Priest Lake, Idaho - A Full Moon Means It’s Time for another “Lunar Disco”

Up in Northern Idaho, a few good friends like to get together now and then for what they like to call the Lunar Disco. This is a local semi-irregular tradition among some old friends, which began way back when in the days when the Bee Gees and Donna Summer weren’t playing county fairs, and polyester was considered a turn-on. But this disco doesn’t involve mirrored balls. In his own words, David Hunt describes how the Lunar Disco got started:

“Late one night, at Hill's Resort (where I tended bar during summers between school years) several of the local gang of friends closed down the lounge.  It was a beautiful, warm, starry night.  Walking through the trees and down to the dock where we had our old wooden boats tied up, the sense of wonder and magic seemed to grab us all at about the same time. After a spontaneous group skinny-dip (it was dark, and we were all young, invincible, and fearless) someone suggested that we all raft up out near Kalispel Island for a little star-gazing and lingering. Holding on to a magic evening with good friends was a natural. I don't remember who coined the phrase "Lunar Disco," but it stuck-both the name and the tradition.  The tradition of spending the whole night out on beautiful Priest Lake with people who you felt would be your friends forever. Watching the moon set and the sun rise. Listening to (non-disco!) music and each others’ stories and dreams.

“So every now and then (this is not a yacht club function, more of a spontaneous combustion amongst old friends) a few of us will rendezvous out near Kalispel Island, or Bartow Island, or Eight Mile Island, raft up, watch the stars, and the Lunar Disco opens again. I've got my favorite old Van Morrison and Tom Waits tunes ready to go, and there's this certain summer solstice approaching.  The little Montgomery 15 is ready to roll, and I've thrown in a few extra fenders and lines . . .”

If you mention Lunar Disco up in the wilds of Northern Idaho, most people might wonder if your platform shoes are tied too tight. However, there is a small group of 40-to-60-year-olds who will smile broadly and offer to buy you a Moose Drool.