Let's set the scene. It's September of 2017.

Rachel (with dog, Skylar in tow) has launched on her first ever multi-day river trip down the Lower Salmon River. Days are filled with great friends, whitewater, sandy beaches, costumes, and light-up debauchery ball. A quintessential rafting trip. Life couldn't be better.

Matt has launched on a (who knows what number) lap down the Lower Salmon River. His mission: an overnight trip just him and his kayak with the ultimate goal of finding lost sleeping cots in the depths of a rapid known as China Rapid.

Long story short...Cots were not found. But love was.

Ok but if you want the long story...

A few miles before what has become known as Heart Beach, Matt sees a raft group off in the distance. Cold beer, he thinks as he begins to paddle feverishly in their direction.

He catches up to the group. Rachel glares at him in her one piece jazz suit, butterfly wings, and candy necklace...stranger danger.

Much to Rachel and the rest of the Babe Barge's dismay, Matt has made fast friend's with a member of their group. Cold beer and an invite to camp with the group are exchanged.

Matt and Rachel spent the evening laughing and connecting as only two strangers can on the river at a place now lovingly called Heart Beach.

Months of letter writing, phone calls, and burned cookies and books sent in the mail ensued.

Fast-forward a couple years and now we're here!