New Updated Directions to the Site

PLEASE NOTE THERE ARE NEW UPDATES (again!) AS OF THE EVENING OF 6/27/11.

These are updated directions from the ones posted earlier, below. They are based on phone calls from folks who have driven these paths. Please note that these directions are based on actual road signs and do NOT directly correspond with the road numbers and road names listed on Google Maps. Many roads have multiple names, for instance, Meadow Creek Road on Google is Wind River Road on the land.

Enroute to the Gathering, please remember the following:

1) Do not camp on private property.

2) Respect the Townspeople and Do not Panhandle.

3) Please shop in the small towns enroute to the Gathering.

4) Speed Limit within the National Forest is 35mph unless otherwise posted.

5) Only park on the left side of the road, coming in, all four wheels off the road.

6) Have a legal vehicle. Tickets are being given for every little thing. Remove danglies from your rearview mirror, and make sure your head and breaklights are working.

7) If you get a ticket, court is being held in Tacoma which is 120 miles north of Woodland, WA.

********************************************

FROM PORTLAND:

From Portland, Oregon, take I-5 North 30 miles (through Vancouver, WA) to Woodland, Washington. Take exit 21, and go east on Road 503. At approximately 48 miles from Woodland, down Road 503, you will come to a fork. One is 503 South and the other is a 503 "spur" to Cougar, Washington. Take the Spur to Cougar. (Looking at Google Maps Street Views... this looks like you should continue straight to Cougar, instead of turning right to Amboy). 503 is also called Lewis River Road.

You will pass through Cougar which is the last village before the Gathering.

Continue on Road 503/Lewis River Road, which will become Forest Service 90 (FS90).

About 18 miles past Cougar, just past the Pine Ridge Ranger Station, you will come to a fork where HWY 25 continues straight and FS90 turns to the right. TURN RIGHT here, staying on FS90. Keep going and then turn right on Curly Creek Road. Drive 5 Miles. (Curly Creek may become Forest Service Road 51). Turn left on Wind River Road and drive 2.5 miles. At the corner of Wind Ridge and FS30, you will see the Forest Service LEO Incident Command Center. Here you turn left onto FS 30 (also called Lone Butte) and drive 1/4 mile to Road 3211 and parking.

Here you will find the first Welcome Station.You have the option to park here and walk about 3 miles to back gate camps listed below. Another option is to drive 4 miles, turn right at junction and then another 1.9 miles to front gate (kitchen supply drop off.) At about 1.5 miles on this road you will pass another welcome station which is where you can walk in about a mile to land at INFO BOOTH.



****
If coming from Portland, an alternate route is to take Hwy 84 East out of Portland for 42 miles to the BRIDGE OF THE GODS, and pay a dollar to cross the river onto HWY 14 East in Washington. Go East to Carson, and follow the directions from Carson below. This route is advised for BUSES and large vehicles as it is much less twisty than 503 from Woodland to Cougar and in. It is easier for night driving as well.
********************************************

FROM CARSON, WASHINGTON
If you're coming from points east - Take I-84 to Hood River Oregon. Go north on the Hood River Bridge (Hwy 20) to Hwy 14 in the state of Washington. Go west on Hwy 14 to the town of Carson, Washington. Going out of Carson, turn left onto Wind River Road (signs will say

"Carson" and "Carson Hot Springs", but road is not well marked at junction which is a few miles East of Stevenson.) Once on Wind River Road, go 30 miles north. Just 1/10th of a mile past Mile Marker 30, make a left onto the road Lone Butte Snow Park. Here is the first welcome station. You have the option to park here and walk about 3 miles to back gate camps listed above. Another option is to drive 4 miles, turn right at junction and then another 1.9 miles to front gate (kitchen supply drop off.) At about 1.5 miles on this road you will pass another welcome station which is where you can walk in about a mile to land at the INFO BOOTH.)

***********************************************

We'll gather on the land at Skookum Meadow which is at 3,200 feet about sea level. For current weather, click Weather


CRITICAL INFORMATION:
Cougar, Washington and Carson, Washington are the closest towns. PLEASE be respectful to the locals... pick up garbage and NO SPANGING please!!!! We are getting way too many reports of panhandling from the townsfolk.

TEMPERATURES, SNOW, and MAIN MEADOW CONDITIONS:

Come prepared for lots of MOSQUITOES! Long sleeves and repellent are good things to bring.

