It is now Summer and long days of the year with beautiful weather finally, on the Redwood Coast, - from Brookings, Oregon to probably the SF Bay Area.

Many people are now returning or already back from the Annual National Gathering in the Wasatch-Cache National Forest of Utah, near Evanston, Wyoming - high in the mountains near Elizabeth Peak and pass, over 10,000 feet ASL. The temperatures were very cold, at night but fairly nice warm days. Meanwhile back at home there continues to be a need to start planning when and where we will start having local activities again. Some of the planning has already begun at the Gathering.

Once back, we can look forward to start reviving the monthly Picnics in the Park, and other events. If we can have full cooperation, and no objections from the City of Arcata, nor any other calendar conflicts, the first such kind event is now tentatively set for Sunday 27 July 2003 at Arcata's Redwood Park. (see the link from the Rewood Rainbow Home Page).

While this year's Gathering was nice, it was also a little smaller in size, and attendance than in previous Western States. It was also a known fact that many people either could not attend due to monetary reasons, or else many that did attend had to cut their time short this year. This is all the more reason that we need to strengthen our local families and tribes, and always hold the Vision that Love and Peace will prevail. Whether we are facing the challenges of the economy, lay offs, budget cuts, rediculous political decisions, or even personal losses or loved ones and personal matters, we MUST remain strong both inside ourselves, and collectively, in Living Light to overcome Babylon and push on towards Zion. Let us each hold in our heartsongs and visions that Peace will Prevail Worldwide over darkness, and that Love will conquer all fear, hurt, separation, challenges, and communications.

Additionally, speaking of Babylon, when coming to visit your national parks, state parks, forests, monuments, and public lands, please treat them with respect. They are not a place to bring your Babylon with you. Over and over, more rangers are having to turn from jobs of interpretation, and resource management, over to law enforcement. As one ranger on the Redwood Coast recently said "too many people bring Babylon with them when claiming to be looking for Zion." (Yes, that's actually a direct quote). In recent times, rangers and park wardens are having to deal with everything from domestic violence, to abandoned property, garbage from squatters, meth labs, to even poaching trees for drugs. So please think in terms of ecology, and share with your brothers and sisters that these type of things are NOT the "rainbow way." Whether you come to do direct action, go to school, or just passing through, you too can help with Shanti Sena. If you want to do a Gathering, and are sincere about it, communicate with other family, including those who have scouted before. See our new voluntary guidelines to consider for planning a Gathering.

Speaking of parks - stay within the speed limits, which are never more than 45 MPH. Over 100 mammals are killed in our state and national parks each year due to motor vehicles exceeding the speed limits.

For several years now, the NORCAL Family has agreed that we need to strengthen our local families and regional tribes. We need to keep having more events, networking, and staying in touch. With the rising costs of putting on a Gathering, from scouting to all the supplies, kitchens, to CALM, it has been recognized at a number of the councils that it would be great if we could have more fund-raising events as well. Magic Hat only meets about 1/3 of costs each year.

To help strengthen local families, we also agreed at National Gathering that it is well worth the effort to start doing local campouts as well for the outdoor Gathering experience. So in addition to picnics in parks during good weather, and indoor potlucks in the rainy season, we also plan to look forward to a number of activites, including full moon circles and dancing, drum circles, and free Light Family workshops.

Whomever you are, where ever you are on your personal spiritual journey in this life, you are Welcome Home! We Love You!
 

Blessings, In Love and Light,

Dwight Whytefeather