You can hold a rally here for free. Here's part of the estimated one hundred rigs that responded to CB's invite to come experience the slabs.
Early arrivals gather around a fire and plan things to do: Mix with locals judiciously and non judgementally---hold a sunset ceremony each dqy--have a discussion group in the afternoons, tour the entire area--play golf--attend the sat night show at the Range--visit the hot tubs, the infamous "Hole"-
the art museum---have music sessions of our own--invite locals to play for us. CB eventually used his equipment to record about 20 amateur musicians--giving them (free of charge) a quality recording of their music.
A major wonder of the slabs is that its people have SELF ORGANIZED about 8 different clubs. Most have built a facility like this one where its members meet. The Oasis pictured here is probably the largest and best organized. I estimate 30 to 40 people in this club.
On wednesday nights they hold a music session around a fire. Pictured is the organizations lynchpin Builder Bill playing the guitar.
This is headquarters for the Traveling Pals--I estimate membership at 20 or so. Couples are welcome here but not at the LOW's which is open only to singles.
This building houses the library--an amazing and unlikely tradition in so unlikely a place. It has thousands of books people have donated and everything is free. A loose group of about ten live in this area in their rigs and take turns overseeing the place.
And then one day this appears---an all day event--free--come one come all.
I went for awhile in the afternoon..
One of the featured performers.
A picture of yours truly from my archives of two years ago performing poetry.
A hostel--can you believe it---fairly new--welcoming those who want to experience the slabs for a fee.
And for a small fee you can sip coffee here and do internet.
Another fairly new place--THE PONDEROSA--they serve hamburgers and feature musicians one day of the week.
EAST JESUS MUSEUM---surely the quirkiest museum in the US. Google it for a detailed view.
One if our own---Dave Morrison --a singer songwriter with 3 albums out entertaining folks at the Oasis.
RANDY PHILOSOPHIZES; DO YOU NOT AGREE THAT AN OFF THE GRID CITY OUT IN THE BARE DESERT IS A WONDER? It is better than being alone--waay better---for here is company, possible connection, an audience--a place to be --a space to operate without the stifling grip of rent, work, mortgage.
It is more than that---IT IS A FORMIDABLE CHALLENGE--I WANT TO PARTNER UP WITH SOMEONE WHO HAS THE VISION TO SEE THE WONDER HERE AND THE PERSONALITY TO NAVIGATE---EVEN HERE. Gentlemen--test your potential partners--bring them here and see what they are made of.
