Among the Clouds: Work, Wit & Wild Weather at the Mount Washington Observatory
by Eric Pinder
Published by Alpine Books
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Reviewed by Diane Snyder
The summit of the White Mountains in New Hampshire is the highest point in New England at 6,288 feet. On it is the Mount Washington Observatory–one of the last man-run weather outposts. This summit is also known as the home of the “world’s worst weather,” mostly because hurricane force winds batter this peak more than 105 days a year.
The author, Eric Pinder, is writing about that what he knows. He spent seven years as an observer on Mount Washington. While everyone talks about the weather, it is obvious from his writing that he loves weather and finds unexpected humor and joy in its extremes and variances.
Among the Clouds gives a detailed account of the daily life on Mount Washington as a weather recorder as well as some humorous anecdotes that have happened to staff persons and visitors. Aside from a resident cat that lives at the Observatory year round, you might think life would be lonely and isolated, but apparently there is a continuous flow of hikers, tourists, media persons and researchers–and it is the staff who must see to the needs and safety of these people as well as act as tour guides, rescuers and medics when neede–while continuously monitoring the weather equipment and sending out weather reports.
Pinder sprinkles in lots of weather humor and trivia–why meteorologists use the word ‘front’ when talking about air masses, the temperature in Philadelphia on July 4, 1776, and Ben Franklin’s invention of the odometer. Almost every other page has a photo. The disappointment is that the photos are not in color but they are still awesome.
This short (97 pages), easily read book would be enjoyed by young readers as well as adults and would make a great holiday gift for most anyone. It is not only witty, it is also educational.
Pinder’s really interesting web site should also be visited. He also gives the web site for the Mount Washington Observatory – http://www.mountwashington.org – which has more information about the weather station, current weather conditions there and educational projects available.
Armchair Interviews says: Ideal for someone who likes to read about unusual jobs–and also about weather–but will be enjoyed by all.
Author’s Web site: http://www.ericpinder.com