Rubber Tramp Rendezvous Summer, 2012 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
It's time to start thinking about attending the First Annual Summer Rubber
Tramp Rendezvous. Past Rendezvous turned out better than my wildest hopes.
In January 2011 we had a total of 45 people show up and in January 2012 we
had 90 vandwellers attend. I think it is fair to say we all had a terrific time!!
There is nothing like spending time with like-minded people in the beautiful
Arizona desert.
Now for the first time we are going to have a Summer Rendezvous in the
Colorado Rockies near Leadville, Colorado. Start planning now to attend this
wonderful gathering of a tribe of people who have broken free of the rat race
and chosen to live life on their own terms, as free people moving about as the
spirit moves them. We are a people with the spirit of our ancestors before us.
They were called:
The common thread among them, and us, is we couldn't stay in one place,
hemmed in by four walls. We had to be out of the suffocating social norms,
moving about freely, as we wished.
One more thing we have in common with each other and our ancestors, is a need
to gather together with like-minded people to share secrets, enjoyment, to
trade, and encourage each other. Essentially, to briefly belong to a family and a
tribe. So, in the spirit of our relatives, the Mountain Men, we are going to have a
Rubber Tramp Rendezvous--Colorado Edition.
If you are planning to attend,
please email me at akrvbob@gmail.com
===================================
Date: June 19-July 3, 2012
Location: National Forest Land near Leadville, Colorado. I won't know exactly
where until closer to the event, so check back frequently to this page before
you head to the RTR for the exact meeting place.
What will be provided?: Absolutely nothing. There will not be water, sewer,
electricity or garbage service. There will not be bathrooms, outhouses or
showers. Bring everything you need with you and take every bit of it out with
you.
Where can I get supplies?: About 10 miles away is the small town of
Leadville, Colorado which has a Safeway grocery store and most of the things
you will need. The nearest WalMart is about 30 miles away near Vail, Colorado.
What will we do?: We have several events planned:
If you would like to lead a seminar in a topic of your choice, contact me at
akrvbob@gmail.com
What will the weather be like?: The weather in the Rockies is fairly
unpredictable, but that time of the year is generally very nice, if a little cool.
The days should be warm and beautiful and the evenings cool. But, come
prepared for cold and rain just in case. The misquitoes shouldn't be bad yet,
nor the afternoon thunderstorms which will start later.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q. I don't live in a vehicle, but I am very interested in the lifestyle. Can I
come?
A. By all means, yes!! Everyone is welcome!!! Newcomers to the life are the
primary reason I am putting this together. Vandwelling has brought me so much
happiness, I want to share it. Newcomers are the VIP's of the Rendezvous.
Q. I don't have a van, can I car camp?
A. Yes!! I think car camping on public land (BLM desert land or National
Forests) is a very valid lifestyle choice. Just bring everything you would
normally take on a camping trip: tent, sleeping pad, sleeping bag or blankets,
cook stove, cooler, food, water, clothes.
Q. Are my pets welcome?
A. You bet! Last year we had a pack of wonderful dogs that everyone loved.
If my dog isn't welcome, I'm not welcome. I take my dog for several walks
everyday. I try to take an hour walk every morning and a half hour at noon and
evening. You are all welcome to join me. If your dog isn't well socialized, please
keep him/her on a leash. If your dog is a barker, please be considerate and
camp further away.
Q. Can I use my generator?
A. Yes, but...! I go to nature for the peace and quiet, and if someone sets up
next to me and runs their generator, I will pack up and leave. Be considerate.
Park far enough away from others so that your generator won't be a problem
for them. The exception is the super-quiet generators like Honda. Their noise
generally isn't a problem with a normal distance between rigs.
Q. Anything special I should bring?
A. Yes, plenty of water for you and your pets. Plan at least a gallon of water
per day for both yourself and your pet. Walmart sells a 7 gallon, blue water jug
made by Reliance, called the Aqua Tainer, usually it is in the camping section.
We will be close to a creek and lakes, but the water will need to be treated
before you drink it. Finally, there may or not be enough dead and down
firewood to have campfires, so if you want a camp fire, bring your own wood.
Last year one of the members provided a large amount of firewood and we had
fires every night. I don't think that will happen again, so either bring firewood,
or money to buy it.