Come prepared for cold wet weather... you are coming to the Great Northwest and this summer there is still snow in the shady areas, and alongside roads and paths. It was 46 degrees at noon on the 24th of June in Main Meadow and it gets down into the 30s at nighttime. Another reports said it can get down to the 40s, though. So, the lows are fluctuating. Pack accordingly. BRING WOOL SOCKS! Main Meadow snow has melted and the meadow is currently a marsh. It is unknown if it will dry up as time goes on.

PARKING:

Parking is going to be alongside the roads this year, on the left side of the road as you enter, but currently many of the road edges are still covered in snow. It might be wise to bring a shovel if you have one to dig yourself a parking space! You will be towed if you park on the right side of the road. Local authorities are being very cooperative this year, but please make sure your vehicle is in good running condition, is legal, and that you give them no reason to get messed with!! Make sure your head and tail lights are working. Remove danglies from your rear view mirrors. GP National Forest speed limit is 35 unless otherwise noted.

FRONT GATE:

Drop off may be 1-2 miles from gate in next few days as the larger volume of
people arrive. Gear can be dropped at gate, and left while you go back and find parking.

THE HIKE IN:

The front door has a long hike in, but pretty much all on a road. One source said 3 miles, another said 4 miles. Images of the path and the meadow can be seen in this news footage. There are two back gates, but parking is limited there. The first one is for Supply. FS220 is gated (looking at the map, perhaps this is FS3220), but people can walk in from there, on a road, and then a short cut off the road into the meadow. Do not have info at this time on how to get to the back gates. This is a great site for wheeled conveyances like wagons, carts, wheelbarrows, etc.

AIRPORTS:

The closest large airport is Portland Oregon (PDX). After that Tacoma would be next and the Seattle next closest after Tacoma.

BUSES:

I don't have a lot of information about buses. What I do know is that there is a Greyhound station in Longview, WA on I-5, which is just a couple miles north of Woodland where you begin to travel east. I am told you can also take the bus to Hood River, and follow the directions from there. If you have other Bus information, please post it in the comments for this post.

LOCATIONS OF SOME KITCHENS:

Near the Back Gate is Lovin' Ovens, Montana Camp, Camp Eugene, and Kid Village.

There are three large meadows. The first is Skookum but there are not many kitchens there because of water on the ground. Then there is the Middle (Skinny) Meadow, where you will find Phat Kids, Bread of Life and Montana Mud). There is a large meadow on the other side of the Middle (Skinny) meadow and there you will find INFO BOOTH, Nick at Night, KID VILLAGE (which I hear is across the meadow from INFO) and I-Don't-Know Kitchen.

LASTLY:

Leash your dogs...and please walk lightly on the land... bring garbage bags, and hike out your garbage. At the end of the Gathering, take at least one bag of garbage when you leave, and take it at least 100 miles away before finding a dumpster for it. DRESS WARM!

You're walking into the most well-known Bigfoot habitat, Skookum Meadows!!

Have fun and we will see you there!!!

The link to the map below can be found by CLICKING HERE.

View 2011 Washington Rainbow Gathering in a larger map

TV News Story with Images of Main Meadow and the Hike In

This video footage of a news story was just posted today by KVAL out of Eugene, OR. The reporter actually hiked all the way into Main Meadow with his camera crew, and you can see the path and footage of the meadow which, I am pleased to say, does NOT appear very snowy! (Reports are that the ground is wet though... pack accordingly!)

Link to Gathering Weather Forecasts

Many people have been asking about the weather on site. At this writing, there is still snow in the meadows and drifts in the shade. Standing water is expected in the meadows when the snow melts. Night temperatures have been in the low 40s lately. Daytime highs average in the mid to upper 60s.

Here is a link to weather forecasts the part of the forest that includes the Gathering site. When reading this, keep in mind that the site is in the 3,200-3,600 foot elevation range. "Valley" weather descriptions would probably be most accurate.

UPDATE: Many thanks to the anonymous commenter who pointed out that you can get a forecast for Main Meadow itself by clicking HERE!

Please bring any spare warm clothes, blankets, sleeping bags and tents you may have, for those without.

Pack for cold nights and wet ground.

Bring all good things.

Keeping our family warm

Unfortunately, there's lot of folks coming home in hoodies with a thin blanket. If you have spare blankets, warm sweaters or coats, and are coming home in the next few days, please bring what you have for those who don't. Any extra usable tents are great as well. We've still got snow on site even though we're there and keeping people from getting hypothermia is critical. Please be prepared to never see these items again as they will probably go home with who ever uses them at the gathering or be passed on to someone else.

