A CARAVAN THAT INVENTS ITSELF

A MOUNTAINTOP VIEW OF OUR ENCAMPMENT AT BORREGO SPRINGS,CALIFORNIA. DOWN THERE SWEET PEOPLE IS A NEW IDEA HATCHING.



The idea is to morph a mobile group into a mobile tribe of friends.

We meet twice a day and enjoy a fire at night.

Gathered in the shade to open the suggestion box.

Borrego Springs has a hundred giant sculptures such as this scorpion and grasshopper.

That's Bree and Zia, our youngest members enjoying them.

Camel with offspring.  Some rich guy bought up land and paid for the art--for the public to enjoy free.

Here's a whopper of a sculpture that seemingly stretches  across the highway.

Allecia confronts the monster's head.

One day we decided to go climb historic Ghost mountain.

And we did

The girls were the first to reach the top.

For more about this fascinating mountain and the 5 people who lived here for 17 years click 

here

RANDY PHILOSOPHIZES:  The mobile million who have taken to the open road discover two major challenges: To get COMFORTABLE and to get CONNECTED.  The first is perhaps easier than the second.

To address the second challenge Bob Wells and I have sought to provide 2 caravans for those wishing to find companionship on the road.  I am facilitating one of these, which began at Borrego Springs, Ca on Oct 31. We are now 11 days active and having a great time.

My strategy is to use a suggestion box to build the world's first SELF CREATED tribe.  It works this way:  The group will suggest their way to a tribe with norms and traditions of its own by putting their ideas and desires into the box.  At each meeting I open the box and we discuss it's contents and vote suggestions up or down.  Amazingly, in ten short days a tribe with a unique culture is emerging.   

Here is one of our early "games" that has become very popular:  We call it quirks.  Each of us reveals a harmless idiosyncracy we have adopted.  Turns out, we all have lots of them---and sharing them seems to bond us together.

We meet twice a day and have a fire at night.  I think we are on to something here---will share more details as the tribe and culture takes shape.   

RANDY RANTS---- A BRIEF ESSAY ABOUT IMMIGRATION

Hordes of people are massed at the Guatamalan border with Mexico.  They want to come to the U.S. and find a better life.
If we were to welcome them in, then very shortly another horde would assemble--also wanting to come here for a better life--and so on until we diluted ourselves to third world status.
NO DEMOCRATIC STRATEGIST IN AMERICA SEEMS TO UNDERSTAND THIS FACT.
Democrats, in general are soft and sentimental about this issue and cannot seem to form a coherent and sensible policy to deal with this and similar situations.  I'm here to help.

Democrats are my people--I am a proud Liberal---believing  we hold a vision for a better world.
BUT REGARDING THE ISSUE OF IMMIGRATION, THEY ARE DANGEROUSLY IGNORANT
AND COULD COST US VALUABLE SEATS IN THE UPCOMING ELECTION.

Democrats really would open our borders to unlimited immigration--in a variety of soft hearted policies such as "catch and release".(a misguided Obama policy)

They do this because they take seriously the words on the statue of liberty---"give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to be free.  And because they also take seriously our legal policy on sanctuary;  that anyone who shows up and says that they fear for their life at home---that we  are obliged to harbor them--even let them become citizens.

Democrats---my people--will not cleanly admit that billions of people are in danger in their home country and if they could, would show up at our border asking for sanctuary, work, and eventually citizenship.We would be overrun--invaded--overwhelmed---with disasterous consequences.

Republicans understand this better than Democrats and unless we wake up to the threat of immigrant overwhelm, we may lose the great opportunity we have in the upcoming election.

WE NEED A CLEAR IMMIGRATION POLICY THAT WILL TAKE AWAY THE PUBLIC'S FEAR OF BEING INNUNDATED WITH ASYLUM SEEKERS AND BETTER-LIFE SEEKERS.

                                             HERE'S WHAT I SUGGEST:

BOLDLY, VIGOROUSLY, LOUDLY, PERSISTENTLY DECLARE THAT WE DEMOCRATS RECOGNIZE THE DANGER OF BEING OVERRUN----AND WILL DEFINITELY, VIGOROUSLY, FORCEFULLY DEFEND OUR BORDERS AGAINST IT.

