On the Road

Surviving a Rainbow Gathering

If you’re heading to a Rainbow Gathering for the first time then there are a few things you might want to take with you. There are meals twice a day and there’s such a general ethos of sharing that you might feel a bit foolish to have food stashed away in your tent. If you have any specific dietary needs, or simply eat more than most people, there’s no harm having a few snacks in case of emergencies.

You don’t need any money at a Rainbow Gathering but they only continue to function due to people’s willingness to get involved and their donations. It’s always a matter of trusting in the Great Spirit that there will be enough in the magic hat to buy supplies for the camp but you can help that go along by giving generously.

There are usually large tents and tepees around where you could sleep in case of emergency but you’re way better off having your own shelter. You can bring your own tent, rig up some shelter with some sheets and sticks if it’s warm, or else have a good waterproof sleeping bag and groundsheet – these can be obtained from army surplus stores cheaply.

Everyone in the Rainbow Gatherings needs their own plate, cup and spoon. People will often bring extras but it’s better not to rely on that and instead bring extras yourself to help the forgetful hippies.

It’s not uncommon for people to suffer from ill health in the Rainbow so it’s not a bad plan to have some tea tree oil for infections and maybe some garlic and ginger stashed away as natural medicines for stomach complaints.

After the Rainbow there will usually be rides heading off in all directions of the compass. Or, if you have your own transport, don’t forget to offer rides to the hippies making their way around the planet on foot.

If you have a dog, please, please make sure it’s tied up at mealtimes and take care it doesn’t shit in the water supply or run in packs.

Children are very much welcome and loved.

Want to meet other road junkies?
Come to the Road Junky Sahara Retreat Feb 6-11 2012 to hang out with 30 other travelers to meditate, make yoga, tell stories and dance under the full moon in the desert.

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