Welcome Home - Gathering Directions

Welcome Home 

40th Annual
Rainbow Family Gathering of The Tribes

Please protect this Beautiful Land

Walk softly.  Harm no living thing.  Harmonize - Blend in.  Use only down, dead wood.  Do not cut living trees.  Preserve the Meadows . . . camp in the Woods.  And remember, 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 or washing above spring areas.  Keep ALL soap out of streams, springs or the creek!  Use a bucket to take your bath 300 feet away from the water source.  To be certain drinking water is safe: boil it for ten minutes at a rolling boil!

Use the slit trenches or covered latrines - cover your paper & waste with ashes or lime, wash hands afterwards.  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 bleach-water. Go to C.A.L.M. if you feel ill - especially if you have a contagious disease - or are injured.

Camp Together – Establish neighborhoods.  Community Fires only!  Keep a 5 gallon bucket of water and shovel nearby for Fire Protection. If you are the last to leave a fire PUT IT OUT!  Please, NO fireworks!  Keep you camp secure.  “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.  Love them.

PACK IT IN  - PACK IT OUT !!!

Cleanup begins when you arrive.  Please bring only what is necessary.  There is no janitor here . . . YOU are the cleanup crew.  Separate Garbage for recycling.  Please DON’T LITTER - Find a collection point.  Compost in pits only.

You are the Gathering!

Participate and Volunteer!  Participate in Shanti Sena (the peace keepers council), work crews, workshops, councils and all activities.  Volunteer wherever and whenever 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 do not take pictures or videos of people without asking their permission first.  Discourage Drug Abuse.

Buying and selling endangers our right to be here.  The Magic Hat is our Bank, please donate early to fund our needs.  The Magic Hat goes around at Dinner Circle 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 on July 4^th for a Silent Contemplation & Prayer for Peace, respect those maintaining silence from dawn.

Hold the silence until the arrival of the Children’s Parade.

When on-Site... PLEASE SPREAD THE WORD.... BUILD UP, NOT DIG DOWN... meaning build HEARTHS.... i.e. on ground spread rocks, and dirt, then build FIRE UP... i.e. so when clean-up remove ashes... dirt, rocks... water the roots of the grass underneath... Meadows are delicate....

6/21/2011  BE PREPARED FOR ROUGH CONDITIONS FOR THE NEXT FEW DAYS AND BE SELF SUFFICIENT AS THIS IS STILL SEED CAMP. DO NOT SHOPLIFT. BE SHANTI SENA WHEN IN TOWN.
Folks are planning on moving on site today. Please use the buddy systems when walking around the gathering as folks have been getting stuck in snow drifts and have had to be rescued.

Be prepared for mosquitoes. 

* * * Directions * * *

From Portland, take I-5 North 30 miles to Woodland, Washington, Take exit 21, and go east on Road 503 which becomes Forest Service Road 90.  Continue on FS90 (when it come to the intersection of hwy 25 and rd.90 stay to the right and continue on 90). Turn right right on Curly Creek Rd. Drive 5 miles.  (Curly Creek may become Forest Service Road 51). Turn left on Wind River Road and drive 2.5 miles. Turn left at Forest Service Road 32 and drive 1/4 mile to Road 3211 and parking. Here's a google map.

If you're coming from points east - Take I-84 to Hood River Oregon. Go north on the Hood River Bridge (Hwy 20) to Hwy 14 in the state of Washington. Go west on Hwy 14 to Carson, Washington. Take Wind River Road north 26 miles to Lone Butte Snow Park. Turn left on Forest Service Road 32. Drive 1/4 mile to Road 3211 and parking. Here's a google map.

Entrances to this area from the east and the north are not passable at this time because they are blocked by snow.  SNOW SNOW SNOW. Do not go this way and get stuck in the snow.


We'll be at Skookum Meadow which is at 3,200 feet about sea level. For current weather, click  Weather

CRITICAL INFORMATION:
gates are to be opened soon..snow plows need to get in to clear some snow..so please be patient..try to hang out for a few more days, cause you might get there and not be able to park yet..walk in is estimated to be about 3 miles from one source..but iam not 100% sure on the parking yet..Cougar Washington is closest town...be respectful to the locals..pick up garbage and no spanging please!!!! come prepared for cold wet weather...your coming to the great north west and this summer there is still snow!! local authorities are being very cooperative this year..but please make sure your vehicle is good running condition and you give no reason to get messed with!!leash your dogs...and please walk lightly on the land...your walking into the most well know big foot habitat..Skookum Meadows...have fun and see you there!!!