DECLARE BOLDLY, VIGOROUSLY AND FORCEFULLY THAT WE WILL FIND A NEW, CREATIVE WAY TO GIVE ASYLUM WITHOUT ALLOWING OURSELVES TO BE OVERRUN BY MILLIONS ARRIVING HERE WITH A STORY OF PERSECUTION.

We could, for example, arrange for a guarded, monitored camps IN THEIR OWN COUNTRY WHERE THEY WOULD BE WELCOMED, DEFENDED, FED AND HOUSED.  The camp would offer security and survival but not a rich life.  Living there would be just boring enough to stimulate their desire to return home as soon as possible..( Such a camp would screen out the "want a better life immigrants") (If you think The U.S. couldn't arrange for such a camp, then you don't  understand the leverage our aid money gives.)(and camps such as described already exist in Jordan--one million Syrians refugees and Bangladesh--500,000 displaced Rohingas)

Republicans by and large are an ignorant and greedy mass that do not grasp the "oneness" of the nation but they do grasp better than the Democrats the threat of immigrant overdilution.

The American Indians did not see the immigrant threat soon enough to protect themselves.  Nor did Mexico in the 1840's, see the immigrant threat to Texas soon enough--and so they lost it.
"Those who don't understand history are destined to repeat it." Santayana

A MAN WITH A GRAND PLAN

I LIKE THE PLAN AND I'M ON BOARD TO PARTICIPATE.

Leaving my oldest friend's place in Santa Fe, I head to a conference near Flagstaff to pull together plans for caravans to begin  November 1st.

Called it a day at exit 346 in Az and drove into the desert for the night.  I liked it so well I stayed 3 days. There are thousands and thousands of beautiful and free places like this to camp.

Here's one of my favorite.  I've camped in this meadow several times over the years

 with a splendid view of Mt Humphrey (12, 600+ feet), the highest point in Arizona
Those cones are new--they protect freshly planted trees.  Enough sunlite comes through the cone to keep the tree growing.

I've come to confer with this man and his support team. Soon, he's seated in my trailer and sharing his vision of how we can set in motion a process to welcome the next million people into a new lifestyle of liberty and frugality. If you think that he is an unlikely guru---consider that he once lived in a van on the streets of Anchorage, Alaska--working full time to support his family.  When that was done, he came south and began to gather folks around him in an annual gathering called RTR (rubber tramp rendezvous)  From a beginning of 8, it grew to about 4000 last January and was featured in the New York Times.
Now he has taken his message of mobility, frugality, efficiency and friendly connection to millions in the form of youtube talks and internet information.
AND P.S. HE STILL LIVES IN A SIMPLE VAN WITH HIS BELOVED DOG CODY.




He reminds me in some ways of this guy who lived in the 5th century BC who came out of nowhere and said valuable things to the world.

 Here's the full crew in conference including KC, Sueanne, Steve and myself with Bob Wells.

We took long walks to refresh our minds.

To see the re3sults of our planning click here

RANDY PHILOSOPHIZES:  I believe that we lose a lot of joy in life by refusing to play other people's games.  I'll happily play Bob's game by leading one of the caravans.  I also embrace his larger vision  that  will provide dollars for larger projects to teach a million people what we already know:
1. That one can live a wonderful life on very little money.
2. That  we can have friends and community while being mobile.
3. That drudgery, stress and waste can be sharply reduced in the mobile lifestyle.
4. That leisure can promote self discovery and creativity.

SUMMER IN THE HIGH COUNTRY

COME SPEND THE SUMMER WITH ME-WAY WAY UP HIGH IN COLORADO.
Every serious Boondocker knows:

WHERE THE COOL IS 

To all who sizzle at a hundred three:

Come to the mountains and camp with me.

See on your road map the color green

shows the mountains cool and clean.

For every thousand feet you climb

four degrees are left behind.

Keep on climbing and it's for sure

you'll find the perfect temperature

somewhere between the heat below

and the chill of mountain snow

find a spot near aspen trees;

let nature cool you with her breeze.

