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10:00 AM: Where
to Park: Stealth in
the city,
Boondocking on
public land.

SUNSET: Chili
dinner
7
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Rubber
Tramp
Rendezvous
January 8-22, 2013
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It's time to start thinking about attending the Third Annual Rubber Tramp
Rendezvous. Previous years turned out better than my wildest hopes. We
had a total of 45 people show up the first year and 90 the second. 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, so plan
now to attend the Third gathering of a tribe of people who have broken
free of the rat race and chosen to live life on our own terms, as free
people moving about as we please. 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  having
another Rubber Tramp Rendezvous.

If you are planning to attend,please email me at
akrvbob@gmail.
com


                                     ~~~~~~**~~~~~~
Date:
January 8-22, 2013

Location:
BLM desert land near Quartzsite, AZ. I expect us to be in a different
location than last year, so check back frequently to this page before you
head to the RTR, to find exact directions to the new spot.

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 when you
leave.

Where can I get supplies?
About 4 miles away is the small town of Quartzsite, AZ. It has everything
an RVer could need like water and dump-stations. It also has gas (a
Loves and Pilot truck stop), fast food joints, restaurants, laundromats
with showers and free WIFI, and several small grocery markets. Be
aware all the prices in Quartzsite are much higher than other places. So
come fully stocked on everything you will need while you here to avoid
paying very high prices. Because Quartzsite is famous for its gems and
minerals, there are several metal detector stores and numerous gems and
jewelry vendors. The nearest WalMart is in Parker, AZ, about 40 miles
away. We will be about 100 miles from Phoenix, AZ, which has
practically everything you could possibly want.

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. How to Install a high-
    top on your van. If you would like to lead a seminar, 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.
  • Attend the Big Tent RV Show. We are timing the Rendezvous with
    the Big Tent RV Show (January 19-27). This is a very popular,
    annual event held in one of the worlds largest tents where numerous
    RV item's are sold. The main draw for us is that there will be many
    employers there looking for campground hosts in the National
    Forests, and the odds of you getting a job, if you want one, are very,
    very good.
  • Search for Gold, Gems and Minerals. The Quartzsite area is famous
    among rock-hounds for its gems and minerals. There will be a huge
    Gem and Mineral Show in the Big Tent shortly after we are together.

What will the weather be like?
The weather is generally pleasant and mild in the desert in January. Day
time highs in the 70's and lows in the 40's is fairly typical. Be aware that
winter storms can blow through and dump large amounts or rain and
bring very strong winds. Also, the desert is often surprisingly cold in
winter (in some of the pictures, you can see we are bundled up) so be
sure to bring cold weather clothing.

Frequently Asked Questions:
Q. I don't live in a vehicle, but I am very interested in the gathering. 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 or tent 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, flashlight, cook stove, cooler, food, water, clothes. The one
problem is the very strong winds we get in the desert. Some tents can't
stand up to them.

Q. Will there be Internet and cell phone connection?
A. Yes. Last year I had an excellent 5-bar signal on my Verizon Data
Card.

Q. Are my pets welcome?
A. You bet! Last year we had a pack of wonderful dogs that everyone
loved. In my opinion, if my dog isn't welcome, I'm not welcome.
However, if your dog isn't well socialized, please keep him/her on a
leash. If your dog isn't used to walks in the desert, pay close attention to
their paws, they can get torn quite easily. Also, there is a lot of cactus in
the area so watch for stickers. If your dog is a barker, please be
considerate and camp further away from the main group.

Q. Can I use my generator?
A. Yes, but...! I go to the desert 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 or Yamaha. 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. Water is easily available in
town. Also, while it probably won't be too hot in January, the desert sun
can still give you a bad sunburn. Bring
sun block for your skin,
sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat. We had a real cold snap last year,
so we were all glad we brought
warm clothing Finally, there is no legal
firewood in the desert. 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 from BLM for camping? Should I get it
now?
A. While the vast majority of BLM land does not require a permit, the
area around Quartzsite is so popular you will need to get a permit.
However, you must wait until you arrive here to get it. It's free, very
easy, and just a formality.
These pictures are all from the RTR January, 2011 and 2012. There were
a total of 45 of us in 2011 and 90 in 2012. Who knows how many will show
up this year! The one thing we can be sure of is it will be terrific fun!!
17  
10:00 AM
Car Maintenance
23
26
15
10:00 AM
Workcamping
6
While the RTR
has not started,
there will be
people here
(including me)
already. Come as
early as you want
and hang out till it
starts.
13
10:00 Am: Tin
Can Seminar
(Questions and
Answers)
16
10:00 AM
Favorite Gadgets



2:00 PM
How to plug a tire
22
Final day of RTR
2013. Even though
the RTR is over,
you are welcome
to stay and camp.
Generally, quite a
few people do.
20
10:00 AM:
Cooking in a van:
propane/butane
stoves, solar oven,
pressure cooker,
thermos cooking,
Roadpro Oven,
etc.
11:
10:00 AM
Solar Power

2:00 PM
Spirituality
14
10:00 AM: Cheap
Dental, Eye-wear
and Prescriptions
from Mexico.

3:00 PM Women
on Wheels--for
women only!
12
10:00 AM:
Budgeting: Who's
Living on the least
money, and tips on
how to do it.


SUNSET: Soup
dinner
10
10:00 AM
Sate Residency



2:00 PM
Basic Wire
Jewelery
Techniques
8
Welcome to RTR
2013! Sign the
guest book, make
camp, settle in,
and make lots of
great, new friends.
21
9                
10:00 AM:
Meeting to
welcome
everybody and
give general info
for the RTR.

Get a BLM
camping permit.
24
25
18
10:00 AM
Great job for
Vandwellers:
Mystery Shopper

Fireside:
Talent Night
Sunday                Monday             Tuesday            Wednesday        Thursday             Friday             Saturday
Cheaprvliving is now
Blogging.

Follow my travels and learn
from a 10 year vandweller at:

cheaprvlivingblog.com