 The closest large airport is Portland Oregon (PDX).  After that Tacoma would be next and the Seattle next closest after Tacoma.

Northwest Forest Pass Not Required

Because so many people have contacted me regarding the Northwest Forest Pass in various Washington State Forests, I took the time to contact the Gifford-Pinchot National Forest (where Spring Council is currently taking place).  My assumption all along was that folks out scouting would not be looking at areas that would require the pass.

In response to my email, I received the following:

"Only designated areas with improvements require a Northwest Forest Pass. We offer a brochure outlining these sites. General Forest parking is free"
 

7-Day Zone Forecast for South Washington Cascades

This is the area in which Spring Council is currently taking place.  Usually, but not always, the gathering site ends up being within 100 miles of the Spring Council location.  Rumor has it that folks showing up for seed camp (once a site is selected), should be prepared for snow.  Folks who live in the area say the weather changes frequently, so layers are the ticket.

Click here for a 7-Day Zone Forecast for South Washington Cascades

Access Rap

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 attendent 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. Please, ask for help when you need it and give another gatherer a chance to be of service.

Counciling in 1972 by Garrick Beck

Dear Everyone,

I thought you might like to see this image from our Council Circle from July 2, 1972. I think it's inspiring. This is from the 2nd day of our Gatherings ever. Most of the people in that circle had never ever met each other before. Notice how we are listening and paying attention to the person talking, as though what they are saying might really be important. Maybe it's beause everyone there believed that our participatory process was an ancient idea brought to life again in our times, in this moment. Or maybe each person had a different idea about what it meant. But everyone there is really caring that this council is going on. And I believe it's the force of the ideas that were streaming thru us then that have sustained us right till now.

We are approaching our fortieth Rainbow Gathering. Forty years at the edge of the wilderness and is there a promised land? Is there hope that the culture we have grown and grown up with is going to survive and actually help humanity survive? I think so. Take some inspiration from the past and bring it into the present.

For what the truth is worth....there were many arguments in those old time circles. People hollered  at each other, interrupted, cat called, threw things, all the great stuff of councils happened. The lesson? Don't give up, don't give in, don't give out. Keep on keeping on. We are on the good long road together. Take courage and strength from each other. Learn from each other's mistakes. Help each other over the hard parts. We may still be in the wild lands, but wherever we gather, there is some hope, there is the rainbow brought to life.

Peace, Love and Understanding will overcome fear and despair. People will learn to live with each other in Harmony. For all our rough edges and foolishness we are keeping on the good long road together.

I will see you at the Gathering in Washington...

Peace, love, milk and cookies,

Garrick

ps. Picture taken by Alan Carey, True Light Beavers Photography

Circle

Our Relationship with the United States Forest Service

It's no secret to those of you who have attended gatherings in the last 10 or so years that the United States Forest Service Law Enforcement Division and many gathering participants haven't exactly been getting along. This year the Incident Command Team consists of all new staff except for the Health and Safety Officer. While I strongly recommend you pay attention to the notice at the top of this blog, there have been some dialogs that seem very positive. This year in Washington, I believe we have a chance to change the way we interact with the Law Enforcement Officers.

Now I'm not telling you that the USFS Cops are going to leave their guns at home, spend their days digging shitters and their nights at the drum circle, but ..... I do believe that we have the opportunity to forge a different relationship with the cops. That being said, we have a lot of years of bad blood to overcome and rebuilding trust will come slowly. But if we want to create peace in the world, we need to be that peace and create that peace in all our interactions with everyone, including the cops.

Here's some info from Plunker (who was one of the folks who started the gathering) on his interactions with the Forest Service.

*********BEGIN PLUNKER'S NOTES***************

howdy,

Now that the word is out on Spring Circle... and i am back in Montana, i have written up the meeting... Friday, June 3rd between individuals and the forest service supervisor, others regarding this Year's Annual Gathering --
four people were at this meeting who intend to attend...
my raps are on what i observed and raps i shared.... the topics i mention were shared 'round-robin" fashion, altogether with all sitting around, and by each of the individuals who attended with each of the Forest Service attending... it was, a good meeting.... --- note: folks who would like to be at these meetings... please come out to scout, etc, ---- these meetings, with the Forest Service Stewards of the National Forest are done in Respect to all the rest of the People of the United States of North America who share the public lands....
when the Forest Supervisor, others comes to the land... speak up, be up.. peace.... [note; my notes are incomplete... only my observes] beaplunker

i wasn't on the phone conference call (reported, in part, by Karin) -- with Incident Commander, etc....
(see attached)

