Rainbow Hipstory

Come listen to the stories of how the first Rainbow Gathering came to be, by some of the people who were there! 

Medicine Story will be coming HOME to Vermont this year, possibly for the last time since he is now 86 and lives nearby in NH. We are having a special Hipstory session with him and several other "earlies" who were at the first Rainbow Gathering in Granby, Colorado, 1972. 

The event will take place at 2pm, on July 3rd, on the land at Granola Funk Theater.

Do not miss this!

It will be filmed and posted for those who aren't on the land.


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Lost & Found: People, Pets, Things

Every year people, pets and various objects are lost at the gathering or people not at the gathering fear people have been lost. 

Lost People

Every year people go to the gathering and their loved ones worry.  Just a reminder, there is no cell phone or Internet reception at this year's gathering.


If you haven't heard from your friends and/or family since they went into the gathering, odds are they are still down in the gathering and can't call you.  Either way, it's generally safer for people to stay inside the gathering, then to run the cop gauntlet to make a phone call.  Even if your loved one promised to call every day, that's a promise they will be unable to keep as that would require them to spend their entire gathering going out to some place with reception and then coming back in again.


Even if there is a place on the top of a nearby mountain where you can get cell reception if you stand on your right foot only with your left arm outstretched and the cell phone positioned exactly on your naval - one 5 minute call will eat up all your charge.  Unless your loved one can hike from 5,000 feet to 8,000 feet and brought a solar panel to recharge their phone, the calls aren't going to happen for a bit. NOTE:  You may think this situation is made up, but everyone I know is leaving the gathering to get reception.

Again, on the road where the cars and cops are is the area where problems occur. We strongly recommend that people stay inside the gathering. Going in and out increases a persons risk of a negative experience with law enforcement. Again, people on the land will strongly suggest to your loved one that they stay inside the gathering until it's over.


That being said, if you're going to the gathering, call your Mama or someone else, let them know you are going in and will be out of cell reception until after you leave the gathering.


If something serious happened to your loved one, then they are no longer at the gathering and would be found in a local hospital, jail, or mental health facility. If you check those places and your loved one is not there, then they are probably inside the gathering.


Most people usually surface by July 15th as the clean up crew starts shrinking by then, but some people will be on the land until at least the end of July (and on the land means no or haphazard access to telephones).  If after July 10, you still haven't heard, email ghost cry boo at gmail.com and/or kzirk at earthlink dot net a recent photo and include this information:

    How old is he/she?
    Was this her/his first gathering? 
    Was he/she planning to camp with any camp in particular?
    Did she/he travel to the gathering with friends who have since left the gathering?
    Did she/he have any mental and/or physical health issues? 
    What kind of drugs (if any) does he/she typically use?
    Was there a specific previously agreed on plan for he/she to return home at a certain time or at least check in?

You can try to get a message to the Call Yer Mom folks for distribution by posting on Facebook.

Lost Things

For those people who go to the gathering and lose something, found items are taken to Info or sometimes to the nearest kitchen so don't give up yet.  If you didn't check the lost and found items at INFO, your stuff may be there. Even if you did, many items are discovered during cleanup. At the end of cleanup, all the valuable lost and found items will be taken out of the gathering site. Check back mid-July for who to contact regarding lost things.  Keep in mind, lost and found at this level is for things like wallets, cameras, expensive gear.  We don't try to reunite people with lost t-shirts, bliss wear, etc.

Lost Animals

For those people who left without all the animals they brought, please go back to the site and retrieve your pets. I do not care if you have to be back to work or whatever. If you brought an animal, you need to go home with that animal. If you don't, folks on the land will find a home for your pet and it won't be your home. We never leave any pets behind.  Every pet will leave the gathering with a human companion ~ hopefully the one they came with. If you can't go back yourself, try to connect up with a friend in the area to retrieve your pet. Just a reminder, pets on leashes don't get lost as often as those not on a leash. The gathering is a scary experience for animals who aren't used to it. Read the Pup Rap for more info.  If you are a local who feels we drop off pets at the local shelter, we never do that. Other people may be stealing loose dogs from the gathering and dropping them off, but we don't. All dogs brought to the gathering, leave with people who were at the gathering.  Same is true about cats. 

(Almost) All the Information You Need To Know

Rainbow Gathering Vermont 2016,
Our 45th Annual!
This post was last updated Sun, June 26, 8 AM, eastern time.
I will update this post as new info becomes available.
Please check back frequently.

