February 28, 2023

 

It is feeling like “the old days” with this winter weather, such as we haven’t experienced for several years. There is concern for frozen water systems to our houses. One recently required a surface fire to thaw the earth sufficiently to be dug down to the frozen pipe. This winter is not an ‘easy season’ particularly for newer residents who may have lived all their lives within city boundaries and in warmer climates.

The Young Men of our village enjoyed a snowmobile outing. Their advisor, Bret Rasmussen, is professional in this area of expertise and the group always learn a great deal about safety and operating the machines. With the mountain location of Mink Creek the group traveled up Birch Creek canyon and over into St. Charles on the Bear Lake side of our mountains. LaRon Baird served as their quartermaster, trucking food and sleeping supplies over, then stayed overnight with the guys. The youth participating were Conner Iverson, Hazen Baird, Devlyn Currie and adult leaders assisting Bret were Bishop Paul McKay and Kurt Iverson. Jesse Wilcox and Trevor Rasmussen, leaders, made the ride but returned the same day.

Bill Despain drove over from his home in Fielding, UT, to check up on the Mink Creek situation. Bill and his wife, Myrna, lived in Mink Creek for many years and stays in contact with us.

The family of Stuart and Alona Ostler, plus some extensions, spent a few days in Las Vegas as they supported their daughter Davanie in the national cheer competition of the JAMZ Cheer and Dance organization. Davanie belongs to the Cheer Force team connected with the Black Magic gym in Logan and now, as a senior, she is in her last year. Cheer groups have to qualify in order to compete. Davanie’s group placed third in this competition. The Ostler family were part of the Tournament of Kings, and had fun while having a few days of warmth and sunshine.

This winter continues with many challenges. Those vehicles that we depend upon so much are getting stuck in the growing depths in drifted snow. Outdoor animals continue to need feed and care. The weight of the snow upon our roofs is causing concern and in some cases collapse. We have had nearly complete days of whiteout conditions. This is written for those readers who live a great distance from us, to give them the picture here, as compared to their current circumstances. It has been a very long time since such a season has been upon us.