I been out scouting, starting may 8th.... for some days... then back to Montana, then back to the field (snow still out there)... and while there, due to some good chance, etc... when the suggestion came up that folks outa consider meeting with the Forest Supervisor Janine Clayton (sp) at her offices in Vancouver... i, plus several other folks agreed to go forth, contact and meet... [note: in various raps i have indicated i would be going scouting and seeking to contact the fs... i.e. in region... i spoke of this at Tksgiving Circle, etc...

prior to the meeting, i called garrick and asked him to encourage Leane Martin (sp) - forest supervisor from penn... to contact with supervisor clayton... gb sent out a contact... he met supervisor martin in penn..... . and held good raps....

arrived at offices, in vancouver, wa... for 3pm.... four Individuals attended... "sister", "genoem" (sp), Teryani, and me... barry..

supervisor clayton and some of her resource staff met with the four of us in a conference room....

Her first words went something like this, 'welcome, how can we help you".... and the meeting got more positive after this.... supervisor clayton, and her staff, were gracious, helpful... spoke of the public lands, glad that folks were into use of national forest...

Earl Ford, Natural Resources Staff Officer i.e. resource coordinator, (afro-american).... informed, experienced... gave us some tips on potential sites... [a couple mentioned were ones already being considered]
Chris Strebig, public affairs... informed, helpful, also help point out potential sites
Diane - Secretary, goods vibes
Ed Audelo, resource

Four of us... Speaking, acting only as individuals, sharing knowledge i.e. relating basic raps:

(1) only individuals,

(2) circle on the land is where the process is worked out...

(3) only there (in meeting) as information gatherers...

(4) Gathering is peaceable assembly, free speech event

(5) Gathering is composed of many elements and people, including "rainbow family"

(6) requested preference for communications, working out situations that supervisor Janine Clayton, others of forest service, etc... meet with other individuals, ON THE LAND work out situations through operations plan... as Leanne Martin (sp) did in Annual Gathering in Penn..... [ Janine Clayton said she knew Leanne for years, were friends]

(7) On the Land is where things get worked out and in the process of this peaceable gathering, free speech event... there is an effort to enjoy "shared power" of equality.... Teryani spoke an excellent rap on "shared power"... Sister was very good, and Genoem also....

(8) expressed interest in various areas of the forest... maps were gotten out... and areas were discussed... including criteria such as meadows, parking, water, size of area (minimum 1 sq mile for gatherings, these days)



(9) i mentioned (among others) that it was hoped "no guns" and the I.C. law enforcement to be better than in the past...

(10) i mentioned that it was hoped jennie would not give up her Delegation of Authority...
and when.. a third resource guy named Ed mentioned "a permit" if not doing "disbursed camping" ... at that time i spoke to Janine and said that gb
[when i mentioned the new mexico case... it seemed to be recognized]

when i mentioned "interpretative rule" janine was interested.... and pointed out it may take a "political appointee" to instigate such a rule.... i mentioned that i have asked one of my Facebook friends mark rey, who was a political appointee with agriculture to help [i have, and am encouraging others to contact him-- he ain't replied yet]

An example:
of an "interpretative rule" in 36 cfr 251.261 i.e. when there is no "signer" OR possibility of "signer" i.e. like in Gatherings of individuals in free expression.... then --

District Ranger and/or authorized officer shall use an alternative manner... THIS ALTERNATIVE MANNER CAN INCLUDE ADMINISTRATIVE OPTIONS, SUCH AS OPERATIONS PLANS, etc.... TO ACHEIVE THE ADMINISTRATIVE GOALS OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION, HEALTH AND SAFETY OF USERS, etc.

Something like this would be an Option for any assemblies of persons on forest land.... who can not, or do not, or will not.... agree to a "signer", etc...

(11) I asked in 5 different ways, as to what areas in the Forests... Gifford Pinchot.... and Mt. Baker/ Snoqualimine (north of highway 12) are open for exploration, scouting....

the Forest Service Reply, from janine and Earl and Chris was:

ALL THE FOREST IS OPEN, except for the MT. ADAMS WILDERNESS, THE INDIAN HEAVEN WILDERNESS... TRAPPER CREEK WILDERNESS, two small places i.e. the WIND RIVER EXPERIMENTAL FOREST, and. one other experimental forest.. plus the BIG LAVA BEDS which are impossible to gather on...
Note: Wilderness are not in scouting vibes to begin with...

