Friday, January 22, 2010

Winter in Lane County


After the Artic cold spell in November we are experiencing a total different weather pattern in January with temperatures hovering around the low and mid-fifties for almost two weeks now. Some of our Indian Plum and rose bushes have new leaves on their branches and with a little concern for what still has to come I watch this young fresh green. Blooming purple forest violets, beat the prim roses with their colorful display on the front lawn at the river and it's hard to believe we have snow in the forecast tomorrow night January 22nd. Hmm, ....isn't that Hubertina's birthday?

Earlier this week I was able to work on my drift boat that was in need of some TLC. With these temperatures urethane and epoxy cures within normal dry times what makes me getting ahead of the fishing season which start this weekend when we are fishing for Steelhead below the Leaburg dam. Checking gear, tackle and material has been high on the priority list and the push for completing this task becomes a lot easier with this unusual 'warm' weather.

We also start our preparations for the upcoming 28th annual Public Interest Environmental Law Conference at the end of February. After a very successful conference in 2009 we are looking at an even higher attendance this year resulting in a five day event instead of the three days in previous years. As one of the international 13 indigenous Grandmothers (www.grandmotherscouncil.com) Agnes Pilgrim (oldest living member of the Eastern Oregon Takelma tribe) confirmed her presence as well as Art George, Benny Mills, Joe Brown, Joe Cross and Calvin Hecocta (member of the Numa tribe near Beatty, Oregon). This all will be topped of with a traditional fish bake at the McKenzie River Inn Bed & Breakfast and Cabins.
A good start of a new year. Hope you too will do well in 2010.