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Important: When this post is updated, I will edit it in place rather than re-posting and re-pinning. This way all the comments will remain intact. Check the "last updated" above as Blogger will still show the date/time of the original post on June 26th at the very top.
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Micro Version (chafing at the bit? just want coordinates?)
N 43.36087 W 72.90240 (pop in any GPS or map program and pray … it'll probably work )

Mini Version (takes just a minute of your precious divided attention)

There are 2 ways in depending on whether you're coming from the WEST (NYC, Florida and all points west) or the EAST (I-91, Boston, Cape Cod, Amherst, Berkshires, New Haven, Hartford, Maine). For both, use the same coordinates as above. From the WEST you will come thru Danby, VT. From the EAST the village is Londonderry, VT.

>> Here's Mark Squire's ("New Scout") directions (previously posted) coming from points WEST:

From all points South take highway 7 from Manchester Vermont. Go 10 miles and turn right on Forest Road 10 (Brooklyn Rd). The site is 6 miles on your left.

From all points North take Highway 7 from Rutland Vermont. Go 20 miles and take a left turn on Forest Road 10 (Brooklyn Rd). The site is 6 miles on your left

>> Coming from points EAST:

Come in thru Londonderry, VT (avoid Weston!). Shop @ Clark's IGA which has BLOCK ICE (closes 9 PM)! Take hwy 11 west a half mile. Turn right on Landgrove and go 2.8 miles. At the fork follow Landgrove to the left for another 1.2 miles. Watch for Little Michigan Rd where you will go left for just .4 miles. Take a right on Forest Road 10 (little brown forest servce sign, AKA Mt Tabor Rd or Seasonal Forestry Rd). Go 7 miles to Welcome Home! :)

The LONG / MAXO version (for really patient hippies who can tolerate reading for more than a New York minute)

So here's ALL the most important info YOU need to know to get in, park and have a safe and fun 45th annual Rainbow Gathering! Since this post has gotten way too long, here's a 

Photo by Darryl Bush/Chronicle for SFGate

LIST of the TOPICS:

>> Public Transit (bus, train, flying)

>> Re. Weston, VT
>> Brattleboro, VT shopping
>> Elevation
>> Temperature and Weather
>> Water
>> Parking
>> Handicamp
>> Compost Pits
>> Poisonous Plants
>> Ticks and Lyme Disease
>> Bugs and Insects
>> Topo Map
>> Site Map
>> YouTube videos
>> Bus Village
>> Baseball Field in Mt Tabor
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>> Public Transit (bus, train, flying). Click here for Karin's blog and scroll down to "Using Public Transit"http://northeastrainbowgathering.blogspot.com/…/howdy-folks…

>> Re. Weston, VT. If you use GPS or a map program coming in from the EAST, it will probably bring you in thru Weston which just cuts off 3 miles (from the Londonderry directions above). This works ok BUT … 1) Weston only has tiny stores and 2) hwy 100 is closed a couple miles north of town. This isn't an issue since most people are coming in from I-91 exit 6 which doesn't come over the closed road. If you are coming in from the north over 100, there is a detour but it's very poorly marked. So best to just avoid Weston and drive the extra 3 miles.

>> Brattleboro, VT shopping. For folks coming from the EAST, do your final shopping in Brattleboro on I-91 just over the state line from Mass. It's a great town with a HUGE food co-op (feels like Whole Foods inside) and box stores. They like us … give them your business! If you can make it to Londonderry before 9 PM though, skip the ice in Brattleboro and buy the block ice at Clark's IGA in Londonderry. Clark's closes at 9 PM.

>> Elevation: about 2000 feet

>> Temperature and Weather: warm days, cool nights. So far little rain.

>> Water: so far so good

>> Parking … is along FR 10 (AKA Mt Tabor Rd or Seasonal Forestry Rd) on the north side of the road only. F.S. has requested that all vehicles face west (towards Danby/Mt Tabor) which means if you come in from the west you'll have to turn around to park. If you have a good reason or need to park facing east it's ok. Otherwise they'd prefer we face west. Check all along FR 10 (both east and west of the 2 gates) and going south on FR 30. If needed the F.S. will open FR 60 for parking (a couple miles west of the gates).

>> Handicamp … Due to the very narrow roads, almost no meadows near the gates, we really don't have one this year. Main trail from the west gate (see map in comment below) is wheelchair friendly and fairly level or slightly uphill. Drop off at the gate and park on the road. As I write this on June 26th, there is still parking within 1/3rd mile of the east/supply gate although it will be filling up. For closest parking check all along FR 10 (both east and west of the 2 gates) and going south on FR 30.

>> Compost Pits … The Operations Plan is requiring all compost pits to be covered this year out of concern for wildlife.

