Winter strikes the North Fork
No one on the North Fork needs to be told that fall has fell and it is now winter. In the last week we have had a total snowfall of over 16 inches. There has been settling but a blanket of snow now covers everything, the golden needles have been blown off of the larch and wood is no longer being put in woodsheds but is being carried into the house.
Not only are we carrying wood into the house, we are burning a lot of it. In between snow storms we have had bone-chilling cold along with brisk winds. It seems a little early for subzero temperatures but my Monkey Ward thermometer read minus 12 degrees F one morning and neighbors reported similar below zero readings.
I burn lodgepole rounds up to 10 inches in diameter during the day and large wedges of larch at night to hold the fire.
That way, I keep the house around 70 degrees during the day and up until bedtime. After that the larch holds the fire even with the dampers shut and the house is 60 to 65 degrees F in the morning. The dampers can then be opened and small lodgepole rounds can quickly bring the temperature up to 70 degrees F and clean the chimney at the same time. Always keeping the dampers closed and never having an hot fire will result in a buildup of creosote in the chimney which will block the chimney, or worse, cause a chimney fire. It is always a good idea to have a good hot fire every day for at least 30 minutes before shutting the dampers.
The snowfall has blocked some roads. I'm sure Trail Creek road to Eureka is closed until the snow melts next spring. As the side roads fill with snow hunters are somewhat limited, but the game is also moving down to creek and river bottoms.
As a result hunter success is rising.
Several neighbors have shot deer and several have also killed elk. Most of the animals shot by locals are not recorded at the Canyon Creek check station since locals either cut up their own meat or take it to town during the week when Van de Vanters and others are open for business. The check station is only open on weekends.
Personally, I am sorry to see fall end.
Not only is the North Fork beautiful with yellow aspen and golden larch but we have great parties. My vote for best fall party this year is the Halloween Party hosted by Jan and Alice Caldwell. This party brings together folks from Polebridge to the International Border for a great time as well as good food. I counted nearly 50 people at this year's bash from 8 or 10 years old to nearly 80. Thanks, Jan and Alice.
Next big North Fork event will be Thanksgiving dinner at Sondreson Hall. Turkeys and ham are provided by the Landowners' Association and everyone brings a side dish or dessert.
Everyone is welcome! Doors open at 3 p.m. and dinner is served at 4 p.m. Just follow Tom Sliuter and there are always leftovers.