Monday, July 19, 2010

A River Runs Through It

People like to do different things in rivers. Some people like to fish in them, some people like to race down them in kayaks and some people like to dump toxic chemicals in them. Me? I like to float in them. Slowly. Languorously. Fortunately, there's no better place in the world to do what I like to do than on the Deschutes River as it passes through Bend, Oregon. The Deschutes is a long, beautiful river with many personalities but in downtown Bend it widens, shallows and slows to a perfect crawl. Then, when the temperature hits about 90 degrees, an inflatable armada shows up with anything in the garage that will float and takes to the river for a cooling 1 1/2 hour tour. You might see a giant duck float by or a swan. Friends will tie 10 floats together and catch up. Young girls and guys will position themselves perfectly to show off their tanned bodies to each other. I even looked once. Trailer trash will show up in their 'I'm with stupid' t-shirts and burn their flabby bodies to a bright red lobster color. Obama supporters will embrace Palin supporters. Dogs will sleep with cats. And life will be perfect for a brief, intoxicating moment. It's all true. Join me some time and I'll show you.

3 comments:

  1. The Deschutes River is very special to me. My dad did the the first of his three Outward Bound experiences there. This was a long time ago, but he told me they rafted down some sections of the river that were Class V. And he had to do a couple of solo nights camping.

    He was pretty tough for a Bronx born CPA.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Mark, I enjoy your posts as much as I enjoy reding Bill Bryson. Do I see a book in the future? Glenn

    ReplyDelete
  3. Hey Glenn. I just found your comment. Thanks. Hope you're well and we see you soon.

    ReplyDelete