Life on the Tepee (Lake, that is)

Ahh yes, out early this morning for another day of fly-fishing on the North Fork. The fishing was good, the peace, serenity and beauty of fishing on the North Fork is unparalleled in my humble opinion.

We have been mostly just “lazing” around at Lynell’s cabin, and “getting in the way”.

Lynell is having some remodeling done within her cabin. She brought a general contractor and his able assistant up to the North Fork from Visalia to accomplish this task. She has completely re-tiled the kitchen and lower bathroom floors; re-tiled the kitchen counter-tops, and the bathroom counter-top’ plus a few minor repairs and alterations. And, I must say that it is looking very nice and these guys do a quality, professional job. Marilyn and I, just try to stay out of their way and not become too much of an obstacle. They are really super-nice guys, and they brought their two young boys with them to enjoy some of “the last best place” (a Montana motto that many locals like to use).

We had a herd of about 12 deer, feeding in the immediate area around the cabin a couple of evenings ago, and about 8 deer (part of the same ones from the night before?) feeding the next morning in the same area.

Of course we have seen a couple more grizzlies, a few elk, and a moose, plus a couple of bald eagles.

One item of real ‘luxury’ here at Lynell’s cabin is the ability to email, and make use of the computer, since she is linked via satellite. That makes it possible to ‘check-in’ and send and receive emails when I want.

And then too, Lynell also has Dish satellite, so on occasion I can catch a little news (very little, since I do not want to ruin the good-times with strife, pillage, and political misfits (fishing is much more rewarding), but the TV and all of its satellite channels are available for those that want to blur their brain with “dumb-down” TV, listen to depressing news, or play mindless games (the boys love this last option); and there is the satellite phone and Skype for connecting with the outside world.

Lynell has many of the “civilized” attributes that Chris refuses to have up here. We have an (actually two) indoor potty; endless hot showers (2 of those likewise); and a 25KW generator (to augment the solar and battery/inverter system). Lynell loves the wilderness and beauty of the North Fork, but she does not want to stray too far from those “civilized amenities” of life.

We are leaving here later this afternoon, and returning to our ‘portable hacienda’ down at the lake. Needless to say, we are looking forward to seeing our ‘Bailey’ (cat) upon our return home. Bailey was set up where she could easily survive from probably three to four weeks, with food, water, and adequate ‘potty’ facilities. And of course, Kalua (the elderly (12) pup) always goes with us, where ever that may be. Kalua just loves it up here on the North Fork. She has unbridled freedom, and although she does not venture very far any longer, due to her progressing age, she still enjoys the forest and cabin areas.
We still have a short list of things that we want to do once we get back into the Flathead Valley this afternoon. This weekend there is a couple of musical and craft events that we plan to take a look at. A lot yet to do up here in “God’s Country”, the last best place…

On the North Fork . . . .

Kalua

We have now been up here on the North Fork (the North Fork of the Flathead River) for the past week, with our first days with our son Chris and Deb and the girls (Christal, Jamie and Julianne) at their cabin up on the Canadian border.

For those unfamiliar with this beautiful area, the North Fork is the only remaining true wilderness area in the lower-48. It is a river area with Glacier National Park on the east side of it, and private land on the west side of the river. The road leading up the North Fork starts coming north out of

Marilyn along the

                                           North Fork by Chris' cabin

Columbia Falls, Montana, and for the first 12 miles it is a two-lane paved road; then it goes to graded gravel (dirt) for the next 50+ miles to the Canadian border. The border crossing (Trail Creek Port of Entry) is no longer open, although the shuttered log buildings on both sides of the border remain; and the simple gate is locked. This crossing was closed down in 1996, and although the Border Patrol still frequents it off and on for a day or two about every couple of weeks or so, depending on their “news” and patrol requirements, it is quiet and there is no one around.

Polebridge, Montana

On the way north, at about 35 miles out of Columbia Falls, is the small place-on-the-map (well, some maps anyhow), called Polebridge.  It consists mainly of the Polebridge Mercantile and the Northern Lights Saloon, along with a hand full of cabins.  The 'Merc' is over one hundred years old and is on the National Registry of Historic Places; and it is known up and down the North Fork as THE place to buy fresh bakery goodies (and yes, they are mighty good, having 'tested' them many times now).  Most people who are willing to venture the North Fork road, make a stop at Polebridge and then head back south.  For us, we have another 21 miles or so to go north to get us to our destination on the Canadian border.

