Remembering Duke

Another action-packed, mostly fun-filled weekend on the North Fork. It all started on Friday with a big memorial for Duke Hoiland. Although this was not technically a fun event, it was a solemn tribute to a man who was a vital part of the North Fork for nearly 40 years.

Those memories were fun-filled and amazing. Present were Duke’s three children, all of their now grown children except Caleigh who is in Australia, plus three great-grandchildren. In addition nearly 100 friends and neighbors. Our memories were fun filled as we remembered Duke and all of the fun things and events which included the creation of the buildings built by the Hoiland family as well as the river floating, snowmobiling, water fights and more that we were all a part of as well as the Indian Trail trips and other activities as Duke continued his life-long career as a teacher in and out of a classroom. He will always be remembered as a North Fork legend and his values will be continued by his family.

The Fourth of July was all fun. I understand there was a partial parade at Polebridge even though the Mercantile withdrew its sponsorship. I did not go to Polebridge for the first time so I don’t know how many were there, but I did hear that Bowman and Kintla Lakes were full which cut down traffic to and from the Park, reducing the normal traffic jam.

Instead of the parade, most locals attended the monster party at Jacobsons’ Moose Creek Road residence. Highlight for me was the annual water fight between their granddaughter Josie and me—I think it was a draw but a side benefit was splashing a few onlookers on a hot day. Of course, there is always a ton of food at all North Fork events.

The raffle which will be held July 8th at Home Ranch Store is going to be a big success. Already, $2,500 in tickets have been sold and sales will continue until the raffle on the evening of the 8th. You do not have to be present to win.

On a serious note, we have already had four major traffic accidents resulting in vehicles being totaled.

No one killed—yet. In addition, two deer have attacked local residents as they drove the North Fork Road. Major vehicle damage, deer fatality, but no human injuries. I guess the deer were suicidal.