>> Poisonous Plants … The Operations Plan mentions at least one plant we should avoid. It has been called "Poison Parsnip", "Wild Parsnip" and "Pastinaca Sativa". This page has good info:http://www.nyis.info/index.php?action=invasive_detail&id=61. No need to be alarmed as I have not seen anyone with a rash yet and people on site don't seem unconcerned.

>> Ticks and Lyme Disease … These are real concerns this year. Over 60% of the ticks in this forest are Lyme carriers however I have only heard of one person who had a tick on them. There are several posts in this group. Here's one of the better ones. RAP 101 on TICKS.https://www.facebook.com/groups/112810215728003/permalink/291130171229339/

>> Bugs and Insects … abundant as usual at east coast Gatherings and worst @ sunset. Many vampire like deer flies are the most bothersome. Mosquitoes aren't too bad. Bring your favorite sprays and remedies!

>> Topo Map, see the first comment below

>> Site Map, https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1128169970576276
For 300 dpi highest quality printing, click here:http://www.htfiddler.net/rainbow/A.SiteMap.jpg

>> YouTube videos … none yet but check this link as I'm sure they will start showing up any day.
http://www.youtube.com/results…
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If you don't have a bus or big rig you can skip everything from here down.

>> Bus Village … the Operations Plan states:

"Buses may also be parked in areas designated for vehicle parking to the extent they are parked in a manner that does not interfere with ingress/egress of normal vehicle traffic flow … Overflow and bus parking (which cannot comply with the prior parking standards) is available on the baseball field in the town of Mt Tabor …"

Unfortunately there isn't anywhere for our normal B.V. area this year. It's almost all roadside parking. Your best bet is to find a spot along a road where you can park far to the right so that traffic can easily pass and you should be fine. There is a tiny B.V. 1/2 mi. east of the east/supply gate however it's full. So as mentioned above under "Parking" check all along both FR 10 and FR 30. Eventually there may also be overflow on FR 60.

>> Baseball Field in Mt Tabor … This is right on FR 10 (Brooklyn Rd). There is zero shade and a couple of porta potties. As I write this there isn't a source for filtered water so you'll have to haul it in. There is a stream if you need wash water. You will be 6 mi from the Gathering. We have dubbed this "Welcome Homeplate, Camp Almost Home".

Map of the Site

Site Map with Trails, camps and kitchens.
For a link to a high resolution copy, CLICK HERE.

USFS Public Meeting June 28 in Danby at Fire Hall/Station

NOTE:   This is a meeting focalized by the US Forest Service.

There will be an informational meeting organized by the US Forest Service that will take place at 6:00pm in the town of Danby, at the Fire Hall/Fire Station. Townsfolk and Rainbow participants are welcome to attend. We need peaceful, loving Gathering participants to show up and help answer questions, meet the townsfolk, etc.

Update from the site June 24

Hi all,


Site is lovely. Wagons, wagons, wagons.  Parking going OK but it's tight. Please squeeze as many people into the car as possible.  See rap on large vehicles on this blog.


Horses have right of way on roads in Vermont, Ran into people walking horses down the dirt road on the ay out this morning.


Bugs not too bad. Evenings they come out.


Lot's of kitchens on site.  Very mellow peaceful scene.  When you drive in, only park on the side of the road were cars are already parked - some pranksters are taking down the "no parking" signs.


When you drive in an see cars parked along the road, park yourself behind the last car in line as far over as you can get and facing the same directions as the other cars.


There is places to get cell reception on site but signal is coming from a long way and you'll burn your battery quickly

Important Info for Buses and Other Large Live-in Vehicles

For Directions to the Vermont Rainbow Gathering, please see the post called HOWDY FOLKS.



Here is a message from the 2016 Vermont Bus Village Parking Crew:

SERIOUS WARNING to big bus and RV drivers: (important to share with others coming to Vermont Gathering)

Come in from the West at Mt Tabor turnoff from Hwy7 about halfway between Manchester and Rutland and do not try to take your rigs up the long steep narrow winding road the 7 miles to the gathering site as there are no places left there to park for big rigs and no safe place to even turn around!

Tow trucks have been seen going up there yesterday and today at the vehicle owners' expense. 

There is a vehicle-eating ditch hidden by grasses at the edge of the pavement and gravel road all the way up.

Instead, park at the designated Bus Village Parking lot 100 yards from that Brooklyn Road turnoff from Hwy7 about 50 feet past the railroad tracks.

Slow down to a crawl at the railroad crossing so you don't miss the driveway on the left across the street from the gravel pile or you will miss the driveway on the left that is marked with a sign and green cordon tape but that only entrance is obscured from view by trees until you are right there.

