Rainbow Gathering may split to two locations
Some opt to go to Snyder Basin; Others want to stay put
by Dawn Ballou, Pinedale Online!
June 21, 2008
According to a June 21st entry on a blog for the Wyoming Rainbow gathering, the Rainbow family discussed the issue of their location in the Dutch Joe area of Big Sandy in the Wind River Range conflicting with a large Boy Scout gathering and project set to take place in the same area at the end of July. The main Rainbow event will take place July 1-7th. The concern is over people who decide to stay in the area for several more weeks who may be camped in the same area that was planned to be used by the Boys Scouts, who have had their project in the works with the Forest Service for several years.
Apparently there was no consensus on a decision on Saturday at their Council. Some people wanted to move to Snyder Basin and plan to relocate there. Others said they definitely plan on staying where they are near Dutch Joe. According to the website, “…it will most likely not be moving completely.”
Anyone still on the way can decide for themselves which area they wish to camp and go accordingly.
It is estimated there are over 1,000 people currently on the site, which is located near Dutch Joe Guard Station. The camp is approximately five miles away from Big Sandy Lodge and the wilderness campground and wilderness trailhead access. Gatherers park near the main entry road, then hike in a couple of miles into the forest to reach the meadows of the Rainbow site. Those going into the Rainbow Camp pass through a check station manned by the Rainbows where they can get directions and have questions answered. The Rainbows are not in the upper meadows of the Big Sandy Opening or in the trailhead campground area.
Another comment on the blog entry said that people on site are asking for extra blankets, sleeping bags and tents. Apparently many folks came unprepared for the cold night weather and some kids don’t have enough bedding. They ask for help from anyone who can assist with those needs.
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Additional Notes: We spoke with Tim Lightner with Big Sandy Lodge today. He asked us to pass on that the Rainbow camp is several miles away from the lodge and not near the campground or wilderness trailhead. The lodge opens for the summer season tomorrow, Sunday, June 21, for cabin rentals, horseback riding, fishing and backcountry excursions. The road going in is dry to the top.
Big Sandy Creek is running high with the start of spring snow melt. Tim said the snow is hanging on later than usual this year. Snow is still lingering in shaded areas and in the high country. The trail into the wilderness is not passable between Meeks and V Lake. The river trail is more open, but still has snow in shaded areas. It will be several more weeks before snow melts from these areas and the trails open up. Jackass Pass over into Cirque of the Towers is still covered with a lot of snow.
The lodge still has some openings for cabin rentals between June 25 and July 15th. They have sporadic openings after that, so call to check and see if the dates you are interested in are available. Tim commented that the Rainbows he has met have been “polite, kind and friendly.”
Trivia: The peace symbol turns 50 in 2008! The familiar “peace symbol” was designed in 1958 by Gerald Holtom in Britain as the badge used by the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament in Britain. In the 1960s it was adopted by the anti-war movement and the counterculture of the time. The symbol is a combination of the letters “N” and “D” for Nuclear Disarmament.
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