Pole Climbing and Saw Contest- Clark Fork 4th of July 2016

Master tree climber, Joe.

Yes, it's way up there and yes, the pole moves around as he climbs it to ring the bell at the top.

The saw contest, small, medium and large cut.

If you are thinking about which brand of chainsaw to buy, this photo should give you a hint.

Let the competition begin.  There were at least a dozen entrants in all categories.

The judges, Rod and Adam, were very conscientious and intense.

 Joe, on the medium saw.

 Our master sawyer and large saw contestant, Travis, gets ready to make his cut.

This is Jen's first year in the saw contest.  He entered all three categories and did well in all of them.  Not too sure about the foot apparel though....

The champion of the large saw competition, Travis and daughter Lyndsie, with Bob awarding the trophy.

Yes, Trav, I am taking your picture, again.

Our 4th of July ended with beautiful fireworks shot off the barge in the bay.  We are so fortunate to have the invite to Cousin Kay's house to watch the event as it's right above it.
It's one of the highlights of our summer.

Thank you to Kay for hosting so many people every 4th of July evening.

Clark Fork 4th of July Parade. The best ever!

This family was definitely ready to celebrate!

The crowd lining the parade route.

Sirens, gunshots and a bagpipe.  Here we go!

And finally, the Krewe of Cougar Creek and The Friends of Scotchman Peaks Wilderness.

Tossing moon pies.

The parade watchers lining the corner at Hayes Chevron.

The prize awarded this year, The Best Group!

100 photos of the chainsaw contest on the next blog post.

Kokanee fishing on the lake.

Our friends, Mike and Teresa, took us out on the lake in their new boat.  Retired Mountain Man showed them how to catch Kokanee.

The view towards Hope and East Hope.

Teresa bringing in her first fish.  We didn't have a net so it was extra exciting to land the fish in the boat.  It was a lot of fun to watch Teresa catching the fish.  She was as excited as a five year-old with her first fish.

Retried Mountain Man put the fish in our smoker.  There's no taste equal to your own Smoked Kokanee.

My Spring flowers blooming early again this year.

The grapevines behind them are doing well too.  They will soon overtake this flower bed.

We are in what I would call our normal summer routine.  Gardening, fishing, playing some music now and then and enjoying the sunshine.  I hope you are too!