As the foliage undergo their annual senescence and the litterfall traps fill up with the last oak leaves, the sampling season comes to a close. Undergraduate Owen Porterfield and myself were able to head to the White Mountains to empty the remaining atmospheric deposition collectors and litterfall traps. 

On a rather spurious decision, the weather was too good to pass up. Since we had adequate supplies and equipment, we decided to hike up Mt. Moosiluake via the Snapper/Carriage route. It was a smooth trip up with warm sun to our backs. 

In a surprising twist, we ran into Dr. Christine Goodale and Dr. Gary Lovett near the summit. A true Dartmouth reunion of forest biogeochemists! We caught up on how everyone was doing and how projects are going, in a mini-symposium/faculty meeting. 

We enjoyed the chilly summit with stunning views, absolutely pleased with our decision to crush a 4000 footer (Owen’s first) and revel in the splendor of fall.