Started my summer camping with a handful of friends at Flagstaff, Az 

(7000 ft)

Made a brief visit to Grand Canyon then on to Clear creek reservoir inColorado camping with a hundred fellow boondockers

Who would assemble at the sound of music

or the smell of food.  This Louisiana guy actually fed jumbalaya to the whole camp.

Met a world class hiker--Tom Ballard who climbs the remotest mountains alone--

reassured by this device which will call in a helicopter or a ground rescue team depending which button you push.  Its signal reaches to a satellite.

Interviewed this guy(with the happy name of Randy) who told me what it's like to travel as a tribe.

This clever pair are super efficient and ingenious.

Look how well they have utilized the space in this 25mpg van.

On to Leadville, the highest town in the U.S.

Camped with terrific group of people.

Leadville is a mecca for supermen---like this guy who won the 100 mile bicycle race with a time of 5 hours and one minute.

I think this guy was second.  There were about 2000 more of these supermen standing around at the finish line.

On another weekend donkey and miner races were held.  Here is a guy who is finishing a 25 mile run with his donkey.

Here was the winner with his surprisingly small donkey.

Several of us camped for 2 weeks outside Buena Vista, Co at elevation 9000 ft.

With us was this extraordinary guy that many of you may know because of his worldwide fame and travel: Seven Gray. (http://sevenwanderstheworld.com/) He says his ambition is to simply serve tea--and here he is doing just that.

RANDY PHILOSOPHIZES:  PEOPLE SWELTER NEEDLESSLY!  AND WHEN WE FRUGAL/  MOBILE MILLION HAVE GOTTEN OUR MESSAGE OUT TO THE NATION,  WHOLE SIMMERING CITIES WILL BE ABANDONED FOR THE SUMMER.  The simple formula of 4 degrees cooler per thousand feet of elevation will be known by every school child and adult.  "the nights shall be filled with music--and the cares that infest the day--will fold their tents like the arabs and as silently steal away.' (I think I spent a total of $600 for the whole summer)

A POEM FOR MY DAUGHTER

TO CHRISTINE SANTOS -MY DAUGHTER FROM OUT OF THE BLUE

I dangled at the end of my heritage chart,

a childless uncle, adrift and apart;

wandering home from time to time,

just living my life; no reason or rhyme.

The world would end if the likes of me

were counted on for posterity;

a curious drifter who'se life's a mystery;

would somewhere die and vanish from history.

Such was I, plodding about,

intent-fuzzy, aimless of route,

when out of the blue an email came

that rocked my world and changed my game.

I think you are my father it said.

I knew it was true the moment I read:

Judith's my mother, long years remote

you and she sowed a wild oat.

Nine months later I arrived.

Now all grown up age twenty five.

Last week mom gave me your name.

You were easy to find, you've a bit of fame.

I don't wish to bring trouble or bother;

I just want to know my genetic father.

Some of my feelings and manner collide

with Spanish culture where I reside.

Perhaps knowing you could help me make sense

as I seek to shape my providence.

My heart surged, I thanked stars above;

I have a descendent— someone to love.

Genetics quickly proved—all was true:

you really were me, I really am you.

My soul can hardly contain my joy

and I promise my wit and will to deploy

to be the best father and faithful friend

that I can be to the very end.

Meeting her aunts for the first time

A very proud and happy father embraces his daughter from out of the blue.

A REAL LIVE HERO STORY

THAT'S MY RIG DOWN THERE---AND THE HERO'S RIG PARKED A FEW YARDS AWAY.

We are parked along Tennessee creek, about 5 miles from Leadville, Co.

This beautiful creek is a creation of the beavers.

Here I am inspecting their dam.  Note the jacket and eat your heart out if you are suffering from the heat.  The elevation here is 10,000 ft.

We are parked beside this bicycle raceway.  Tomorrow there will be 2000 bikers zipping past us on a hundred mile race. (one of the primo races in the US)  Will get a pict for you tomorrow.

BUT I PROMISED TO TELL YOU ABOUT A HERO!

HERE'S THE STORY.:  One day as we were walking along the creek, we noticed:

this: a pipe under the railroad.  I supposed that it drained the rainwater and snowmelt from the other side.  BUT NOT MY COMPANION.  He was determined to know the truth.  The next day he went over there and traced its path for more than a mile.  Guess what! it goes to a sordid trailer park sewer system.

