It's late April and crocuses are starting to bloom, but always with the threat of frost in the evenings. The tree frogs, toads and ground frogs are creating a deafening chorus in the evenings, while various species of hummingbirds are starting to appear. Yes, the sun is shining, but people still feel the bite of cold and are prepared for swift changes in the temperatures.
Prsopector Days, our annual festival, is on its way, with Dave Blanck as the new chair. He has lots of energy and brings a fresh spirit to the event. Visitors can anticipate some new events and activities for Prospector Days, so be sure to put us on your calender for the second week in June! Stone Soup will be chairing the art projects and welcome artists and vendors. Call us at 509-775-3217 to book a booth. It's a small event, but one that has the true spirit of the old west!
The mule deer have spread out into the woods, so there's fewer gathered to eat the flower beds. Not that we mind- after all, this local herd and its ancestors has been here since before the town was settled! There's signs that black bear have been down on the hiking trail at the edge of town; keep an eye open when walking your dogs. Live in peaceful co-existence, understanding that the bears, too, have their place in the scheme of things.
Even with the economy struggling, people in Ferry County are looking for ways to thrive and grow as a community. Stone Soup has seen an increase in requests for classes on starting a business and the artists are producing some really nice work- you can see it all at the shop in Republic or go on-line at www.shopthefrontier.com and peruse many wonderful handcrafted items! Something about tall trees, high mountains and rural living brings out artistic vision!!
The Stone Rose Fossil Center will be opening soon, too. An internationally known Eocene site, the fossil digs sits conveniently right at the edge of town and make a wonderful weekend excursion for individuals or families.
Republic is a small town nestled in a high mountain valley in Washington State. Nothing about this town- or Ferry County in which it sits- is typical. Not the terrain, the climate nor the people! If you had to select words to describe Ferry County inhabitants, you would start with words that included independent, strong spirit, courage, stamina, and resourceful. But because of where we live, you would also have to add helpful, friendly and tolerant- because in Ferry County, where most people earn half the median income of the rest of the United States, doing without is fairly common- and so is doing for each other! The phrase "We're all in this together" describes the attitude most people share with each other. The diversity of beliefs, opinions, political views, and lifestyles is tremendous- but so is the attitude that we need each other to survive!
So join us in our journey through Ferry County, as explore and celebrate one of the lower 48's "last real frontiers"!
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