Greetings, fellow Blaisdell Lake lovers,
I’m looking forward to moving back into camp in just a couple of weeks. My garden is finally planted and will soon be mulched so it can do its thing while I’m away enjoying lake life.
This summer is sure to bring plenty of fun especially for those who can attend our 75th Anniversary Celebration! Plans are shaping up nicely, and we’ll have lots of great things to see and do. A special treat: the Olson family will be grilling up their famous “Dog House” hot dogs just for us. It’s a delicious blast from the past you won’t want to miss.
Recently, our historian Doug Deland uncovered the original Articles of Incorporation for the Blaisdell Lake Property Owners Association among Bruce Ellsworth’s meticulous records. That founding document, approved by the State of New Hampshire in November 1950, was signed by my grandfather, Earl Little, along with Estelle Rooney, Red Boutwell (who lived near the beach), and Edgar Winslow, who built my camp. We owe Bruce a debt of gratitude for preserving this important piece of lake history so carefully.
I’m especially proud that my grandfather played such a key role in establishing the Association. He and my grandmother loved the lake. They spent their summers at camp, even while my grandfather was still working he would commute to Concord every day. Back then, most families only had one car, so the four men working off Spruce Point coordinated to leave one car behind for their wives to use. My grandmother never minded staying at camp those were the days she baked her incredible oatmeal bread every week. As a child, I’ll never forget the joy of being handed a warm slice, slathered in but-ter. Some memories just stay with you.
I hope you all get to make some unforgettable memories of your own on the lake this summer.
Cynde Robbins
We’re hopeful for loon chicks again this year! Last summer, Gail Olson’s granddaughter Paige was the first to spot our nesting pair, and we’re keeping an eye out for signs of a re-peat performance. Paige just returned from spring skiing in Colorado, so she hasn’t had a chance to check yet—but early obser-vations suggest there’s a nest. Only one loon has been seen at a time on the lake lately, often near the cove, which is typical nest-ing behavior. With all the recent rain, though, we’re crossing fingers that the nest stays intact. Time will tell!
Our annual meeting will take place on Saturday, July 26 at the site of our 75th Jubilee Celebration - Sunset Hill 222 Blaisdell Hill Road @ 9 AM.
Believe it or not, the United States Coast Guard (USCG) has officially classified a Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) as a vessel. Operators of SUPs are required to follow these laws:
All SUP operators 12 years of age and YOUNGER are required to wear a USCG-approved life jacket or Personal Flotation Device (PFD) and carry a safety whistle. Flashlights are required for night use.
All SUP operators 13 years of age and OLDER are required to have a Type III adult USCG-approved life jacket or PFD either attached to the SUP or worn by the SUP operator and carry a safety whistle. Flashlights are required for night use. Tethering (wearing a leash connected to the SUP and operator) is deemed to be an alternate or replacement for having a PFD.
If you choose a tether, be sure it is long enough to prevent injury if you fall off the board! A short tether can break a leg or worse.