If you miss that turn there is no room to turn around until about half mile up the road on the right where the driveway to the Mount Tabor Town Office is big enough to back in and turn back down the road. If you are towing a vehicle and miss the turn to this lot you are pretty much screwed and likely will need to disconnect the trailer there and reconnect it after making that 3point turn at the Town Office.

Try to arrive here in daylight so your rig can be carefully guided to park on the edges of this flower field and sensitive wildlife habitat to preserve as much as we can for the fireflies and wild turkeys nesting there, which also means all dogs must be completely controlled at all times, and on leash without fail when walking around! You know they will hunt those turkey chicks if they get loose to romp in the Meadow !

Please keep completely away from the center of the far right outfield of this abandoned baseball field to protect the wildlife nesting grounds.

When we guide you to your parking spot here, that will be your home until the gathering is over, absolutely no driving in and out during that time as the rigs will be packed in tightly around the tree line with a few feet on the side so you have space outside next to the trees.

Individuals here have chipped in to rent portapotties here at the road edge just before the driveway as you come in, another marker to find the driveway as you come in.

If you think someone is saving you a parking space up above, you will need to park temporarily someplace nearby before this lot and get a shuttle ride up to the site to confirm before taking the very serious risk of damage by driving your rig up there to check it out.

Please share this very important and very serious warning to anyone you want to protect from a nightmare on the way Home.

Bring lots of water because the only source here as of this morning is the adjacent creek water that you need to filter for drinking.

Camp Almost Home, 

Welcome Homeplate, 

Overflow Bus Village Parking Crew

A Sneak Peak

On Parking and Shuttles

Updated 6/20/16 2:30 PM Cali time

Since so many people have questions about shuttles and parking, I thought I would take the time to provide some basic information.

First off, I'm not on the land so I don't know what the parking/shuttle/handicapped parking scene is like today, but I've been to enough gatherings to know a few things about how this works.

Expect a dynamic situation. Especially in these early days, the situation is probably changing daily if not every few days.  Even when I get info, by the time you read it, things may have changed.



A key concept to understand is there are two forces at work here:

• United States Forest Service (USFS) which controls where parking is legal and where it is not legal.
• The gathering participants who do their best to communicate the parking logistics and who drive shuttles. 

Gathering participants are not organized in any traditional sense of the word.  If you don't understand what the gathering is and how it functions, read Carla's rap or go to the Welcome Home archive & hipstory and read.  The key concept to remember is that NO ONE IS IN CHARGE.  This means that people plug into different functions when they are so inclined and for as long as they are so inclined.

 Parking:

• As of today (6/19) I'm guessing the situation is still fluid.
• Normally all 4 wheels must be off the road when you park your car - however heard a rumor that may not be the case here. Check with the parking crew on site.
• The USFS may change the parking requirements after you have parked your car. This means the "legal" parking place you selected when you arrived is now "illegal" and you may be subject to ticketing or towing. This is especially true in the early days but should all be sorted out by June 28 or 29.  To avoid getting towed, make sure you check in with "dinner circle" once it starts happening as announcements about parking changes will be made there. Also check in with INFO once they are set up as they will have info on parking and cars that have been towed.
• At other gatherings I have been to, there has been a drop off point where you can drop off gear and passengers and then go park your car. I expect the same is true here. Please do not drop off your gear without a trusted friend to keep an eye on it. People can accidently or purposefully take a critical piece of your gear.  
• Listen to what the parking crew is telling you to do. Parking crew can be tired and cranky but are always trying to help you avoid any legal problems. If you stop to unload, you better be quick or someone will be yelling at you to move on. Please be tolerant. Parking is a job many people don't choose to do so the few volunteers may have been up for 24 hours straight taking care of this critical function.
• Rumor is there is no real bus village and no parking buses on the road.   Rumor is bus parking is in the town of Mt. Tabor population < 500.
• If you can, please help out with parking.

Shuttles

• The gathering does not provide shuttles. Individual gathering participants offer to drive or use their vehicles as shuttles.
• Driving shuttle is a tiring and stressful endeavor. Please be kind to the shuttle drivers.
• Shuttles consume gas. Either bring a few gallons of gas to donate or a few dollars to donate.
• Shuttles come in all shapes and sizes from vans to pickup trucks and what ever else you can imagine. Please listen to the shuttle driver as the person driving will be up to date on the shifting parking scene. (see above). As to dogs on shuttles, that is up to the shuttle driver. I imagine most folks using a pickup to drive shuttle won't mind. Other types of vehicles could vary.
• Don't let your gear get on a different shuttle than you. Stay with your gear at all times. Things get lost or occassionally walk off with someone else. 
• Sometimes there will be a lot of shuttles running. Other times there won't be. Shuttle drivers stop when they have had enough or start when the spirit moves them to pitch in.
• If you are young and abled bodied without children you may want to hike it and leave the shuttles for those who really need it. But again, the situation is fluid. So if the shuttle is half empty, hop on board. If there is a single mama with 3 small kids or an elderly person, please let them go first.   Think of how you would want people to treat your immediate family and treat your Rainbow family the same.
• If you can, please help out with shuttles.

