Sunrise at 65 mph

You really gotta wanna see that sunrise to get up at 6:15, quickly throw on all your warm stuff, wind gear, face mask and goggles, and head out into 7 degree temps and 65 mph winds. Well, it was worth it. Although a little difficult to hold the camera steady enough or even see what you were aiming for.

That's me, leaning against the wind at my back.

Sunday Sunrise

Monday Sunrise

This morning's sunrise was slightly more mellow, with only 45 mph winds and 12 degrees. It was also even prettier, with the on-coming front that arrived soon after.

Monday sunrise - just as the sun disappeared into the clouds

View thru the railing on the observation deck

Dinner last night started with happy hour and appetizers hosted by Danny from Stateside. MWOBS has the Observatory side of the building and the state park has the rest with just a slightly ajar door between us. We had loaded nachos, spring rolls with 2 kinds of sauce, and Buffalo wings. And beer, of course. Very fun and a nice break from the usual. We had leftover spaghetti and Ropa Viejo for dinner, finished off with the cake I made yesterday. Devil's Food cake with Buttercreme icing and toasted almonds. It was a hit, of course, and the leftover buttercreme has proven to be especially popular with one member of the weather team.

The cake

I managed a second trip out yesterday, through the front entrance which Mike and Rebecca had mostly cleared of snow - at least so we could get out the door. There were 2 young guys at the entrance who had hiked up that morning. They had a plastic kid's sled and were putting on helmets for the ride down the mountain on the cog train tracks. Extremely dangerous - hope they made it okay - some haven't.

While I was out I took advantage of some clear weather to get a few photos of the observation tower and surrounding area.

Main Entrance

Looking towards the radio towers

The Observation Tower