"Moose City" at the Canadian border

The immediate area (on the American side) is known as “Moose City”. This is a large area of about half a dozen cabins spread out over a wide area, and it encompasses a grassed (turf) airstrip for small plane use. There were five planes in on Friday for their annual “Moose City Gathering”. This is an annual event that this group conducts once every year on a mid-July weekend. The planes are mostly single-engine Piper’s and Cessna’s. There is one there that is a larger, red and black turbo-prop that is a first-class method to travel.(but not the one shown below. That is a Piper)

Chris, Deb and Family, Cabin at 'Moose City'

Chris' cabin is located in this area, along the river. He has completely remodeled and refurbished his cabin over the past several years and although he will not bend to having satellite TV, he does have a TV for DVD movies; there is no electricity in the North Fork, so he uses a combination of deep-cycle batteries, a couple of inverters, solar panels and a small generator for back-up; he put a new water well in last year (although the old one still works and supplies good water, it was only 5 feet deep, so be set a new one in at a whopping 30 feet depth. The water is drawn up to a 100-gallon storage/holding tank by a gas-operated pump. He uses a demand pump (similar to an RV water pump) to bring the water to the cabin from this holding tank. Showers are accomplished by a fully enclosed (portable type by Cabela’s) shower, and it has hot water too. Indoor cooking is done on a propane gas range, but most cooking is done on one of several ‘barbies’ outside by the deck. There is also a new, unique large wooden spa that is heated by firewood. It is really a neat installation and so inviting too.

There is great fishing all along the North Fork, with a good number of various trout (bull, brows, rainbows) as well as whitefish taken. Most are in a 10” to 22” size. They are all native, as there are no fish plants in Montana. The makings for some great fish dinners were had.

Jim and Marilyn at Chris and Deb's cabin

We really enjoyed the exploring with the use of the Ranger and Mule UTV’s, which is great for exploring and sightseeing.

And of course there are always plenty of good eats and treats to be had. The rafting was superb as usual with an enjoyable four-hour run down the river to a point for easy retrieval of people and equipment.

The weather has been nigh-on to perfect for us and that has made our stay all the better.

On Sunday, July 18th we moved ourselves back down the North Fork about six miles to our daughter Lynell’s cabin located along Tepee Lake.  More on that in a few days...
Plane on takeoff from Moose City         (same shot - close up)

Looking East; Glacier Park      

Notice the "line" in the center of the photo -

 that is the Canadian/USA border

Just another beautiful day in paradise. . . .

Well, I guess it has been about a week since I sat down and knocked out a few words on what has taken place here in "God's Country", but I will give you an update, along with a few more photos,

We had a great 4th of July with lots of friends and family, food, cool libations and fireworks. 

The weather took a turn for the cooler and damper last Thursday (7/1) and lasted kinda off and on over the next three days.  It was not bad, but just cooler than usual for here and with a few thunderstorms, but no real rain to speak of. 

On Sunday (7/4) the weather had improved some and with it partly sunny and at about 65F, it proved to not to be too bad for our local celebrations.

Monday, (7/5) the full sun and warmer temps returned with a welcomed high of 75F;  and yesterday and today, it has been just gorgeous with bright, clear sunny days and with the temp at 82F today, and much of the same is forecasted for the next week to ten-days or so, which is good to hear.

We understand that many areas of the country and including California, it has been well into the 90's and even a few 100's to boot.  Now, that is a little too warm for us old farts.

We made a change in our domicile yesterday, by moving ourselves from the Elks to another local RV park in Kalispell that offers full services (water, electric, sewer, cable, and phone if desired) for a very good rate for the next month.  We like the larger spaces, the trees and lots of grass, plus the quietness and park-like setting  that is offered there.  Since we have to be in Redmond, Oregon for the FMCA International Convention and the governing board meeting in August, we have had to move our date of departure from here in Montana by a few days.  Originally, we were planning on leaving about August 6th to make the first day and the board meeting on August 11th.  But now, we just received a re-schedule from FMCA and they want us there for early arrival on Sunday, August 8th, which means we will most likely need to depart from here about August 4th.  Although it is only about 700 miles, we have never liked to be rushed in our travels, so we figure that about 3 to 4 days should work well for us to make Redmond by Sunday, August 11th.

Fishing has been acceptable.  Just wish I could do more of it, but with my "honey-do's" and other errands (O.K., looking at some 'Jim toys too'), it cuts into my time on the water.  Nevertheless, any time fishing is better than most any time doing anything else though, and with it being up here in Montana, that is a sure bonus that makes it all the more great.

Well guess I better run, as I am being pressured to get in the boat and for us to get out on the water.  Back with more later.  In the meanwhile, just keep on keeping....

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                       Marilyn and her nephew, John

July 4th, 2010

                                            The "domestic diva" Jamie, making a batch of cookies
Christal's Birthday (July 4th!)           

                                               Sunset on the Flathead

Some of the July 4th fireworks...

...and fun, fun, fun on the 4th!