Q. Will I need to get a permit for camping? Should I get it now?
A. The vast majority of National Forest and BLM land does not require a
permit. Where we are going does not require one.
Almost without exception, our ancestors, had a reverence for our
Sacred Mother Earth. Therefore, it is essential that we all leave the
land as clean, or cleaner than we found it. We encourage you to follow
Leave No Trace Ethics, even in your car camping:
1. Plan Ahead and Prepare
2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
3. Dispose of Waste Properly
4. Leave What You Find
5. Minimize Campfire Impacts
6. Respect Wildlife
7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors
Tramp Rendezvous. Past Rendezvous turned out better than my wildest hopes.
In January 2011 we had a total of 45 people show up and in January 2012 we
had 90 vandwellers attend. I think it is fair to say we all had a terrific time!!
There is nothing like spending time with like-minded people in the beautiful
Arizona desert.
Now for the first time we are going to have a Summer Rendezvous in the
Colorado Rockies near Leadville, Colorado. Start planning now to attend this
wonderful gathering of a tribe of people who have broken free of the rat race
and chosen to live life on their own terms, as free people moving about as the
spirit moves them. We are a people with the spirit of our ancestors before us.
They were called:
- Hobos
- Nomads
- Gypsies
- Vagabonds
- Tramps
- Many tribes of Native Americans and indigenous peoples
- Mongols
- Mountain Men
The common thread among them, and us, is we couldn't stay in one place,
hemmed in by four walls. We had to be out of the suffocating social norms,
moving about freely, as we wished.
One more thing we have in common with each other and our ancestors, is a need
to gather together with like-minded people to share secrets, enjoyment, to
trade, and encourage each other. Essentially, to briefly belong to a family and a
tribe. So, in the spirit of our relatives, the Mountain Men, we are going to have a
Rubber Tramp Rendezvous--Colorado Edition.
If you are planning to attend,
please email me at akrvbob@gmail.com
===================================
Date: June 19-July 3, 2012
Location: National Forest Land near Leadville, Colorado. I won't know exactly
where until closer to the event, so check back frequently to this page before
you head to the RTR for the exact meeting place.
What will be provided?: Absolutely nothing. There will not be water, sewer,
electricity or garbage service. There will not be bathrooms, outhouses or
showers. Bring everything you need with you and take every bit of it out with
you.
Where can I get supplies?: About 10 miles away is the small town of
Leadville, Colorado which has a Safeway grocery store and most of the things
you will need. The nearest WalMart is about 30 miles away near Vail, Colorado.
What will we do?: We have several events planned:
- Swap-n-shop: We will have a time where you can sell your crafts, goods,
or excess stuff, or just give it away for free. Bring your own tables for
displays. - Seminars: these will be informal gatherings where we will discuss topics
of common interest. Some topics planned are:
- Installing solar power,
- Work-camping,
- Getting dental, pharmaceuticals, and eyeglasses in Mexico.
- Living on public land.
- Budgeting and living on little money.
If you would like to lead a seminar in a topic of your choice, contact me at
akrvbob@gmail.com
- Talent Contest: If you would like to perform, contact me at
akrvbob@gmail.com. There will be no sound system, stage or chairs. - Hike: in one of the most beautiful places on earth.
- Fish: Great fishing at a beautiful, stocked lake nearby.
What will the weather be like?: The weather in the Rockies is fairly
unpredictable, but that time of the year is generally very nice, if a little cool.
The days should be warm and beautiful and the evenings cool. But, come
prepared for cold and rain just in case. The misquitoes shouldn't be bad yet,
nor the afternoon thunderstorms which will start later.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q. I don't live in a vehicle, but I am very interested in the lifestyle. Can I
come?
A. By all means, yes!! Everyone is welcome!!! Newcomers to the life are the
primary reason I am putting this together. Vandwelling has brought me so much
happiness, I want to share it. Newcomers are the VIP's of the Rendezvous.
Q. I don't have a van, can I car camp?
A. Yes!! I think car camping on public land (BLM desert land or National
Forests) is a very valid lifestyle choice. Just bring everything you would
normally take on a camping trip: tent, sleeping pad, sleeping bag or blankets,
cook stove, cooler, food, water, clothes.