Handicapped Parking & Camping

• Parking at this gathering will be tough and handicapped parking will be limited.
• There may not be a handicapped live in vehicle area near the gathering.
• If you are coming to stay, trying to drop the gear and person with mobility challenges at the trail head and then have a more abled bodied person go park and come back.
• We are hoping a handicamp space will set up close to the road and an easy walk into the gathering, but if it does, it will be tent camping only.
• Rumor is that Forest Service Road 31 is relatively wheelchair friendly.
• Find the "snow mobile gate"  and ask the "welcome home" crew what is going on.
• If you can't carry your gear, ask for "sherpas."  If someone is your sherpa, please stay with her/him and your gear unless you know them very well. See comments above.
• The closer it gets to the 4th of July, the harder the handicapped parking situation will be.
• Placards are usefully but not golden in getting into Handicapped parking areas.
• We are a family. If you have mobility challenges, let the strong and healthy folks help you. If you are strong and healthy, please help those that need it. When we help our family we all benefit. Interdependence is the key.

Bus Parking

"Buses may also be parked in areas designated for vehicle parking to the extent they are parked in a manner that does not interfere with ingress/egress of normal vehicle traffic flow … Overflow and bus parking (which cannot comply with the prior parking standards) is available on the baseball field in the town of Mt Tabor …"

There are no facilities or water at the ball field. There is zero shade. The driveway is not marked at all. It is behind (west of) the back stop. If you miss it and just drive onto the field, there is a big drop off from the road (read: "CLIFF"!) and your vehicle risks destruction. Be sure to only enter this field from the driveway behind the back stop. 

Early Gatherers Share Hipstories

Updated 6/22/16 @ 11 AM Cali time

Hipstory

Every year on July 5th @ dark thirty (usually at Granola Funk), we do a Hipstory where we tell the stories of the gatherings starting in 1972 and continuing until present.  Of late, anyone who was at a gathering is free to tell her/his story about that year.

This year Medicine Story will be coming HOME for the last time as he is in his mid 80's and lives nearby in New Hampshire.  He is one of the original Rainbows from our first gathering in Granby, Colorado in 1972.  There will be a few others from that era who will join Medicine Story for an additional/special Hipstory session about how Rainbow got started.   We have scheduled this for Sunday, July 3rd around 2:00 PM.  It will possibly be at or near Granola Funk but check with INFO.


We are excited to have an amazing story teller, Medicine Story, sharing his hipstory. Click here for more info on Medicine Story. I'm sure a few more "earlies" make make an appearance as well.

Rumor has it that Garrick B., Plunker and Glowing Feather will be here as well.

We expect that several people will be video-ing this Hipstory for the record since these precious memories are quickly fading away as our Family's "earlies" pass on.  You won't want to miss this!  There will be a special area designated for anyone who prefers not to appear in the videos.

Medicine Story's brief bio

Manitonquat (Medicine Story) is a storyteller, an elder and a keeper of the lore of the Assonet Band of the Wampanoag Nation of Massachusetts. Author of ten published books and a former columnist and poetry editor with the internationally acclaimed journal Akwesasne Notes, he has also edited Heritage, a journal of Native American liberation. He continues to develop tools for creating a more humane society based upon teachings of the elders of the First Nations and the explorations of his camps under the designation The Circle Way.

Manitonquat has spoken to peace conferences and groups on 3 continents, was the keynote speaker at the United Nations observance of the 50th anniversary of Gandhi’s assassination, directs prison programs for native spirituality, advises a nature school, and, with his wife Ellika, Circle Way workshops and annual international family camps in 10 European countries and the US.

Rainbow Ride Share

In a galaxy far far away sometime after dinosaurs went extinct, there was no internet. In those days of prehistory (circa the 1980s and 1990s), people used to focalize ride share over the various lightlines. But these days with so many web based opportunities, getting a ride to or from where you need to go should be easy. If you're not sure how to find some of these opportunities, google Rainbow Ride Share or visit Star's Rainbow Ride Board.

That being said, I noticed last year, a lot of people were hooking up with people on their local Craigs list - of for same people flying into a town, that town's Craigs list ride share.  If you use FaceBook, try the Rainbow Ride Share Redone group.

