Bill Tarkulich

Blair, I've read your story perhaps four times now. I am a member of the International Skiing History Association, perhaps you are too. Your stories belong in their Journal, not just to be preserved, but to be promulgated to the community, shared to all who show interest. It's no suprise Greeny gave you the patch and the boots. You demonstrated interest, enthisiasm and passion. Who better to preserve history. Perhaps before you walked into the room he thought , "oh, these old things, who would want them? I'll just chuck them." As I get on in years, I find myself having these discussions - who to pass things down to? In some cases, nobody in the family cares. So you did the most commendable thing, you stepped out. I think each of us has a duty to do that. I have done this and found myself in possession of some of the most amazing artifacts and memoribilia, that I had no idea even existed. Perhaps you did too. Keep on keepin' on. I hope you'll always have the passion, continue sharing and in turn, be rewarded for your effort. Thanks.

Sven Torgensen

I have no opinion of their drinking habits? Don't forget another great Swede...Carolus Linnaeus, the father of modern taxonomy, who named the common rat Norwegus ratticus after the Nowegians. Way to go Carolus!

Dave Peters

Sven, But the Swede's still have 2 treasures, one of the best skiers in history, Stenmark, who I had the privilege to meet at a World Cup race in Vermont, circa 1973! And, the best woman's golfer, Sorenstam. My generation grew up watching NOKy Stein Erickson on Saturday mornings who brought skiing to the masses of middle-class Americans and USA's first 5-star ski resort, Deer Valley (with valet parking!). I work a lot in Norway (oil biz) and cant seem to understand their drinking 'habits'. Care to offer your opinion?

Sven Torgensen

Så länge vi är spliting hår...or in English, as long as we're splitting hairs...Since Feb. of 2010 Saab is actually now owned by the Netherlands-based boutique supercar maker Spyker. Those darn Norwegians!

Dave Peters

Been following your endeavours from "afar". Bravo! Did the T'bolt in high school, HVHS '75. One of the few. (Back then Tuckerman's was a more attractive challenge.) Among those few were the sons of some of the 1940's racers, Deyle, Bedard and Belch. My Dad didnt compete but had a backpack with the Adams Ski Club patch on it that always intrigued me. I think it was my first "rucksack". Still has his skis and poles (Army surplus - white with large baskets). Use to bring the poles out during St. Pats celebrations at Brodie where I instructed. Hope for continued success so I can do IT a again. FYI, Sven (the Swede) mispoke in his national zealousness over the Vikings. Saab is American(GMC since 2000).

Art Kittler

Although I've never skied the Thunderbolt, I've been hiking it for well over 50 years. At least once every winter I hike/snowshoe it to the summit. The first time was in summer and, as much fun as it was, it was nothing compared to the beauty of hiking through a foot or more of fresh powder. The closest I ever came to skiing it was as a fearless 12 year old when a bunch of us decided we'd try sliding down on some cardboard we'd brought along for just such an occasion. Needless to say, that was not one of the best decisions I've ever made, but what fun we had....... I must say, it's been years since I've seen the trail in such good condition. Thanks to all of you who've worked so hard to maintain it. See you at the race. Now where did I put that cardboard??

Bill Tarkulich

You guys rock! Now I really feel bad I missed it. See you at the race!

Sven Torgensen

Ya, that looks like what happened to me when I tried to schuss the Tunderbolt...stuff exploding off me everywhere. Tim you look Swedish, like me? Is Herrmann a Swedish last name?

Phil

I can only speak for myself but this is great stuff. I loved the detective work. Thanks for posting this story.

Joe Casey

Dear TBolt Skiers: Enjoyed reading about your hard work to re-establish the good old TBolt. Last skied it in 1975-76. Used to ski it with some of the other instructors at the former Brodie Mtn ski area. Left Mass in 1977 and skied all over the Rockies. Now retired near Dillon Montana and ski at a "hidden" hill called Maverick Mountain. Saw an article about your efforts in the Eagle last winter. Would love to get back and run it with you in January but life seems to have other priorities...look forward to pics and the story about the big race in January..keep up the great work.

Dan Kondel

Nice job on the bridge! I've hiked the Thunderbolt multiple times since the new bridge was put up and it looks real good. It'll come in handy this winter when I 'board the trail, and for the racers this year. Great idea to widen it. I love the website, it's nice to have a website dedicated to the Thunderbolt and it's history. The stories are always good too Mahar, I enjoy being able to read stories of yours now that I'm out of high school and don't get to hear them in Biology! Keep up all the good work, hope to see you around.

moe

I grew up in Adams and was a member of the Thunderbolt Ski Club that used to run the rope tow out at Forest Park. I have skied up and down the Thunderbolt Trail, it is the best. Greenie was my scoutmaster and I will never forget earning my swimming merit badge at Windsor Jambs.Greenie personally supervise my test in those COOOOLD waters, maing sure I could not only swim but tread water and use my jeans to create a set of water wings for flotation. Years later I was surf casting off the Island of Chappaquidick and was swamped by a wave and my waders filled up, no one thoght I was coming back up, least of all me. But I did surface and continued to fish. I told my partners that night around the fire that my dunking that morning was nothing compared to the test Greenie put me through for my merit badge. So I hope that I have , at least in some small way, contributed to what is the Legend of Greenie Geurtin. I recently got a copy of PMM and passed it along to my mother and older brother, we all learned something NEW about the mountain.

Blair Mahar

Jack, definitely not cross country. Alpine skis, telemark, AT gear, and/or snowboards are all used on the Thunderbolt. Skin, snowshoe, or hike up, and have a run down!

Don

Great trip report. I plan on checkin' it out this year with my Bro's on some tele gear. Knowing the history really gives you the warm fuzzy feeling! Right On!

Jack

What type of gear do you use? IS it Cross Country skiis? Can regular Alpine skis work? I have always liked the look of telemark skiers and Love the Berkshires . This type of skiing and sleeping out on Greylock sounds like an adventure! My SKI intrest has been revived.. Jack O