June 27

We awoke to sunshine and clear skies. The wind had died in the night and it looked like it was going to be a beautiful day in paradise. I fired up the computer and saw the storm warnings. Thunderstorms were forecast for the Okanagan Valley. I knew that I needed to put the boat on the lift. Today we were heading up to Big White.

Jon Bos was playing at the Globe Patio! Excitement filled us, we looked forward to go watch our friend play live in front of people. Something we had not done since March when we watched the world implode around us. It looked like it would be a good day to sit on a patio.

Krista and I grabbed some breakfast and rescued Serendipity from the dock at the Eldorado. A morning float was the perfect way to start the day, our day that would end in connections up at Big White.

Despite our best intentions, we still ended up scrambling to get up the mountain to see Jon weave his musical spells. My daughter brought a friend and we piled into the truck. It was 2:00 and we needed to drop the kids at the condo and get to the Globe by 3:30. Traffic was heavy, the rain heavier, as huge drops of water cascaded down upon my windshield. A thunderous downpour came from the sky, the storm the experts forecast was upon us. Undeterred, the trip through Ktown took thirty agonizing minutes. Once we were clear of the city and the traffic, the rain let up and our spirits rose.

We arrived at the condo and unloaded the kids. We wanted to make the show as soon as possible, we grabbed an extra layer and went straight to the Globe. The music echoed from the village and we walked faster. A little out of breath, we arrived in time to see Jon cut into his second song. I felt lighter, a release valve sprung on the musical part of my soul. The sounds of live music unleashed a feeling inside that gave my heart joy.

It felt good to be back at Big White, back at our second home. The sun was shining and music filled the air. We grooved to the tunes some more and danced freely to Jon’s musical gifts.

The storm warning was still there, hanging in the distance in the black sky to the west. The sun faded and the temperatures began to drop. People began to move, not to the music, this time they moved to be inside. It was time to find shelter from another storm. 2020 has been all about finding shelter from the coming storms. The wind began to howl through the village and we knew it was only a matter of time before the sky would open up. Everyone pitched in and we grabbed Jon’s gear and headed for shelter.

Warm and dry we sheltered from the icy winds. Jon warmed his fingers and played on. Our small crowd cheered to the music. We came together apart from each other, respectful of everyone’s social distance.

We walked back to our mountain home, contented and refreshed by our musical experience. I felt rejuvenated by the energy that flowed through the room. The people, the music and the connection was powerful and filled my being with joy. It gave me hope and promise of a brighter tomorrow.