip of pole instead of our heads.

Arctic Tern Poles

In addition to these bombers, this beautiful island is home to the approximately 5,000 pairs of puffins, 1,000 pairs of razorbill auks, and 500 pairs of common murres.

Sea Watch Tours has exclusive access to Machias Seal Island, where only 15 visitors are allowed to land each day. It is a small group and we wonder through the nesting fields avoiding the nests on the ground and the sneak attacks from above.

Then we spot our home for the next hour, one of the numerous weather worn plywood blinds placed around the island.

These wooden structures will accommodate 4 people; but its’ “cozy”. Our blind is in a perfect spot for close-up views of the birds. The charming puffins often come as close as 3 feet from the blind offering ample photography chances. But what’s just as endearing, is hearing the little feet pattering on the roof just overhead.

Puffin on Rock

Puffin Encounter

The puffin struts around the blinds and rocky cliffs like it’s auditioning for a bird version of a stand-up comedy show. It’s like Mother Nature decided to combine a penguin with a clown and threw in a dash of mischievous seagull for good measure.

Puffin with Cute Pose

Inside the blind is a not so well coordinated ballet of shuffling from one window to the next. Each offering a new view and the next contestant flying in for a quick show. I would have never believed that being locked in a wooden box with 2 other nerdy birdwatching strangers would provide any kind of joy. Although, I was disappointed when the knock came signaling that the hour long tour was over.

Puffin Kiss

Gray Seal of Approval

After the time in the blind, the adventure is not over however. Upon departure from the island, we learn there is more in store as we boat by a nearby seal colony.

Seals On Machias Island

Here lying about the rocky shores are dozens of lounging gray seals, giving one last opportunity to snap some great pics after we leave the island.

Machias Gret Seals

After mastering the choppy seas, slippery rocks, and persistent dive bombs, maybe it’s time to reconsider other far away lands. The motor city, perhaps.

Curious Craig

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