In the North Fork, calculated risks

Someone asked me if we have a January thaw every year. I have never kept track, but we have certainly had one this year. Makes the road slimy and treacherous and I had two North Fork guests overnight Wednesday as a result. The North Fork Trails Association met that evening at Frank and Ellen’s to prepare for the Winter Interlocal and discuss next summer’s priorities.

Of course, it was dark when the meeting ended and since it was raining we felt the North Fork Road which was slick in the daylight would be even more so at night in the rain. Kenyons decided to stay with Vitales and Diane Boyd and Bill Walker were guests at my house in Columbia Falls. Debo Powers, who is the least experienced winter driver in our group, did not attend the meeting.

I relate the story to illustrate how smart North Forkers are and as an example of why we live to such advanced ages. We do not take unnecessary risks—whether it is on our sometimes treacherous road or with the unreliable actions of a grizzly bear.

While we are properly cautious, we are always up for great social events and sometimes a heated discussion.

On the calendar for this month we had two great opportunities. The first was the annual slide show and educational presentation by University of Montana instructor of geology, Rick Graetz. This took place Jan. 18 at Sondreson Hall. This is always popular because of Rick’s great photos and his views of all of Montana. His students are also well-informed and articulate and come from a wide variety of backgrounds.

Then on Jan. 23 at 1 p.m. The Home Ranch Store will be hosting the second annual snowshoe softball game at The Home Ranch store. This is an hilarious event where everyone from 6 to 96 can have a barrel of laughs and a ton of fun. If you have never tried running on snowshoes you should at least show up and watch. I’m not sure if this event is a matter of skill or luck, maybe a bit of both. This is an outdoor tailgate type of party so dress for outdoor activity. As always, everyone is welcome and everyone brings food to share.

In between meetings, social events and enjoying the scenery most North Forkers are also involved with packing wood, shoveling snow and experimenting in the kitchen. No one I know on the North Fork has stock to feed in the winter and technology now provides snowblowers to keep the roads and trails open and almost everyone has indoor plumbing so there are few cold bottoms and more fresh vegetables.

Actually, life is pretty darn good on The North Fork. Even in the winter. What do you think?