Q. Are my pets welcome?
A. You bet! Last year we had a pack of wonderful dogs that everyone loved.
If my dog isn't welcome, I'm not welcome. I take my dog for several walks
everyday. I try to take an hour walk every morning and a half hour at noon and
evening. You are all welcome to join me. If your dog isn't well socialized, please
keep him/her on a leash. If your dog is a barker, please be considerate and
camp further away.
Q. Can I use my generator?
A. Yes, but...! I go to nature for the peace and quiet, and if someone sets up
next to me and runs their generator, I will pack up and leave. Be considerate.
Park far enough away from others so that your generator won't be a problem
for them. The exception is the super-quiet generators like Honda. Their noise
generally isn't a problem with a normal distance between rigs.
Q. Anything special I should bring?
A. Yes, plenty of water for you and your pets. Plan at least a gallon of water
per day for both yourself and your pet. Walmart sells a 7 gallon, blue water jug
made by Reliance, called the Aqua Tainer, usually it is in the camping section.
We will be close to a creek and lakes, but the water will need to be treated
before you drink it. Finally, there may or not be enough dead and down
firewood to have campfires, so if you want a camp fire, bring your own wood.
Last year one of the members provided a large amount of firewood and we had
fires every night. I don't think that will happen again, so either bring firewood,
or money to buy it.
Q. Will I need to get a permit for camping? Should I get it now?
A. The vast majority of National Forest and BLM land does not require a
permit. Where we are going does not require one.
Almost without exception, our ancestors, had a reverence for our
Sacred Mother Earth. Therefore, it is essential that we all leave the
land as clean, or cleaner than we found it. We encourage you to follow
Leave No Trace Ethics, even in your car camping:
1. Plan Ahead and Prepare
2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
3. Dispose of Waste Properly
4. Leave What You Find
5. Minimize Campfire Impacts
6. Respect Wildlife
7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors
- 1. Plan Ahead and Prepare: Poorly prepared people, when
presented with unexpected situations, often resort to high-
impact solutions that degrade the outdoors or put themselves at
risk. Poor planning can result in improperly located campsites
because groups failed to plan enough time to reach their intended
destination, or improper campfires or excessive trash because of
failure to plan meals or bring proper equipment.
2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces: Damage to land occurs
when surface vegetation or communities of organisms are
trampled beyond repair. The resulting barren area leads to
unusable trails, campsites and soil erosion.
- In high-use areas, Leave No Trace suggests that people
concentrate activity, which makes further damage unlikely. - In areas of very little or no use, Leave No Trace encourages
people to spread out. Taking different paths when hiking off-
trail will avoid creating new trails that cause erosion.
Dispersing tents and equipment, and moving camp daily will
avoid creating permanent-looking camp sites.
3. Dispose of Waste Properly: Though most trash and litter in the
backcountry is not significant in terms of the long term ecological
health of an area, it does rank high as a problem in the minds of
many backcountry visitors. Trash and litter are primarily social
impacts which can greatly detract from the naturalness of an area.
Thus, Leave No Trace recommends that trash and litter should be
packed out. Further, backcountry users create body waste and
waste water which requires proper disposal:
- Waste water: Avoiding soap and dispersing dishwater far
away from natural water sources will prevent contamination. - Human waste: Proper human waste disposal prevents spread
of disease, exposure to others, and speeds decomposition.
Catholes, 6 to 8 inches deep and 200 feet from water, are
often the easiest and most practical way to dispose of feces.
4. Leave What You Find: Leaving rocks, plants, archaeological
artifacts and other objects as found will allow others a sense of
discovery. Similarly, Leave No Trace directs people to minimize
site alterations, such as digging tent trenches, hammering nails
into trees, permanently clearing an area of rocks or twigs.
5. Minimize Use and Impact of Fire: Leave No Trace encourages
people to use lightweight camp stoves, instead of fires, because
the naturalness of many areas has been degraded by overuse of
fires and the increasing demand for firewood. If a campfire is
constructed, Leave No Trace suggests using an existing fire ring
in a well-placed campsite or to use a fire pan or mound fire. True
Leave No Trace fires show no evidence of having ever been
constructed.
6. Respect Wildlife: If enough people approach or interfere with
wildlife, it can be disruptive to animal populations.
7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors: Following hiking etiquette
and maintaining quiet allows visitors to go through the wilderness
with minimal impact on other users.
Leave No Trace! |
| Sunset over Quartzsite from RTR 2011 camp |