Written in the Stars: Paddling Through a Night of Pure Magic
- Michelle Eidam
- Sep 5, 2024
- 3 min read
A River Runs Through It: The Deschutes Awaits
Ever been to a floating concert? We just did, and let's just say it was an adventure for the books. Picture this: the cool night air, the distant glow of the stage lights reflecting on the water, the excited chatter of friends echoing across the stillness. We were in for a treat – or so we thought.
Armed with coolers, snacks, and a touch of trepidation (Apple Weather wouldn’t lie to us, would they?), we set out on a river bustling with life. Tubes, kayaks, SUPs, and laughter filled the air as everyone eagerly anticipated Train and REO Speedwagon.

Ty's Titanic Tumble: Cooler Chaos on the River
Ty, ever the gentleman, gallantly volunteered to captain the "party barge"—his sleek, narrow river board now burdened with both the overflowing cooler and the hefty anchor. You've seen those massive, tank-like paddleboards, right? Well, picture the polar opposite. Our boards were built for speed, not stability. But hey, no problem, right? Ty's practically a pro.
I hopped on my board with the grace of a seasoned paddler and glided away. Ty, on the other hand... well, let's just say physics had other plans. As he attempted to mount his board, the fully-loaded cooler decided to jump overboard, sliding right over the edge and sending Ty tumbling into the Deschutes, waist-deep in the chilly water. The scene was pure comedy: a drenched Ty scrambling over his submerged board, frantically diving for the cooler, while trying desperately to keep his upper half dry. I watched in awe, and maybe a little amusement.

When the Heavens Opened Up
With the sun blazing (and a hint of ominous gray clouds), we paddled upriver. I squinted, wishing for sunglasses as the reflection off the water intensified. And then, as if on cue, the heavens opened. No shelter, just us and the surprise downpour. The hoodie that I strategically tied around my waist (I wasn’t taking any chances after the earlier cooler incident) was now getting soaked. We paddled on, and couldn't help but laugh at the absurdity of it all.
Finally, we joined up with our concert-buddies. Boards overflowing with supplies, we drifted to our prime spot – just out of the current, with a clear view of the amphitheater stage. Coolers unzipped, beers cracked, snacks shared – the concert vibes were flowing.

When Mother Nature Wins
Nothing else could possibly go wrong, right? Oh, but wait... The sky unleashed yet another round of fury. Lightning, thunder, and a collective moment of "Should we bail?" Other floaters fled for cover under a nearby bridge, but not us. We braved the elements, determined to keep our sweet spot.
Snacks now soaked, the rain eventually subsided, and REO Speedwagon took the stage. "Take It On the Run" filled the air, and we sang along at the top of our lungs, some (read: Me) more enthusiastically than others. The music was incredible. As the sun began to set, painting the sky with vibrant hues, we were all transported back to the '80s.
During the intermission, the party kicked into high gear. Girls dancing on paddleboards? Check. Impromptu SUP twerking? Now I’ve seen it all. One friend's mid-twerk, not-so-graceful tumble onto the board behind her had us all in stitches. It was a night of pure joy.

Calling All Angels (and Paddleboarders)
Under a starlit sky, Train belted out all the biggies: Meet Virginia, Play That Song, Drive By, and Hey, Soul Sister echoed across the water. We sang our hearts out, though my personal favorite, "Marry Me," remained elusive. As the concert was starting to wind down, Ty, who had been perched half in the water on a rock, was turning blue and ready to head home for a hot shower.

Starlight Serenade: Paddling Home to the Music
Paddling back upriver was surreal. The world had transformed into a hushed, moonlit dreamscape. The river, once teeming with life and laughter, now lay still and silent, reflecting the star-strewn sky above. The only sounds were the rhythmic swish of our paddles and the faint, fading echoes of the concert drifting on the breeze. It was a peaceful quietude pushed to an almost eerie extreme – a stark contrast to the vibrant energy of the night.
And then, as if conjured from the stillness itself, the opening chords of "Marry Me" filled the air, a final, magical touch to an already unforgettable night. My song, my moment, the perfect ending to an adventure I'll never forget.

Soul Full of Stars & Songs
Cheers... to good friends, great music, unexpected adventures, and the quiet magic of a starlit river.

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