Road advice

I have really enjoyed reading what Flannery writes about the North Fork. She carries about the same things I do for roadside emergencies, except I also carry an ax, but have never included a shot of whiskey or a sleeping bag.

I do have extra warm clothing in case I have to wait in the car or hike to the nearest house, although I have never had to do either. I do not always carry chains, but I am one of those guys with a big, heavy SUV and a ton of experience on the North Fork Road as well as good tires.

My big, heavy 4x4 has a big advantage over the small, light vehicles, even if they are four-wheeled drive, My heavy car holds the road better (in my opinion) and the higher clearance that 18-inch wheels provide allow me to navigate in deeper snow.

The real secret to winter driving on the North Fork is the same whether your vehicle is big or small — the speed you drive. You should, at all costs, avoid a heavy foot on either the accelerator the brake as either could put you in a slide. Years ago, when I was learning to drive my mother taught me to take my foot off of the gas when approaching a curve and then to lightly apply gas as you go around th corner. Try it — you will like it,

One thing’s for sure, driving the North Fork in the winter was not a homesteader activity. It took them days to go to town in the winter on horseback or by dog team. Thanks to Flathead County, current residents can drive to town almost any time and in less than two hours. Maybe that accounts for some of our high taxes?

In addition to town trips, our improved road allows for a much bigger expanded social life. We can easily visit neighbors for dinner, cards or just conversation, not to mention larger social activities.

Just this week Christmas music will be transported up and down the North Fork by talented voices and there will be refreshments at many stops ranging from cocoa and cookies to complete meals.

Also this week is the annual Christmas party as the beautiful Graham home. This event typically draws more than 40 folks from the North Fork and Flathead Valley.

Big events will also be held at Sondreson Community Hall on Christmas Day and New Years Eve. As always, lots of fun, food and sometimes even fireworks!

The experienced will teach the newcomers and as usual some will listen and some will not. That is why I also carry a heavy duty nylon tow rope to help educate the inexperienced.

What do you think?

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