No matter how you make your initial contact. Here's some tips:

If you are offering a ride or have a ride to share, please take the time to meet with the people you’ll be traveling with ahead of time at your local coffee shop and work out the travel rules: smoking, no-smoking, who pays what, who drives, what's allowed in the car, etc.

If you don't feel comfortable with someone, don't travel with them. Trust your instincts. There will be other opportunities for both of you. It's probably a long ride from your point of departure to the gathering, and if it's not right, it's not going to be a positive experience for everyone.

Please make sure your car is 100% legal and you have a valid driver’s license, registration and insurance.

The last few years there have been checkpoints coming into the gathering and people have been hassled pretty badly. Some years, people even got a mandatory court appearance ticket for a beads hanging from their rear view mirrors and no front plates even when the car was registered in a state that doesn't issue front plates (sigh). So cross your ‘t’s and dot your ‘i’s and you’ll come home safely.

On Lyme Disease

Now I'm not a doctor and don't claim to be an expert in Lyme disease. However, when folks go camping they sometimes get bitten by ticks and some ticks spread Lyme disease. Because I have had friends whose Lyme disease went undetected for years and were told they had all sorts of other really nasty issues, I want to make sure you take a few minutes to educate your self on the symptoms of Lyme disease.

Here's a handy article on checking yourself for ticks.  Some people use DEET to keep ticks aways, but  if you don't want to use DEET, I have had wonderful results protecting myself by wearing long pants and shirts while dousing myself in Euculyptus, Citronella and Pennyroyal oil. (Note if you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant, DO NOT use Pennyroyal oil).


I do know that the longer your Lyme disease goes without being treated, the harder it is to treat.

So take the time to read this handy article on PubMed Health.  If at the gathering, you suspect you have contracted Lyme disease, please go to CALM.  If after the gathering you suspect you have contracted Lyme disease, please inform your health care provider that you want to be tested for Lyme disease.

Let the Games Begin

Every year once the gathering location is sorted out, the media goes into a feeding frenzy that fuels negative reactions from the local community.

The best way to counteract this is to contact the media, introduce yourself, invite reporters to come out to the site, and put our best foot forward.

If you are in town and see family who are engaging in negative activity, Shanti Sena the situation using peaceful loving methods and help family get back up to the site while trying your best to get their needs met. Remember with freedom comes responsibility.

If you spend money in town, introduce yourself as someone who is here for the gathering. Be polite and respectful.  Share your personal perspective.  Help out someone in the local community. Spend money in town.

Hopefully, folks on the land are planning a town hall meeting where we invite the community to get to know us in a space that is more comfortable for the local community.  Make sure to let the media know when and where so a good cross section of the community can participate. 

Some people who live in small towns aren't used to dealing with the diversity of people the gathering draws. Creating a time and space where we can meet each other one-on-one is a critical way to dispel rumors and misinformation. 

Please encourage people to use the medical resources at the gathering and not burden the local hospitals.  Once CALM is set up, go there or send a runner for any critical needs.  CALM will treat you on site at no cost and/or make appropriate arrangements for transport to the best provider for your needs as they will be reaching out to the local facilities to determine protocols etc. Most years we have medical doctors, EMTs, and all flavors of nurses on site who can assess your needs.  Please do not call 911 yourself unless it is a life/death situation like a heart attack.  We will provide no cost transportation to the hospital if that's where you need to go.

Please let your family help you!

HOWDY FOLKS

 Updated 6/24/16 7:30 p.m. California time

Welcome Home
45th Annual Rainbow Family Gathering of the Tribes
Last week of June (give or take) to July 7

We, who are brothers & sisters, children of God, families of life on earth, friends of nature & of all people, children of humankind calling ourselves Rainbow Family Tribe, humbly invite:

•     All races, peoples, tribes, communes, men, women, children, individuals -- out of love.
•     All nations & national leaders -- out of respect
•     All religions & religious leaders -- out of faith
•     All politicians -- out of charity

 to join with us in gathering together for the purpose of expressing our sincere desire that there shall be peace on earth, harmony among all people. & to hold open worship, prayer, chanting or whatever is the want or desire of the people, for three days, but upon the fourth day of July at noon to ask that there be a meditative, contemplative silence wherein we, the invited people of the world may consider & give honor & respect to anyone or anything that has aided in the positive evolution of humankind & nature upon this, our most beloved & beautiful world -- asking blessing upon we people of this world & hope that we people can effectively proceed to evolve, expand, & live in harmony & peace.

Feel free to arrive a few weeks early to create the gathering and/or stay a few weeks late to clean it all up.

RAP 107 ~ Gathering Consciousness

Please protect this Beautiful Land.

