Fairwell to the Tent

There was a wood stove in the tent. The tent is moderately insulated, since it has two layers. In past years a stove had provided adaquate heat but this year it was cold. I don't know much about such things, but I was told there was something wrong with the stove. -- WebMaster

Nerf tent at West-West 2002-Nov-24

I skidded down the hill around 9pm Friday into the parking lot of West West. There to greet me was a sister and her dog who also just arrived. The three of us hopped into my truck, and drove on up the road to the site in 4wheel drive as the weather has been unusually nasty for Nov. We walked a couple hundred yds. to the army tent. We were happy to see around ten other rainbows inside the tent enjoying the heat and each other's company. Everyone seemed to be upbeat. We sat around the stove talking about you know; ping pong balls in New Mexico, bubbles in greenhouses, and other related topics. We also got a visit from one of the neighbors who gave us the lay of the land, and offered to help with water and sand. Soon thereafter we crawled into our sleeping bags. After the last candle was extinguished we couldn't see our fingers in front of our faces, it was totally black.

Saturday everyone pitched in. Wood was dragged through the snow and cut. A road crew went to the town sand pile and sanded the more slippery spots leading up to the gathering. Yet another crew put the kitchen in shape up on a tarp enclosed stage. Brothers and sisters who had four wheel drives helped shuttle people. All day the energy was strong. Two white goats hung around demanding attention, and butted when ignored. They wanted to be a part of this rainbow thing, so they were. Later that day a council was started. A lot was talked about late into the evening, but consensus was put off until Sunday. Some thought it not proper to reach a consensus after sunset. Still later that same evening a party ensued, with singing, drums, and baby rainbows bouncing off sleeping gear having a whale of a time. I had a great vantage point inside my sleeping bag where I took in the whole idyllic scene comfortably on my back. I was down, but not out. It was happening.

Sunday arrived cold and windy. Again, we all pulled together. People gathered their gear together and those who needed to leave early were shuttled down to the parking lot. The tent was emptied out of the rest of the gear and the wood stove. We took the tent down, cleaned it off, folded it, tied it, and loaded onto the land owners truck. Then we went onto the stage and had another council. There it was consensed that we would have our next council on Memorial day weekend at branch pond in the G.M.N.F. At this point many were getting cold after the work out taking the tent down then sitting around in council. Soon we were on the topic of kitchen supplies. Some of it went to Saugerties, NY. with a kind sister, some of it went with another kind sister to Maine, and a little stayed in Vermont. The tent was driven nearby to a brothers home rolled onto pallets and wrapped in tarps. We had a challenging adventure that turnout good. Again, like I've seen so many times the family pitched in where it was needed the most and got things done. Thanks to the brother, sister and baby who owned the land for the use of your time, and trucks, but especially your good vibes. -- Spot