(12) This means that the Skookum meadow, Lone Butte areas listed as WILDLIFE EMPHASIS AREAS... are beautiful areas with fine habitat... AND, according to Forest Service, at this meeting, when we indicated gatherers don't camp in meadows..... that ALL AREAS WERE OPEN (these also) for consideration...
good news ---

FOREST SERVICE: Janine indicated she would come to the circle on the land, work with the process, and if she had a problem she would speak up....

(13) i gave her and staff a copy of the DVD of Wyoming 2008... (j. kalafer)

These folks, in my opinion, were gracious, helpful, curious, acted in very respectful fashion.. in fact, i said after, (and still) IT WAS THE BEST FIRST MEETING WITH FOREST SERVICE I HAVE ATTENDED IN OVER 40 years of doing this stuff.... from what was said by others in attendance... they felt good about the meeting also....

A couple more items...

1. Janine indicated the tax base in the area is low... so few (if any) emergency facilities.. i.e. gathering is on its own for ambulances... etc...
2. and she indicated they would likely enjoy influx of money from gatherers....
3. SPECIAL NOTE: NOXIOUS PLANTS AND WEEDS ... Supervisor Clayton is concerned... PLEASE dont bring outside plants and weeds... AND, please check your vehicles for such... clean before entering area...

This was a very positive meeting... and from what is being reported concerning the Law enforcement Incident commander call (see karen rap) also somewhat positive... this could be a GOOD YEAR...

SPRING COUNCIL DIRECTIONS ARE UP ON NORTHWEST LIGHTLINE.... for June 12th....
HOWEVER.... GO SLOW, THERE IS SNOW in area, and after melting.. places will still be wet...
1-503-727-2498.... these directions are good for those coming from the South and/or West...
if you are traveling from the East and/or northeast... you may consider....

See the town of Carson on hwy 14, north side of Columbia River... travel north on WINDY RIVER road over Old Man Pass... Windy River Road turns into Meadow Creek Road... then you come to the corner of Curley Creek Road, turn LEFT i.e. West then travel over the hill to FR90 or Lewis River Road... turn Left onto FR90... past EAGLE CLIFF... then you will come to where 503 and highway 25/131 that runs toward Mt. St. Helens... turn NORTH on 25... travel until you come to FR 9300.. turn right i.e. East... travel to FR 9310... then turn RIGHT -- travel a mile or so... to Spring Circle (old quarry)...

FROM THE EAST: The town of Carson can be reached either by traveling hwy 14 and/or traveling Interstate 84... south side of Columbia... toward Portland... then, at Biggs.. cross over to Northside to highway 14....
continue to Carson....

Spring circle may happen... and be there for a few days.... plus, even if a site is known... with the weather the way is has been (biggest snow in 14 years)... so meadows will be WET, EASILY DAMAGED... Gathering Site may be ready ONLY by around 18th or 20th of June.... things gotta dry...
Patience is Waiting! Grok!

When on-Site... PLEASE SPREAD THE WORD.... BUILD UP, NOT DIG DOWN... meaning build HEARTHS.... i.e. on ground spread rocks, and dirt, then build FIRE UP... i.e. so when clean-up remove ashes... dirt, rocks... water the roots of the grass underneath... Meadows are delicate....

PARKING WILL BE A DIFFICULTY ------ AND, PLEASE BRING TRASH BAGS... many of the places where people stop in Washington seem garbaged....


This is a Beautiful area... Gathering amidst the "Ring of Fire" "Triangle of Lights" " " Eternal Flames", etc... Volcanos - Mt. St. Helens, Mt. Rainier, Mt. Adams, Mt. Hood...

this Year must be extra-cool because of the apparent location

also, tragedy is part and particle of this area.... so healing is the vibrations....

These woods are magical.

Loving the Gathering to happen...
I head out again... soon come --

peace, love, just us,
barry, plunker, montana, rainbow family tribe (imagi-creed)
**************END PLUNKER'S NOTES********************

*******BEGIN KARIN'S NOTES ON CONFERENCE CALL**********
Hey everyone,

Just to make sure we're not keeping secrets, today (6/7/2011) there was a conference call that got thrown together at the last minute regarding this year's annual gathering of the tribes.  I did not take formal notes, but here is a high level overview - other people who were on the call should feel free to chime in with corrections, clarifications or additional perspectivies.

The call included USFS Law Enforcement Special Agent in Charge for the Northwest Region,  Barb Severson; Deputy Regional Forester for the Northwest Region, Lenise Lago; Gifford-Pinochet Forest Supervisor Janine Clayton; Coleville National Forest Supervisor, Steve Rawlings; USFS Health and Safety Officer Bob Begley, and USFS LEO ICT Commander, Gary  Campbell in addition to a number of gathering participants, many of whom were silent participants.

