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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
Sierra National Forest near Shaver Lake, California. 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--
Sierra 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 Shaver Lake, CA. 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 20 miles away is the small town of
Shaver Lake CA. You can get everything you want down in the valley at
Fresno, CA. But it is 60 miles away.
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 Sierras at that
time of the year is generally gorgeous, 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 mosquitoes shouldn't be bad yet, but in a wet
year they can be, so bring repellant just in case.
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 probably will be
enough dead and down firewood to have campfires, so if you want a camp
fire, bring your own wood. You will need to get a fire permit. Stop at the
Ranger Station in Auberry on your way up the mountain, or at the Fire
station in Shaver Lake to get a free Fire Permit. Last year one of the
members provided a large amount of firewood and we had a group fire
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. You won't need a permit, other than a Fire Permit for a camp fire.
Leave No Trace
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
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
Sierra National Forest near Shaver Lake, California. 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--
Sierra 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 Shaver Lake, CA. 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 20 miles away is the small town of
Shaver Lake CA. You can get everything you want down in the valley at
Fresno, CA. But it is 60 miles away.
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 Sierras at that
time of the year is generally gorgeous, 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 mosquitoes shouldn't be bad yet, but in a wet
year they can be, so bring repellant just in case.
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 probably will be
enough dead and down firewood to have campfires, so if you want a camp
fire, bring your own wood. You will need to get a fire permit. Stop at the
Ranger Station in Auberry on your way up the mountain, or at the Fire
station in Shaver Lake to get a free Fire Permit. Last year one of the
members provided a large amount of firewood and we had a group fire
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. You won't need a permit, other than a Fire Permit for a camp fire.
Leave No Trace
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.
| Sunset over Quartzsite from RTR 2011 camp |
Rubber Tramp
Rendezvous
Summer, 2012
Rendezvous
Summer, 2012
| Seminar, RTR, January, 2012 |
| Sunrise, RTR, January, 2012 |
