38th Annual Rainbow Gathering of the Tribes

News from 2009 Rainbow Family Spring Counsel

The 38th Annual Rainbow Gathering of the Tribes is at
Parque Venado in the Santa Fe National Forest.
24 miles from of Cuba, New Mexico.

The site is beautiful, altitude is 8,500 - 9,000 feet.
Nice gentle terrain with long meadows and great forest.
Be prepared for cold nights (low 40's to 50 degrees)
Warm days in the mid 80's and sunny.
1/2 hour afternoon thunderstorms most days, which are downpours,
bring good rain gear.


Directions:
This is what you need to know as you drive to the site from Cuba, NM.

There are two junctions/ intersections . Where 69 turns into ? 103 .
and where you turn from 103 to 126.

Although you will be driving straight . The road that you were, on
bears right. The LEOs want to see some left turn signal action , OR
ELSE!

Forest Service Traffic Flow Map This map shows safe routes and one way lanes into and out of the gathering site.

http://wikimapia.org/#lat=36.0502093&lon=-106.7857361&z=11&l=0&m...

Need a ride? Got a ride Get hooked up!
The Kind Ride Share
http://kindrideshare.org

Weather Forcast
Days are close to 80 degrees with the nights being around 40 degrees. Some rain should be expected. Come prepared for nights that get into the low 30s, one or two even in the 20s. The altitude may be as high as 9000 feet. Please bring drinking water and high energy food to share. X-tra blankets and warm dry clothes, you will be glad you have them!!!

Road Conditions
The gathering site is located in an unincorporated area miles from the nearest convienences. The road into the site is off the pavement and is comprised of mainly hard packed dirt. Scouts have taken into concideration that most folks will be driving in cars and large buses. In otherwords a 4X4 is not required to reach the site.

Travel
Closest city for Greyhound bus lines is Los Alamos, Albuquerque or Santa Fe - Greyhound Information
Vehicle rentals are availible in either Albuquerque or Sante Fe - Enterprise Car Rentals
Hertz® Car Rental - Los Alamos Inside County Airport
Budget Car Rental - Los Alamos Budget Rent A Car
Priceline offers numerous flights to and from Santa Fe (New Mexico) Airport. - Price Line
Limited commercial air service from Denver Colorado - Los Alamos County Airport
New Mexico Rail Runner Light Railroad  866-795-7245
Sandoval County Easy Express Bus to Cuba  877-660-1110
All Aboard America! - Park and Ride

For those folks looking to share a ride we highly suggest The Kind Ride Share

Parking
Parking is along the road with some spots that are completely off the road. At the intersection of 69 & 70 there will be additional parking. If you park roadside, be sure that ALL 4 WHEELS are completely off the road way so that you dont get towed. Leave enough space between vehicles so that people leaving have room to get their vehicles out. If in doubt follow instructions from the volunteer parking crew as they will know the area and parking situation. There are some active shuttle services during peak hours.

There is a rumor that a permit has been issued, regardless - now for something completely different

Once Spring counsel reaches a decision, Seed Camp begins (It's On!) - this generally happens in mid June. Seed Camp is that magical time when we create the infrastructure to support the gathering. This means building kitchens, digging shitters, laying water pipe (yes, even the water pipe get's laid at the gatherings) and building water filtration stations. Seed camp generally finishes by the end of June. If you come to seed camp early be self sufficient and be prepared to work.

Now would be a good time to remind everyone, after you poop, grab some dirt from the pile by the hole you are pooping in and cover your poop and TP until flies can no longer get to it. Break the shit-fly-food-you connection and help everyone stay more healthy.

And if you use a shitter that someone before you did not do this, please do not leave it. It usually only takes a few minutes to tidy up most shitters. Makes it less traumatic an experience for the next person and again helps everyone stay more healthy.

And if you find a shitter from hell, please do not add to the mess others will have to clean up. Go to a different one. If your local to your tent favorite one is a hell shitter, help coordinate local campers and kitchens to dig a new one. You will then not have that sense of dread when your bowels are calling.

Lastly, as the shitter is used it fills. Do not use a shitter that is filled in to almost surface level. Dogs and other animals will dig it after it is covered over with dirt and allow flies access. If your shitter is less than 1 foot from the surface, its time to dig a new shitter.

You put your ripe poop in,
You keep both feet out,
You hold your breath in,
And try to not pass out.
You do the shitter-jitter and you poop into the ground.
That's what it all about.