HE WAS OUTRAGED!  He went to town and contacted the sewer officials of Leadville. The lady in charge then made a very dramatic demonstration.  She took my friend to the pipe that pours Leadville's sewer treated water into Tennessee creek--TOOK A CUPFUL OF THE WATER AND DRANK IT......Proof that Leadville is in full compliance with treatment protocol.  Our pipe is a county pipe--so she arranged for my friend to contact the proper county official.

MY FRIEND MOVED ONWARD---meeting with the county officials and convincing them to take action.  AND THEY DID---IMMEDIATELY.  today the pipe is not flowing and an electronic device is in place. monitoring the situation.

HERE'S THE LARGER STORY HE UNCOVERED:  A nationwide corporation is buying up trailer parks like this sordid one--doing the minimum maintenance--catering to illegals and making fortunes from a population in no position to complain.  These are the workers that sustain this ritzy town. Now this sleazy corporation will have to install a modern treatment plant,  County officials thanked my friend for his persistence.  A

rare citizen indeed!.

This 24 hr electronic device now monitors the offensive pipe.

I thank him, the fish thank him, the beaver thank him, the cities downstream thank him---and Shakespeare nods from his grave: 

"WHETHER TI'S NOBLER IN THE MIND TO BEAR THE SLINGS AND ARROWS OF OUTRAGES OR TO TAKE UP ARMS AGAINST A SEA OF TROUBLES AND BY OPPOSING--

END THEM.

I SAY THE MAN IS A HERO--HE'S MODEST AND WILL NOT LET ME IDENTIFY HIM.

A DEAR FRIEND PASSES

WE BECAME FRIENDS THE VERY DAY WE MET--AND REMAINED FRIENDS FOR NEARLY 40 YEARS.  She's the smartest person I've ever known---and she gave me a gift you will find hard to believe, but I will show you.

meet Joyce Glauser--my mentor, friend and The wind beneath my wings

She is the author  of this wonderful  novel: I'll BE SEEING YOU. and a host of scientific papers and articles on a wide range of topics.  I have heard her speak to large audiences on subjects as varied as philosophy, physics, anthropology, metaphysics, religion.  

THE GIFT SHE GAVE ME THAT YOU MIGHT FIND HARD TO BELIEVE?

SHE GAVE ME 15 MINUTES OF FAME.   

 She organized a discussion group of  ten that met weekly for many years bonding us into an action committee for a bold experiment. We decided to hold the world's first Unitarian Universalist Revival. We pulled it off to a packed house for 5 nights running.  It made national news in our denomination.

This publicity gave me entree to almost all Unitarian groups nationwide,

So we whipped up a full scale "show" and took it on the road.  Joyce played old time revival music and I delivered  a fiery sermon,  Often we would get a full page spread in major Newspapers like the Tampa Tribune and the St Petersburg Times.

We printed up copies and sold them for a dollar.
I traveled around the US delivering this Unholy sermon.  At the height of my speech, I would yell in a loud voice:  "UNBELIEVE---UNBELIEVE---UNDO IT , DUMP IT, SHUCK IT  AND BE BORN
AGAIN AS AN HONEST HUMAN BEING WHO DOES NOT CLAIM TO KNOW MORE THAN HE REALLY KNOWS."
(you can read the full text here )

When that had run its course, Joyce helped me prepare another performance: THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO WALT WHITMAN .  And because I now had "creds", I traced the US doing this speech.

And selling its dollar booklet.

As the years rolled by we kept in contact and she along with my editor Kim Raines critiqued my poems for my recent book: 40 YEARS A NOMAD---Poems from the Road.

And when I needed someone of substance to say something nice about my new book, she praised me to the heavens.  That's her writing on the back of it.
As recently as 2 months ago I sent her a poem and asked her:  Is this anything?  She said that it was---so I kept it for the next book.

RANDY PHILOSOPHIZES:  I often told her that I loved her--that I congratulate myself on having and keeping so worthy a friend.  She saw the best in me---overlooked my dark spots--shared the best of herself with me--and  as I've demonstrated was the wind beneath my wings.  I pledge to her memory to pay forward the support and inspiration and wisdom she gave to me.