Raindance 2007

[neonaut]

"The wonderful thing about raindance
was that most of the other revelers seemed to understand this too:
the wannabe wood nymphs scampered about like children along the trails
exploring space and time and dirt and sun and moonlight and water and sky
fairy dust and chemistry expanding the universe
until all one could do was stand and stare at what is,
picking carefully through the granulated matter
looking for the secrets." ~Lady Leblanc




     On the third weekend in July, I recieved a wonderfull email.  Hidden inside the message were the words, "
I have you on our  will call ticket list for the campout this year".  My heart stopped, for I thought I was unable to attend this event due to a massive downsizing of attendance, and a hefty increase in ticket price.  The campout (for lack of a better word) sold out in 3 days.  Only 400 tickets were sold to the general public, and I was unable to get one in time.  I was seriously downtrodden.  For my experience last year, deep in the redwoods with so many wonderfull people, was still a great influence in my life.  If only I could attend this year, then I recieved the aforementioned email, and that all changed.

     Upon leaving the East Bay on my way into San Francisco for some last minute "supplies", my heart was racing.  My skin tingles with an electric tinge.  We were on our way, again.  A quick stop in the Castro, a sealed envelope slipped from underneath the door, a stop at the smoke shop, and a quick bite.  We were then heading south, quickly left the 280 and slipped under the woody cover of skyline blvd.  The switchbacks were sharp and constant, as we slowly gained elevation.  Then we were above the clouds, parallel to the pacific ocean, on our way into the heart of Redwood country. Just then a stagg, and another, then another darted across the highway.  As we passed, they greeted the rest of the group awaiting in the meadow on the other side.  We gazed upon eachother with the understanding of patterns, or puzzle pieces falling into place.  The intention was set.

     From highway 35, we turn onto highway 9.  Winding roads guide us deeper into the heart of the forest, then a right turn on big basin highway.   The full moon is setting in the night sky, dropping its light selectively through the canopy.  

"i am completely overtaken by moonlight.
i get lost in it.
it casts a spell like nothing else
everything under its pale glow appears magical
everything seems like it's where it is supposed to be
everyone so beautiful
the shadows move so gracefully
like a midsummer night's dream
it's hard to tell what is real, and what is imagined
and where they intertwine.
it's actually hard for me to experience the woods with someone else now
i just want to be alone -
but at the same time i have this terrible urge to share,
to have someone else understand
that what happens in the moonlight
is subject to a whole different set of rules,
and you need to look with new eyes to see.
the forest knows this. don't we? "  ~Lady Leblanc

     We arrive at 10pm, after a quick check of gear, I realize I made the ultimate snafu.  I forgot enough cash to pay for tickets!  With only enough for my roomate, I give her some "supplies", buy her ticket and find her a ride down the hill to meet up with the rest of the freaks, and fairies.  I then zoom back down the mountain, and end up in the town of Boulder Creek, aftera 30 minute drive.  I am making very good time.  I hit up the atm, give a cordial wave to the Merry Pranksters Cafe, and head back up highway 9.   I make it back to the reservation by 11:00 pm.  My roomate is there waiting, we then head to find a campsite.  And as fate would have it, we set up in the location that we wanted last year.

     With camp set up.  




We headed down to the lodge, got some tea, and skipped down to the main stage.  We proceeded to end the night, dancing away under the redwoods.





     In the morning, after a quick bite, we headed on down to the pool for a lovely shower.  




The rest of the day was spent among the trees, the lake, and the people.  Enjoying the fact that the only lumberjack around, was in powdered form.  












     Then night came, and the spirit of gaia was invoked by none other than, Goddess Alchemy Project.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m7PblN6wuEY

Out came Nocturnal Sunshine.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=33B2-ENcozs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-wCbrNwpBEU

After that, I was lost in a sea of purple and orange love.  With audio by the likes of Tipper, Bassnectar, Brother, Welder, Neptune and more.  All of the tribes gathered for this weekend.  It was more than family, it was the linking of the web, the intention to create and preserve the here and now.  Burners, burnouts, hippies, hipsters, phreaks and tweaks all gathered in a culmination of autonomy.  I am forever grateful.










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[JRL]

Looks like a great time. Hey, call me or email me or come chat.