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Rubber Tramp
Rendezvous
January 10-24, 2012

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Finding the Joy of Green Living by Living in a Car, Van or RV.
The Earth Does Not Belong to Us, We Belong To The Earth.  ~ Chief Seattle

It's time to start thinking about attending the second annual Rubber Tramp
Rendezvous. Last year's event turned out better than my wildest hopes. We
had a total of 45 people show up and 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 second annual
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.

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

                                           ~~~~~~**~~~~~~
Date:
January 10-24, 2012

Location:
BLM desert land near Quartzsite, AZ. I expect us to be back to the same
exact location as last yea. However, check back frequently to this page
before you head to the RTR, just in case we have to meet somewhere else.

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 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. 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 atakrvbob@gmail.
    comTalent 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 22-30). This is a very popular, annual
    event held in one of the worlds largest tents where many items for RV
    and 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. In fact we will be
    camped very close to an active GPAA gold claim. There will be a huge
    Gem and Mineral Show in the Big Tent (February 2-6) 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 can be 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 it. 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.

Q. Will there be internet and cell phone connection?
A. Yes. I expect to be back at the same location as last year and I had an
excellant 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. 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 are cholla catcus in the area which has horrible spines.
The best way to remove it from your dog is a simple mans comb. I suggest
carrying one with you at all times, even if you are a woman or bald. 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 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. 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. I've been using one for years and it's still like-new. The spigot makes
washing-up much easier. 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 very little
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. We will be camped very close to a GPAA gold
claim, so bring your
gold prospecting gear if that is a hobby of yours.

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 get here to get it. It's just a formality and very easy.
These pictures are all from the RTR January, 2011. Here we are
sitting around the campfire at sunset. There was a total of 45 of us,
but not all at one time. It was terrific fun!!