Mount Washington has been in the news lately. Last week it was the coldest place on earth with a wind chill of 93 degrees below zero. Supposedly it was colder than the surface of Mars. Washington is also notable for having recorded the fastest windspeed on earth, 231mph in 1934. And for having the worst weather in the world. And for being one of the deadliest mountains in the US. (almost 150 souls have perished on it's slopes)

Despite all of these less than desirable traits, I often find myself on Mount Washington's slopes. My love affair with the mountain began in 2007 when I was guided up the Mountain in the winter for the first time. The weather was crummy and we stopped just short of the summit due to deteriorating weather, but I was hooked. After several more guided trips and a three day mountaineering course and three day avalanche course under my belt I started going by myself to the mountain. I've been back probably thirty times since 2007. My guess is that due to the extreme cold and weather, I've only made it to the top sixteen or seventeen times in those thirty attempts.