Mount Adams, New Hampshire Pilgrimage successful!

On July 22nd 11 pilgrims from Ontario, Michigan, California and Florida made the slow trek up from the base of Mount Adams to the Madison  hut  at  4,800 feet, wedged between Mount Madison and Mount Adams in the Presidential Range of New  Hampshire.  The next day, the official anniversary of the start of Operation Starlight in 1958, nine Twelve Blessings Services were held on the upper slopes of Mount Adams, shielded from winds which at the summit gusted up to 50 mph. July 24th began with a slight drizzle and reduced winds although visibility was poor. However, the pilgrims felt sufficiently bold to head up to the summit just below 5,800 feet, where the rain and wind dramatically increased. Six Twelve Blessings Services were held in a small shelter just below the peak before the pilgrims headed back down to the Madison hut, traversing over the  slick  boulders  in dense fog. The cold conditions in the hut prevented their  clothes from drying out, thus adding additional weight and discomfort to the long journey back down the mountain the following morning. However, two pilgrims, Paul Nugent and Bob Berndt Jr., were able to revisit the summit on the final morning where they held a short Service amid almost perfect conditions before heading back down to the base of the mountain. Altogether, the spirit of camaraderie and the inspiration of being upon a holy mountain for three straight days and nights, far removed from the routine of daily life, were greatly enjoyed by all.