Gary Campbell indicated a strong desire to change the paradigm by which the gathering and the USFS interact.  Gathering participants and Gary Campbell expressed a strong desire to increase the amount of and frequency of communications as well as work on how these communications/interactions take place.

It was clearly stated on the call that any decisions about the gathering need to be made by people on the land, that individuals on the phone call were not representatives, but rather participants in gatherings, and that while we could not completely ignore the past, it made more sense to focus on the future.

Various recommendations were made by gathering participants including but not limited to having a daily circle with the USFS near INFO, encouraging gathering participants to walk with USFS staff inside the gathering, changing the manner by which the LEOs handle minor vehicle infractions on the road in, coordinating USFS LEO movies inside the gathering the minimize escalation of conflicts, numerous methods of deescalating behaviors for both gathering participants and LEOs. Further discussion included increasing communication among a variety of government health departments and gathering participants.

There was no discussion about the group use regulation or the permit requirement what so ever.  

Gary Campbell has started to meet with and brief his team. From what he said on the call, he seems focused on creating in his team a new way of thinking in relationship to the gathering.

Personally, I feel very positive about today's call and I myself am going to move forward with an open heart in the hopes that we can be the peace we want to see at our gatherings.  The olive branch has been offered. While I understand that years of negative experience may leave us jaded, I hope that we can think positive thoughts, have productive communications and keep our eyes open. 

Much love,
Karin


********END  KARIN'S NOTES*************

Town Hall Meetings June 20th and June 24th

Town Hall Meetings are a great place for local residents to meet gathering participants since normally local residents have to trek out to the woods to find out what's happening. 

The purpose of a town hall meeting is for gatherers and the local community to talk, ask/answer questions, and address concerns. This is an open meeting. We strongly encourage all individuals in the
communities surrounding the gathering to come meet with us and ask what ever questions are on your mind. We strongly encourage gathering participants to attend the meeting. The best way to make sure we have a positive impact on the community is to meet the community face to face. Person to person communication is very effective. As always, no experience necessary. We welcome all media to attend the town hall meeting.  Often times employees from the United States Forest Service attend these meetings as well.

Meeting on June 20th

From 7:00 to 9:30 PM on June 20th  at the Skamania Couty PUD Hall 1492 Wind River Road in Stevenson Washington.  

Meeting on June 24th

 From 7:00 to 9:00 pm  on June 24th at the Yale School Gym, Cougar, Washington.
 
 

It's that time of year folks

Seems like every year, just before the gathering and just before Spring Council, stress levels increase, tempers let loose (including my own), and the hurt feelings are piling up like cow patties in the meadow.  Levels of trust sink to all time lows, the finger pointing and accusations of impropriety are all over the place, kinda like flies on cow patties.

It's the time of year when I need to remind myself to breath.  Inhale and exhale.  And to remind myself that things are always this way when we're scattered across the continent and around the world and communicating in fits and bits via a multitude of technologies: none of which replace sitting in a circle on the land and sharing from our hearts.

We'll be there soon. So in the mean time, take a walk on the beach, fix the holes in your tent, or give a massage to a friend.

Om Namah Shivaya

1983 Pre-Howdy Folks Artwork

Spring Council Starts June 12

Spring Council is a council/counsel/circle where people gather together, hear reports on sites from people who have been out scouting, and decide where to go. The decision can happen via a consensus by silence or a consensus by foot.  The process can take a couple of hours or a couple of days. This year things seem to be moving slowly due to snow in the mountains. Often, but not always, Spring Council happens within 100 miles of where the gathering ends up being.

As with all things gathering related, the council is open to all peaceful people, no experience necessary.

If you attend Spring Council, please be self-sufficient. Bring food and water. Be prepared for cold wet weather. Bring extra blankets for those who show up in hoodies and flip flops.

Once Spring Council reaches a decision, people move onto the land to start seed camp. Some of the tasks are to develop water systems, set up the first kitchen  a health care system, and dig the first latrines. Seed camp folks design the layout of the actual Gathering by developing trails, selecting a Main Circle site, marking parking areas and setting up Welcome Home. Coop and Banking Councils are set up to address the needs of Seed Camp. Please do not show up for seed camp unless you are willing to chip in on the work.

