North Fork parties

Admittedly I am not big on modern technology. At my North Fork cabin I have had satellite TV for many years. In town I have a Trac-phone, which is only a phone — no texting, no camera, no bells and whistles. Few people have the number and I only carry it when I travel. I do have a home computer. I use it mostly for email and playing solitaire — saves me hours of card shuffling.

I also have Facebook, but seldom post anything. I have it to access my granddaughter’s postings and also enjoy Jane Reardon, Bob Graham, Alice Caldwell and a few others.

This year I did not travel north for New Years Eve and Sondreson Hall or for the famous Trail Creek Beach Party on New Years Day.

Missing those events made me really glad to have Facebook as North Fork friends were quick to post descriptions, pictures and even videos of everything as well as from a variety of perspectives.

Sondreson Hall was, again, decorated and well lit and supplied with a variety of foods which were, as usual, plentiful and tasty.

Great fireworks, live music and dancing was obviously enjoyed by everyone judging by the smile and laughter. Also, the reigning Mrs. Polebridge, Janet Leigh, ended her term and the new Mrs. Polebridge is Joyce O’Hara. Runnerups were Naomi Hoiland and Kevin Halsey. It is important to note that “Mrs.” is not a required part of the title. If Kevin had been picked he would have been Mr. Polebridge and it is possible to have a Miss Polebridge.

The great videos showed clearly that Joyce O’Hara has a grand celebrity wave, not to mention a great walk. I am not sure what the duties of Miss, Mr. or Mrs. Polebridge are, or if the title is strictly honorific. I know Janet Leigh was big on world peace and bicycle safety and maybe that is enough.

One attendee estimated that 100 people attended the New Years Eve Party. If so, that must be a record or close to it. Of course, it is not easy to count people at a party. Big thing is everyone had a good time and we all thank the Hart family for hosting the last event of 2016.

2017 started off with a bang, too. Twenty folks gathered at to welcome in the New Year. As always hot dogs, beans, mimosas and other drinks were enjoyed. Yes, it was cold, but winds were less than had been forecast, but two big campfires kept everyone toasty.

In the past the Beach Party was hosted by the Hoilands with Duke grooming the trail to the river, hauling in firewood, starting the fires and ferrying in anyone who needed a ride. This year Mark and Margaret Heaphy did most of the prep work, but Duke still grilled the hot dogs.

The Heaphys are a terrific part of the North Fork community. In addition to jelping with the Beach Party they were the co-hosts of the Thanksgiving dinner and leaders of North Valley Rescue where Mark is on the board of directors.

Happy New Year to everyone, thinkers and non-thinkers.

Laryy Wilson’s North Fork Views appear weekly in the Hungry Horse News.