Walk softly. Harm no living thing. Harmonize - Blend in. Use only down, dead wood. Cut no living trees. Preserve the Meadows...camp in the Woods. We are caretakers of this land.
Everyone sharing makes a strong Human Tribe!

Please Protect the Water Sources by staying out of DELICATE spring areas. Avoid camping, peeing, washing above spring areas. Keep ALL soap (including biodegrable, Dr. Bronners, etc) out of streams, springs or the creek! Use a bucket to take your bath 60 feet away from the water source.
 
To be certain of drinking water: boil it for 20 minutes!  Use the slit trenches or covered latrines - cover your paper & waste with ashes or lime, wash hands. Break the fly/illness connection: shit-fly-food-you! Dig no shitters near water areas or kitchens.

Protect our Health! Use your own cup, bowl & spoon! Wash them after eating and rinse in disinfectant-water.
 
Visit C.A.L.M./M.A.S.H. if you feel ill - especially if you have a contagious disease - or are injured.

Camp Together - Establish neighborhoods. Community Fires only! ~ Each with 5 gallon water bucket and shovel for Fire Protection. If you are the last to leave a fire PUT IT OUT!

Watch your gear: Be Responsible ~ "Tempt Not Lest Ye Be Lifted From."

Pets are discouraged but if you must bring them keep them fed, on a leash and out of the kitchens, springs & fights. Clean up their poop. Clean up their poop. Love them.

PACK IT IN - PACK IT OUT !!!

Cleanup begins when you arrive. Bring in only what is necessary. There is no janitor here...you are the cleanup crew. Separate Garbage for recycling. Don't litter - Find collection point. Compost in pits only.

You are the Gathering! Participate in Shanti Sena, the peace keepers council, and all activities, councils, work crews, workshops. Volunteer wherever needed: kitchens, welcome home, firewatch, parking lot, shitter digging, supply, front gate, etc. R-E-S-P-E-C-T your Sisters & Brothers energies. Keep the Balance: Earth, Sky, Trees, Water & People!

Alcohol is Discouraged, Guns are Inappropriate, Violence is contrary to the Spirit. Please take no photographs or videos of people without permission. Discourage Drug Abuse.

Buying and selling endangers our legal right to be here. The Magic Hat is our Bank, donate early to fund our Needs. The Magic Hat goes around at mealtime circles and with the Magic Hat Band.

Our power together is many times our power separated.

Enjoy the Rainbow with an open heart and you Will see the Vision.

Join us for the July 4th Silent Contemplation & Prayer for Peace, respect those maintaining silence from dawn. Hold the silence until the arrival of the Children's Parade and all the children are in the center of our circle.

Click here for the some suggestions on what to bring. Remember the more you bring in the more you need to hike out and take home.

WE LOVE YOU!!!!

CONSENSUS:
Spring counsel for the 45th annual rainbow family of living light gathering of the tribes reached consensus by passing the feather in silence that we encourage individuals to gather at the Berry Field site.

***** DIRECTIONS *****

From all points South take Highway 7 from Manchester Vermont towards Danby, Vermont (north of Manchester, VT). Go 10 miles and turn right on Forest Road 10 (aka Brooklyn Rd) in Danby. Check the odometer and call this @0.0.  Hairpin turns and climbing. Big Branch Picnic Area @2.5. Appalachian trail @3.0. The site is 6 miles on your left. FS31 @ 6.2.

From Interstate 91 in Vermont
Take I-91 North to Exit 6 in Vermont. Take US-5 West towards Chester, Vermont (US-5 becomes or intersects 103 West - you want to end up on 103 West heading towards Chester).  Continue through Chester, Vermont where the road becomes VT-11 (was 103 West).  Drive approximately 14 miles. You will see a Clarks Grocer Store on the left down a small hill. Shortly after that turn right onto Landgrove Road. Drive 2.8 miles.  Landgrove Road will do a 90 degree turn to the left. Drive 1.8 miles past the turn you will see the Landgrove Inn on your right. Go approximately 1/4 miles past the Inn. Take a left turn onto Little Michigan Road. Drive approximately 1/4 mile and take a right hand turn on to Forest Road 10. Go 7 miles to site.

Alternate route from I-91 in Vermont
From points East (like Boston, Cape Cod, Berkshires, Maine, etc) via Interstate 91 in Vermont.
Make your way to Londonderry, Vermont using any map or GPS. Shop @ Clark's IGA which has BLOCK ICE (closes 9 PM)!  Take hwy 11 west a half mile.  Turn right on Landgrove and go 2.8 miles. At the fork follow Landgrove to the left for another 1.2 miles. Watch for Little Michigan Rd where you will go left for just .4 miles. Take a right on Forest Road 10 (brown forest servce sign).  Go 7 miles to the site.

