What ancient Oregon recreation only shows itself for three months of the year and then culminates in presence with a big celebration in the summer at the famous Portland Rose Festival? This fun-loving, great-for-all-ages (and I mean ALL AGES), don't-have-to-be-in-"great"-shape-to-participate-sport is called Dragon Boats! Todd and I recently joined the Civil Serpents paddling team and have been getting out on the questionably safe and clean Willamette river! Besides paddling in the hail, river water (that could potentially kill you if ingested) in your mouth and Saturday morning practices we are really enjoying ourselves and getting to know this mod squad of Serpents! We hope to take the championship at the Rose Festival races in June...if we last that long on the team.
The season kickoff began with a traditional Eye-Dotting ceremony, where specially elected citizens of Oregon were chosen to fill in the eyes of the dragons on the boats. It was very festive!
The boats on the water...that very...brown...water.
Dragon Boats paddle with 16 paddlers and have a deck on the front for the Caller (the person who shouts at you to row faster) and the back for the Tiller (the person who steers).
Special guests the Portland Rosarians showed up to politely greet every at the ceremony!
You know you're important in Portland if these great Oregon folks show up to greet you!
