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…