Took this the first day--my camera can't do justice to the size of the crowd. More than half of them are first timers. Last year's crowd was about 400.
Stretching to the distance--new arrivals.
And looking in the other direction.
At the heart of it all is this man--Bob Wells. A few years ago he lived in a van on the streets of Anchorage, Alaska. He still lives in a van but he has catapulted himself to the status of guru of freedom with his writings, you-tube reports and gatherings like this.
Learn more about him here.
From the top of my rig looking North
West
South
East
My cluster of friends.
Old friends drop by
Schedule of events.
RANDY PHILOSOPHIZES: This happy crowd is drawn from all over America. Every day a seminar is conducted on a topic relevant to us. Today was Solar power. other topics include employment ideas, cooking, Gadgets to make our lives better, camping tips and so on. I usually do a presentation on group wisdom we call a tin can discussion.
Sweet people I think you are seeing the beginning of a tidal values shift ---TOWARD FREEDOM OF TIME, MOVEMENT, INTERESTS. We embrace simplicity, frugality and ingeneuity as tools to win that freedom.
I've said this many times so no need to repeat myself. A thousand people assembled in this remote desert however, is tangible evidence of our determination win it.
Here's a fragment from my poem HI JOLLY RETURNS TO QUARTZSITE that says it in rhyme:
Something grand and dear is happening here
the world could not have expected:
The mobile domicile and a new lifestyle
in Quartzsite are being perfected.
The sprouting seed of a brand new breed
living simple and light and lean,
living happy and free like wild Cherokee
in cozy little living machines;
a life that is bold, with ourselves in control
and with clusters of friends in affection
reinventing the tribe , helping revive
that long lost natural connection.
Choosing sunlight's glow over ice and snow
acceptance over sorrow,
adventurous game over riches and fame
and today over iffy tomorrow.
