Fiber Optics-Rural Utilities

When I purchased my Valhalla eight years ago I expected that I would have to give up some of the technological conveniences of the "other world".  Living, as I do, on a unmaintained, single track Forest Service road in the Kootenai National Forest. I wasn't even sure I would have much in the way of internet service. But, I didn't care. The property that I purchased was so incredible any convenience sacrifice was acceptable. I soon discovered that I was able to have as good internet service as I had in Durango, CO. Frankly, I was amazed.

Welcome to the world of rural, co-op utilities. Believe me, it's a whole new world. People come running when you have trouble and I mean right now. But, even more amazing is the way they maintain and upgrade equipment. The past few weeks Inter-bel, my phone co-operative, has been bringing fiber optics to my mountain!

When I first learned of this I wasn't any to excited as it appeared they would be digging up all over my property. I even told the fellow who came to map out a line route that I was perfectly happy with things as they were. I was informed if I didn't get on board I would eventually have no service as the old copper lines were to be eventually abandoned.  I was assured that everything would be returned to it's original condition. I was thinking "Yeah, sure, where have I heard that before!"

Going Where Mountain Goats Fear To Tread

A few weeks ago I heard the dread sound of heavy equipment moving up the mountain. Without going into all the details it was a traumatic couple of weeks but now that it's all done I can't help but be impressed not only with my phone co-operative but with the company they contracted with to do the work, Track Utilities out of Meridian, Idaho.

Laying The Cable

Not only am I now wired for fiber optics but my property is none the worse for the wear. Oh, there were some rough spots like when they up rooted my fence trying to avoid cutting old lines. I nearly threw a fit. Well, actually, I did throw a fit. As luck would have it Shane Mace,  owner of Track, was there and assured me everything would be fixed good as new and it was. Not only was Shane often seen working side by side with his men but he also turned out to be a man of his word. Where do you find that anymore? Here's a man who leads by example and a more professional bunch I have not run into in a very long time.

And, hats off to Inter-Bel for having the foresight and pluck to get this project on the board. And, for choosing the absolute right contractor to get the job done.

Like I keep saying "God, how I love Montana!"

©Kinsey Barnard Photography

Saturday Sojourn

Yesterday I spent the morning raking up pine cones, got lots of those, and cutting up yet another big old larch that had fallen prey to insects and wind. I'm generally only good for one or two trees. It's a lot of very hard work, cutting one up and stacking the wood.

Koty, is no help. He just hangs around whining "When are we going for a hike?!" As usual I promised him we would "go". A lot of power in that tiny little word. Koty goes crazy when I say it. Such enthusiasm. Such joi de vivre.  I love him so. If you're not yet acquainted with Koty I wrote a little about My Best Friend a while back that may be of intrest.

Anyway, by the time I'm finished with my ranch work I am not hankering for a forty mile hike but a promise is a promise, and I do not break promises to my dog or anyone else. Late in the afternoon we headed up the mountain. Days are already long here in Montana. It doesn't really get dark until around nine. At this time of year I can work in the morning, have lunch, take a nap and then go all over again. It's like getting two days for the price of one. Which is good because at my age I need all the days I can get.

Deseased Western Larch

We took a route we have taken a thousand times before but the trip is never the same and I  always see something new an interesting. Ironically, the first interesting thing I saw was this rather handsome example of exactly what the larch I'd just cut up looked like at it's core.

My next discovery was lichen on some boulders. The boulders around here look like they come from a another planet. I'd forgotten how interesting they are to study.


Lichen on Boulder by Kinsey Barnard****Click on photo to purchase


It's a well established fact that I am a bit daffy but I truly think this ancient rock is just beautiful, so intricate and delicate of design. I seem to be on a real roll here with natural designs? Check out my Natural Designs Gallery. There's some very interesting stuff in there.


Rock and Lichen by Kinsey Barnard****Click on photo to purchase

An hour out was about all the energy I could muster but Koty was happy and so was I. What more could a country girl ask for?

©Kinsey Barnard Photography



If you enjoy this blog please feel free to share it.