Fire in Canada raises concerns, then gone

Another busy, almost hectic week. Drove from Trail Creek to Polebridge to talk to residents who complained of someone shooting in the middle of the night. Interviewed neighbors who said they not only were not shooting at 3 a.m., but heard nothing. Three hours shot.

More fun was the GATR (Gather at the River) party at Kinsolvings. Nearly 50 friends and neighbors brought their own meat to grill and a side dish and we all gathered on Ruth and Larry’s spacious deck for a swell meal and conversation. Maggie and Wilson, the Kinsolving’s two standard poodles, joined in the fun. The biggest topic of conversation was the big plume of smoke to the northeast in Canada. It looked like a major wildfire with little chance of reaching the North Fork as long as the prevailing winds continued blowing any fires to the east. Next several days there was no plume of smoke so we think the fire must have been knocked down quickly by Canadian firefighters. We have had one lighting-caused fire that I know of. It was on Trail Creek Road and was quickly put out. At least one valley fire truck, a county truck and the Forest Service responded in time and only three trees were involved and almost no ground fire. Conditions remain dry despite a few cooler days with a few widely scattered showers and the weather report calls for continued dry, hot weather. Fire season can be expected to last well into September so I hope everyone is careful when playing in the woods.

The dry weather has, of course, caused the river to drop. It is now more of a hike than a float from the Canadian Border to Ford Station. Even though some still attempt it, there is now much less traffic north of Ford Station, for which locals are thankful. We still need some law enforcement on the North Fork Road.

Most fun this week was Lynn and Bonny Ogle’s 50th wedding anniversary. I first met Lynn when I was an assistant scoutmaster in Missoula. Lynn was the senior patrol leader and was about 15 years old. We have been friends since then – nearly 60 years ago. It was really special their 50 years of marriage with kids, grandkids and even a great grandson with 80 friends and neighbors.

Even more special was the shrimp boiled dinner prepared almost entirely by Lynn himself. The shrimp potatoes and corn on the cob, plus some semi-secret ingredients made a real feast accompanied by appetizers, salads and a ton of desserts that everyone brought.

This huge party was held at Irene Brooks’ home with the deck and yard filled with folks and topped off with a champagne toast, also provided by Irene.

A great week in a great place, surrounded by great people.

What do you think?

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