Please keep in mind that the ratio of law enforcement officers to gatherers is very high during seed camp and those who attend seed camp are much more likely to be stopped and search on the roads.

 FORWARDED DIRECTIONS

***the washington state light line has this information as well @ 509*217*6573*** on the I-5 you are going to take exit 21 out of woodland Washington (about 30 miles north of Portland, Oregon)... go east onto hwy.503 hwy 503 becomes forest rd 90 continue on f.rd 90 tell you merge to the left onto ...forest rd 25 go on rd 25 for 5 1/2 miles to forest road 93 or 9300 go on forest rd 93/9300 for 4.1 miles turn right onto forest rd. 9310 got 1.3 miles to the council site..   please come self sufficient and prepared for cold wet weather..this site will be active for a few days while we council and wait on snow to melt..please bring food and water and lots of love!  

DO NOT USE THE FOLLOWING DIRECTIONS. PEOPLE HAVE TRIED UNSUCCESSFULLY.
If you are traveling from the East and/or northeast... you may consider....
             See the town of Carson on hwy 14, north side of Columbia River... travel north on WINDY RIVER road over Old Man Pass...  Windy River Road turns into Meadow Creek Road... then you come to the corner of Curley Creek Road, turn LEFT i.e. West then travel over the hill to FR90 or Lewis River Road... turn Left onto FR90... past EAGLE CLIFF... then you will come to where 503 and highway 25/131 that runs toward Mt. St. Helens... turn NORTH on 25... travel until you come to FR 9300.. turn right i.e. East... travel to FR 9310... then turn RIGHT -- travel a mile or so... to Spring Circle  (old quarry)...


    FROM THE EAST:      The town of Carson can be reached either by traveling hwy 14 and/or traveling Interstate 84... south side of Columbia... toward Portland... then, at Biggs.. cross over to
Northside to highway 14.... continue to Carson....

Spring circle may happen... and be there for a few days.... plus, even if a site is known... with the weather the way is has been (biggest snow in 14 years)... so meadows will be WET, EASILY DAMAGED... Gathering Site may be ready ONLY by around 18th or 20th of June.... things gotta dry...
    Patience is Waiting! Grok!

When on-Site... PLEASE SPREAD THE WORD.... BUILD UP, NOT DIG DOWN... meaning build HEARTHS.... i.e. on ground spread rocks, and dirt, then build FIRE UP... i.e. so when clean-up remove ashes... dirt, rocks... water the roots of the grass underneath... Meadows are delicate....

More fun at the gathering

2006 Colorado Pirate Ship Stage

There's lots of cool things to do at the annual gathering of the tribes when you're not digging shitters, cooking in a kitchen, parking cars, hauling water or meditating for World Peace.

If you like to build things, get involved with Granola Funk. Every year they build an amazing stage like the Pirate ship that hosts all sorts of great shows like the Gong Show, The Talent Show, Hipstories (stories of the Rainbow Gathering), the Dating Game and more. If you're more of a performer than a builder, you'll want to plug in as well.

Then there is the wonderful and calming Serenity Ridge:  a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with one another that they may solve their common problems and help others to recover from suffering. This is a drug/alcohol/smoke free space with a tea kitchen, Brew Ha-Ha serving a variety of herbal teas, which are all caffeine-free. Plus for those of you in recovery or wanting to get into recovery, there are 12-step meetings twice a day and all souls are welcome to attend.

If you're more a fan of Jesus, then Jesus camp is the place to be.  Bible study, good food and possibly even foot washing.  Plus the music is good and the people are friendly.


Of course no gathering would be complete with out the Hare Krishnas.  For a wonderful and funny video of Krishnas building a kitchen at the 2005 Gathering in West Virgina and one that always makes me want to come home, check out the video from the Krishna Bus Tour:

These are just three of the wonderful and amazing camps at the gathering. I hope you have a chance to check them out.

Superhero Party at the Gathering

From the folks that brought you the prom in 2004:

It’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s……. the SUPERHERO PARTY at Camp Eugene!!!!!!! Come one, come all, to the most happenin’ party at the gathering this summer!
Saturday, July 2nd, Camp Eugene, 4:20pm.

Come dressed as your favorite superhero.  Think Marvel and DC Comics.  Or think Rainbow superheroes – i.e. the Wingnut Whisperer, Shanti-Xena, the Super Duper Pooper Scooper, or everyone’s favorite, Whatever Man.  Or create your own.

Bring your super self, your super costume, super snacks to share, and, of course, your super powers.

There will be music and refreshments.  And maybe even a mystery game or two……

Please pass on this invite!