NEW:   If you decide to take 30 North out of Brattleboro to get to Londonderry, VT, note that 30 North joins up with 100 North, just after the town of Townshend, and the road carries both names for a while. To get to Londonderry, you will need to take the 100 North when the two roads split apart, at the village of Rawsonville. Look for a Honeypie Restaurant and "Ski and Sport Shop" on your left- where you turn right onto 100 North.  100 North will take you to the Clark's IGA mentioned above.


From all points North
Take Highway 7 from Rutland, Vermont. Go 20 miles and take a left turn on Forest Road 10. The site is 6 miles on your left.

GPS: N 43.36087 W 72.90240
The 2 main trails start between FS 31 and FS 30 on FS 10 near Danby, VT. Walk north. FS 31 is gated and one of the main trails.



Parking is mostly on the road please pay attention to any for any forest service signs related to parking.   Keep in mind that we will be using a shuttle system for parking at some point and unless you're pulling in soon, you will be parking at a distance and hopping a shuttle or walking to the trailhead.

TIP!  In the early days, the USFS may change the parking rules multiple times and the parking that was legal when you put your car there may become illegal two days later. Stay plugged in to the parking rules on a daily basis for at least the next week or two if you want to avoid your car being ticketed to towed.

NEW INFO!    It seems that the Law Enforcement Officers (LEO's) are pretty regularly parked on the side of Forest Service Road 10, watching and pulling people over. They are set up "just past the last houses" and also between mile marker 3 and mile marker 3.5    Please make sure your car is legal and going within the allowed speed limit.


Please note there are Wilderness Areas near here and we want to stay out of the Wilderness Areas unless you're taking a hike.

Site Map with Trails, camps and kitchens.
For a link to a high resolution copy, click HERE.

Topo Map of Site Showing Major Locations

Click here for a Google Map from Danby, VT.
Click here for a topo map of the area with the coordinates circled in red.

Using Public Transit

Best place to get to if your busing, training, or flying is Albany, NY. We will be near Danby which is just off route seven about 75 miles north east of Albany, NY.

There is a bus which leaves the Albany, NY airport 7 days a week at 2:30 pm which travels up rte seven. The closest town where there is a stop is Manchester VT -- about 15 miles away from Danby. The price is $12.00 each way.  For more info, contact https://www.vttranslines.com/.

The nearest commercial airport is actually in Rutland, VT but it is really expensive to fly into that airport and the plane is a little puddle jumper

There is also a Yankee bus service which goes three times daily between Bennington, VT and downtown Albany. Bennington is about 40 miles south of Danby. The fare is $4. One would still have to get transportation from the airport to downtown Albany, NY.  There is city bus service to and from the airport.

A bus runs from Manchester to Rutland and from Rutland to Manchester and stops in Danby in both directions. Cost is $2. Driver will make unscheduled stops upon request, so you should be able ask the driver to stop at Forest Road 10 (aka Brooklyn Rd).  Click here for bus schedule. 

Please check back before you hit the road or leave internet access as updates will be provided as I get them.  Generally the more information becomes available a few days after the initial directions are posted. I will put a note at the top of this post with the date/time updated.

Click here for a handy printable version of this information in PDF format.


Rumor has it that there is good shopping in Brattleboro Vermont of I-91 at the southern end of Vermont.

Tips for avoiding New York State toll roads: 
How to get across New York state to the gathering without paying any tolls. Irom I 70 in Hagerstown, Maryland take I-81 north to Binghampton, NYI 88 northeast from Binghampton to Albany from Albany take NY rte 7 east which turns in Vermont Route 9 at the border. take a left when you get to Vermont Route 7 and head north to Danby, Vermont.

Misc. Info

 Elevation is 600 meters or about 2000 feet.

Please keep compost pits covered.
 For folks coming from the EAST, do your final shopping in Brattleboro, VT on I-91 just over the state line from Mass. It's a great town with a HUGE food co-op (feels like Whole Foods inside) and box stores. They like us … give them your business! If you can make it to Londonderry before 9 PM though, skip the ice in Brattleboro and buy the block ice at Clark's IGA in Londonderry. Clark's closes at 9 PM.

If you have questions about parking and shuttles, click here. 

Please copy and distribute freely. Ignore all rumors of cancellation.

What Rituals Do and Mean

The filmmakers of Ritual Nation explore ritual in our lives not just related to rainbow gatherings, but I think shows the importance of rituals in our lives and specifically at the gathering. Shot in the 1990s, it's a beautiful introduction and statement about why people gather in many different ways. Especially relevant to the big rituals, which happen at the gathering, like the prayer for world peace.