Spring days on the North Fork

LARRY WILSON / Hungry Horse News

Even though it seemed for a while that our open winter was going to be followed by a cold, windy spring that has not been the case this week. I spent most of a sunny Saturday meandering up and down the river with my still immature chocolate lab.

What a time we had! Saw 15 elk wandering downstream, tons of deer, and spent a quiet half hour sitting on a log watching the river and four Canada geese on the Park side. Buddy is not big on sitting but the geese did not see us until I stood up — then they raised their heads and honked at us until we were out of sight.

Hoped to find an elk antler to use as a walking stick, but no luck. Lots of animal tracks, some snow/ice in shaded areas, jumped two mallards in a little backwater. They caused me to lose control of the dog briefly, but he came back when it became obvious they could fly faster than he could run.

Altogether, a great afternoon. I was really tired when I got back to my ATV and so was the dog after he ran alongside for the two miles back to the cabin.

I dozed in my recliner with the dog at my feet. It doesn't get much better than that.

On Sunday, the North Fork Landowners Association Fire Mitigation Committee met at the beautiful home of chairman Molly Shepherd.

The committee decided to pursue another Stevens grant if they are offered this year. The North Fork has received two of these since the 2003 fires. The money is spent on shared costs with landowners mainly to reduce fuels around buildings and driveways.

This year the committee will sponsor a fire wise workshop the morning of the Summer Interlocal - July 14.

Topics will include information on the need for smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. With the increased use of propane for lights, refrigeration, cooking, and heating, carbon monoxide detectors are as important as smoke detectors.

Fire Chief Lynn Ogle, will also be available to advise folks on dry water sprinklers. These are rainbird sprinklers on the peak of buildings with fast couplers to enable use of the sprinklers in case of wildfires which threatens the house.

Camas Road is open, the gophers are out and the mosquitoes are coming! It really is Spring!