Getting ready for fall in the North Fork

Another interesting week weather-wise on the North Fork. While fires have exploded near Thompson Falls and Hamilton, we have remained fire free on the North Fork. Cool temperatures have helped and with no fires burning, the winds did little damage. Cool weather probably reduced floating on the river but other activities were pretty much enjoyment as usual.

The GATR party at Kinsolvings’ was as well attended as usual and the food was great and plentiful—as usual. Only change was more people wearing jackets or sweaters and fewer folks wearing shorts.

Same thing at the memorial for Marietta Downes at the Downes’ cabin on the Coal Creek Road. Difference there was that about half the crowd came from the valley to join North Forkers paying their respects. Marietta will be remembered by all of us, first for her strong sense of family and then for her many years of service to North Valley Search and Rescue as their North Fork dispatcher. Also, when a mission was over there was always a hot meal waiting at Marietta’s.

Like it or not I guess summer is winding down. There are signs of some plants and trees changing from green to yellow, and most telling of all, summer folks are making plans to return to their winter homes. That is not as simple as it sounds. Like everyone, lawn furniture and summer toys have to be packed or more often, stored for the winter. Water lines drained, generators winterized and provisions stored and buildings protected from invasions of rodents from mice to packrats. It is also wise to think about bears — no dog food left in containers on the front porch etc. Much easier to plan and work in the late summer than to return next summer to broken water pipes, mouse nests in the mattress or any kind of bear damage.

For several years, the NFLA has collected left-over canned goods and other nonperishable food as well as cash donations for the Columbia Falls Food Bank. This program was initiated by Bob and Jean Grimaldi several years ago and has been continued by the NFLA when Bob Grimaldi moved to the valley due to failing health. Everyone is encouraged to bring items to the September or October meeting of the NFLA and someone (probably Jan and Alice Caldwell) will see that they are delivered safely to the Food Bank. The September meeting is Sept. 3 at 8 p.m. at Sondreson Hall. The October meeting is Oct. 1, same time, same place. With that done, we can start planning for the upcoming hunting season. Buy your orange paint early while supplies are plentiful!

Larry Wilson’s North Fork Views appears weekly in the Hungry Horse News.