2007 Climb
In 2007, Museum Overseer Michael Thonis wanted to combine his enthusiasm for the Museum mission with his love for both geology and hiking, so he came up with the unique idea to double-climb Mount Washington to raise money for the Museum Annual Fund. In accomplishing this feat, he would be the first to climb the mountain twice in a single day. Thonis saw significance in choosing Mount Washington as the site of the climb, because Museum founder Bradford Washburn mapped the mountain many decades ago.
Already a keen hiker with a desire to test his physical endurance, Michael began training in early 2007 so that he could accomplish the grueling double climb. On July 16, he began at a local landmark, climbed over the summit, down Tuckerman Ravine to Hermit Lake, and all the way back again -- a success!
Michael's son Sam and Museum photographer Eric Workman accompanied him on the reverse leg of the climb. In this inaugural year of the Washburn Climb, 131 friends, family members, and colleagues supported Michael. He raised $57,955.28 in total for the Museum, helped by a match from a generous benefactor.
Photos © TMP Images