Killer trucks, skeeters and summer

This last week, it has seemed almost like summer is here. The river is well below flood stage and green instead of muddy and I met 10 raft trailers on the road Tuesday. Also, one red belly dump truck who was driving like he was paid by the mile and not by the hour. Hope he slows down or finishes his North Fork job before someone gets hurt or killed. He was going too fast to get his license number.

Blue skies and 70-degree weather added to the illusion of summer, but do not be fooled. Weather man predicts ran and cooler with snow (I am not making this up) down to 6,000 feet late in the weekend. Since the North Fork Valley is around 4,000 feet, we won’t see snow in our yards, but it will for sure be cool and the mountains are likely to see a dusting of snow.

Maybe it will cool off enough to reduce the mosquito population.

The little whiners are so thick you have to watch small pets or they might be carried off.

I usually tease folks who call it camping when they drag a tin tepee up the road, but I sure wouldn’t want to be camping in a tent or hiking much when the bugs are this bad. My advice if you are going hiking is to be sure and put on plenty of repellent before you go outside – it is almost impossible to stand still and apply if you are outside.

The North Fork Road is pretty good, thanks to the County Road Department, but as soon as we get any amount of rain, the potholes will start breeding and they mature and breed fast when traffic is heavy. In the meantime, enjoy the dust.

Which reminds me about how mad I am about the lack of a Resource Advisory Committee. I think everybody should call the Forest Supervisor’s office every day and ask when that committee will be able to meet.

The USFS phone system sucks but, when and if you can actually get through to a live person, be nice. They are not responsible for the awkward phone system and will do everything they can to assist you. The number to call is 758-5200.

It may not actually be summer yet, but it is just around the corner and social activities will be more and more frequent.

If you are not an NFLA member, check out the social calendar and join us for any and all events. The schedule is posted at Sondreson Hall, Polebridge Merc, and at the Home Ranch Store. The public is welcome at all NFLA events and there is never a fee – just a lot of fun with great people.

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