The sky is falling!
I couldn’t help but think this, as I watched meteors streak across the sky last week, while the Perseids Meteor Shower reached its most dramatic hours. What did prehistoric peoples think when they saw this amazing spectacle? The sky is falling. The gods are angry. The Earth is passing through the dust trail of a comet. Run for your life! Whatever the explanation, today we run toward meteor showers: a celestial Fourth of July.
Last Thursday there was no moon. But there were roughly a billion trillion kazillion stars dotting the sky. About 175,270 of those had reflections twinkling in the dark water of Elk Lake. Jupiter, so bright, cast a light on the water the likes of a moonbeam. And the Milky Way stretched from one end of the sky to the other. Then came the meteors. The first one – streaking half way across the sky – landed on the backside of Mt. Bachelor. Or so it seemed. And that was just the beginning.
As the Perseids Meteor Shower rained down that night, our good host Jay Walsh, general manger of Elk Lake Resort, launched the pontoon boat, a 21-foot floating party barge under the stars. There, we snuggled under blankets until midnight, heads tilted to the sky, while Walsh steered us as far away from every artificial light source as possible.
“It was magical,” said one reveler of the night. "Unforgettable."
So much for looking back and up. Looking forward, here’s what’s happening at Elk Lake Resort, on land and in the lake, in the very near future:
August 24: Full Moon
One of the most beautiful places I've been on the full moon is Elk Lake. My husband says we're "nutty," but my friends and I paddle our kayaks out onto the dark lake and let them drift while we gaze at the night sky and talk in whispers. The last full moon we spent at Elk Lake inspired mermaids and moonbeams. Read about it here.
Saturdays: Dinner & Music Series
Every Saturday night this summer, Elk Lake Resort hosts a barbecue on their deck with live music, while the sun drops from the sky and Mt. Bachelor and South Sister rise above the tree line. It’s an unbeatable stage to enjoy the last Saturdays of summer.
Music Stage and Delicious BBQ Station Every Saturday Night
They serve natural half-pound burgers and boast “the best ribs in the Northwest.” So popular these ribs, your hosts suggest you arrive no later than 5 p.m. for your serving; they go quickly. Headlining the last five shows this season (performing Saturdays 5pm-8pm):
August 21: Greg Botsford (Funk / Soul / Fusion)
August 28: Blackstraps (Thrash / Psychedelic / Chinese traditional)
September 4: Bo & Deb Renolds Little Fish
September 11: To Be Surprised
September 18: Summit Express Jazz Band (Dixieland Jazz)
September 25: 90th Birthday Bash
Mark your calendar and start drooling. We are having a big Birthday Celebration for Elk Lake Resort on September 25 Elk Lake Resort turned 90 this year and we want to throw a PARTY! We will close out the season with the last Stand Up Paddleboard Race and an authentic Hawaiian Luau! Yes, we will be burying an all-natural hog raised by Pierre of Juniper Farms in Tumalo. It will be covered with real banana tree and Hawaiian tea leaves for a feast you will not want to forget.
September 26: King and Queen of the Lake, Race Series
For standup paddle boards, prone paddleboards, OC-1 outriggers, and windsurfers: This is a fun, family race series for everyone interested in the “Hawaiian” paddlesports. There is no entry fee or prizes, just bragging rights and great “schwag” for finishers.
Race Course: Here is a map of Elk Lake showing the traditional sailing buoy marks. History of these marks go back to the 1930s. Race Director: Randall Barna contact: randaoo@footform.com 541/389-4547.
In Other News: Winter Season Cabin Rentals
Available for a selected few this upcoming winter season: Elk Lake is offering several cabins for a full winter season lease. Your family or business can lease one of our Cabins for the whole winter season. There are 4 cabins available from November 1st to April 30th and it's all yours! Stock it up with your belongings and skis to make it just like home. You can use it for friends and family anytime you want during the winter season and enjoy all the Resort's amenities. Details: 541/480-7378.
