Blue <rainbowblue_rf...@hotmail.com>

Howdy family,

I am in town for a night and thought I'd give an update.
Prolly won't be here to answer it, so save yer questions...

IGNORE ALL RUMORS!

There is a small contingent of family over at Synder Basin. Very
Small. Look people, I dislike the FS as much as the next rainbow does,
but running away because you're unable to see the big picture or try
to work together to work out the Boy Scout trip is disheartening to
say the least.

We tried hard to work with the Boy Scouts. It was dumped in our laps
at the last moment, so playing the blame game, as I've seen done here
on AGR isn't a healthy way to go.
It just happened.

They are still coming(the Boy Scouts)and won't lose anything at all by
working around the issue of us being there when they come in, which
isn't until the 26th of July.

I've attended all of the meetings with the FS and the locals and for
the most part, they all went well.

There is a faction of BLM LEO's who aren't happy about the Gathering
and being as they are ex-FS employees, I think they are taking the
opportunity to play games at our and the FS's expense. Not defending
the FS here but we did get a firm commitment from Mark Rey that there
would be no hassle inside the Gathering from LEO's and so far, that
has held.

I have PERSONALLY witnessed our brother Plunker giving selflessly to
make sure we have a safe, secure, peaceful front gate this year and I
believe he should be commended for that effort!

If you aren't here on the land or speaking with somebelly who is,
PLEASE stop promoting rumors. It does nothing but add to the confusion
of people who ARE on the land, trying to work these isses out and
helps to discourage or sometimes frighten people who aren't here yet
but plan to be.

I've been to over twelve nationals starting in 1975 and this is by far
one of the most beautiful sites we've been at so far.

Front Gate elevation is about 7800 feet and there is a beautiful way
station that Summerbreeze and Raven have set up to welcome folks home
and where they can chill for the night. From there, it's about 2 miles
to the trailhead and then 200 yards to Welcome Home and then a 2 1/2
mile walk to main meadow NOT TEN MILES AS SOME HAVE POSTED HERE. Also,
there is a middle back gate with a bus village that is only a mile
walk to main meadow. Main Meadow IS about 9,200 feet, so yes, it is a
challenge for the disabled but still doable, with help, which is there
and waiting. There are about 6000-7000 of us there now, with more
arriving all the time.

Mostly, folks are working together and making this work, FS included.

Front Gate this year is the most peaceful and serene I have seen in
years.

Loving you all, family!
Take care!
Hope to see you at Main Meadow.

Love,
blue