(NO "RIGHT FOOT IN" RECOMMENDED) ; )

Gatherings tend to be located many miles from the nearest Interstate and paved road. When planning your drive, realize that the last 50 to 100 miles may be traveled at 20 MPH and plan accordingly. Always plan to arrive early in the morning. The roads into the gathering are generally in poor shape and it's easy to get lost at 1 AM in the dark when you've been driving for 12 hours.  Kick it at a camp site for the night, get up at dawn and come on home. It can take 4 to 8 hours from the time you park your car until you've gotten to your campsite and pitched your tent. If this is your first gathering, I'd plan on 8 so you can figure out what's happening and where you want to camp.

For people with kids, if you've never been to a gathering plug in with Kiddie Village - a kid friendly space with lots of parents willing to share how to sanely and safely parent at a gathering. If you've never camped with kids before, read up an that to make sure you're prepared. Read the rap on kids at Gatherings http://rainbowguide.info/Raps/RAPeng.php?id=13

For people with special needs, ask for Handicamp - a space for people with mobility and other related disabilities with lots of folks willing to help you make the most of your gathering experience.  While the trails can be tough and conditions vary from site to site, there's usually a couple of friendly folks just waiting to assist with the rough spots. Sometimes we have cool things like rickshaws to assist people in getting around. Bring your own personal supplies (catheter, wraps, chair, medical supplies, diapers, cleanup, etc.). Bring own attendant if you need assistance with personal care (bowel programs, skin, transfer, catheterizations, wounds, etc) or supervision issues or other issues (mobility, access, safety) as needed.

Bring enough for yourself and some to share, tread lightly while you're there, disappear your campsite completely, and take away more trash than you brought. Beware of any form of leadership or magical hats!!!! Clean-up begins upon arrival.

Rainbow Runaway Information

If you are under 18 years of age in most states and you do not have your parent or guardians permission to be traveling to a Rainbow Gathering you may be listed as a runaway. There are some things you can do to protect yourself and your brothers and sisters you may be traveling with. 

First off, make sure that you feel comfortable with your surroundings. If the energy is giving you bad vibes find another place to hang or buddy up with someone that you trust. Keep your appearance and health up. It is a good idea to eat a well balanced meal at least every couple of days. If your snacking on what's available try to pick foods that are natural and high in proteins. Fresh fruit and paste are good as are servings of bread and cheese. Drink plenty of water even if your not doing anything. Brush your teeth, change and launder your clothes often. If your having sex please protect yourself and your partner. Pregnancies happen as do sexually transmitted diseases.

This is very important! Notify someone of your general whereabouts. Someone your close to like a grandparent, an uncle or even a cousin. Let them know that your OK and that you love them. You don't have to say where your at or what your travel plans are but do call home and let those that love you know your safe and sound, when your older I swear you will understand that this is the right thing to do, at any age.

If you need help calling ask a friend. If you don't have a dime to call do it collect. If you need to make that a free call we suggest the National Runaway Hotline 1-800-RUNAWAY

Parents of Runaways

If you suspect that your child has run away and may be at a Rainbow Gathering we offer these suggestions. A Rainbow Gathering is a very good place for your child to be when you consider the options of most any city world wide. There are lots of very loving people who care about our younger brothers and sisters but it goes much deeper then that. The youth of the Rainbow are very smart and resourceful folks, they have a lot of respect for each other and their surroundings. Most young men find a pack of other young men to run with and help each other survive in ways that teach as well as allows the individual to grow and become.

Young sisters generally hang out with sisters of their own age, older sisters and with small mixed groups. I can think of nothing that a sister couldn't ask for that wouldn't be provided for her at a gathering including transportation to safety if needed. The gatherings have plenty of support that allows young sisters an opportunity to learn and become in their own way and time. 

Now, this might not ease your frustration however, we have a Community Forum that you can leave a message on. If your child or someone that knows your child views your post it may get passed along to them.

In the kind time, please know that our hearts go out to you and that we wish you and your child all the best. Many of us are parents too and may have runaway once. One thing is for sure, if your child has come to a Rainbow Gathering they will be more prepared for the world and most likely have some interesting stories to share with you about the adventure. Peace

For local potlucks, regional gatherings, campouts and other good news please surf to the Community Calendar, The Rainbow Guide or look in the Forum under the state you are looking for information about.

READ UP HERE ---> Current Gathering News!!!!!

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There well be several focuses through out the Spring and Summer of 2009.. Get your tribe ready to join this awesome celebration. "WE LOVE YOU!"

All peaceful beings are welcome to come share the gift of harmony and prayers for world peace as we celebrate interdependence day in unity without glorification of war. A circle of silent meditation will commence with the rising sun on the morning of July 4th until noon.

This peaceful vibration will be shared world wide with other individuals in a conscience wave of hope, love and understanding.

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This is a low impact gathering, respect the Earth and tread lightly on this pristine reserve. Show your love and remove all refuse you find.
...........

Ignore Rumors of cancellation, site changes or leadership!

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