80 year old b day on Moosilauke

[Lefty E]

While doing the loop Gorge Brook, Carriage, Snapper, we were pleased to meet Mr. Blodgett, and family, doing an 80 birthday hike..he stated he "built" that trail (Gorge Brook) and pointed out his family's farm (with the tin roof glinting in the sun)..all trails were fine of course...hope we are all able to do that at age 80!! (he passed me on the plateau!!!)

 

[David Metsky]

Just back from a week long vacation and saw the title of this thread and knew immediately who it was about. I've known Put since I was an undergraduate and he was the most active volunteer trail builder and canoeing coach for the forestry team. He is almost solely responsible for the new Gorge Brook and Snapper trails, as well as the reclamation of the Carriage Road.

His birthday hikes are a long tradition. I remember once when he spotted an unauthorized chopper that had landed near the summit and Put stormed up the final mile of trail ready to chew out the interloper. Only to find it was his 80+ year old uncle up there to greet him on his birthday.

Put Blodgett is a true New England character and a friend to all hikers.

 

[Lefty E]

Thanks for moving this and I knew he was a legend and others would appreciate knowing about him...soon as he passed by and spoke with us, we knew he was exactly as you stated, Dave..without him having to tell us!!

 

[Mountain49]

Wonderful and inspiring!

 

[--M.]

Amen to that! These people are true heroes to me! A buddy and I met an 80-something-year-old couple on the Webster Cliff, and they were kickin' butt and not looking back (left us in the dust)! I met another octogenarian on Mt. Willard, complete with 25-y.o. Limmers and a 46er patch. He'd lost his wife a couple years prior, but was still gettin' around. Oh, such folk, what examples! Thanks for putting this up, and here's one more applauding the pioneers.

 

[Steve-o]

Wicked Awesome !

 

[spencer]

Happy Birthday, Put!

 

[Daniel Eagan]

My congratulations as well. I love stories like this.

 

[Elizabeth]

From the Upper Valley Land Trust web site:

"Pout Pond Property Protected!

More than 20 years ago, Put and Marion Blodgett bought a very special piece of land in Lyme, NH. The property includes significant frontage on Pout Pond, one of few remaining ponds that are untouched by, and hidden away from, civilization. No structures can be seen from the pond or its shoreline, helping enhance the natural calm that exists around this pristine feature."


This pond is one of my favorite places to walk the dogs. The trail in to it is just the right length for a short hike after work. The Blodgetts have conserved several other large properties in NH and VT; but this is probably the most significant.