Enjoying the worst holiday ever

Alex Strickland

It is tradition, I know, but allow me to poke a bit of fun at what I think is Bigfork’s most unappealing yearly event: Undecorating Day.

It takes a special bit of marketing to convince people to show for a clean-up at 8 o’clock on a Saturday morning, but like always, Bigfork residents came out to support the community this weekend.

As far as special events go, this one ranks significantly lower than, say, any day where you might get presents or eat fine food or even buy flowers for your secretary. It is work, and the end result is something that looks just the way it did before the original job took place.

It speaks volumes about this community that so many people are willing to come out in the rain and cold to put up holiday decor and a large percentage of them are willing to come out in the rain and cold to take them down.

If Bigfork can come together for this, the worst holiday ever, the community can come together for anything.

Take care in the mountains

Without fail, whenever an avalanche makes news anywhere across the West, my mother calls to make sure I returned from that weekend’s skiing in one piece. Apparently, avalanches in Colorado and Utah can pose an imminent danger to Western Montana.

But this year she may not be so outrageous in her worry. Recent wet weather and lots of heavy snow on top of December’s light, fluffy variety have created dangerous conditions in the backcountry.

On Tuesday the U.S. Forest Service Glacier Country Avalanche Center issued a warning that avalanche danger was “moderate” or “low” all across the mountains of Northwest Montana, but conditions are variable and caution should be observed.

With temperatures a bit higher and an occasional ray of sun peeking through the clouds, the lure of the backcountry is tough to resist. But unless you really know what you’re doing, this may not be the year to explore.

It is, however, a great time to get educated. The Forest Service is offering classes throughout the winter tailored for different groups.

For up to date avalanche information and the latest warnings, as well as information on the classes, visit the U.S. Forest Service Glacier Country Avalanche Center Web site at http://www.glacieravalanche.org/.