2020 is a big milestone for the
RTR which was started by Bob Wells as a gathering of about 25 people who met in the desert to form friendships and share ideas. Over the years Bob’s website and YouTube channel have influenced and helped many more people.
Homes on Wheel Alliance, which was founded in 2018 and now sponsors the RTRS, is providing another way to support nomads who are struggling and need a little help.
This year has brought a lot of changes to the RTR. The BLM officials made finding a site to hold the RTR difficult. The areas offered were too remote, too dusty, or too expensive. After months of exhaustive searching by Suanne Carlson, co-founder of HOWA, a decision was made to hold the RTR seminars at the La Paz County fairgrounds, south of Parker, Arizona. This is not an ideal situation because attendees can not camp at the fairgrounds and must drive in every day from their camping spot on BLM land. Car pooling is encouraged. Most of the seminar attendees are new to van dwelling which is the usual scenario. The seminars never attracted as many people as the general RTR gathering. Most of the people who came to the RTR gatherings over the years to enjoy the comradery of fellow nomads have formed groups on their own this year.
As a trustee and representative for HOWA, I been spending my days manning the HOWA booth and answering questions. It’s always fun to hear the stories of new van dwellers – how they made the decision to hit the road and where they plan to go when the weather warms up. Lots of excitement and smiling faces.
We really miss camping in the midst of the larger gatherings but as volunteers, we get to stay at the fairgrounds and we don’t have a daily drive. Next year will probably bring more changes but even as the RTRs evolve they still carry on Bob Well’s mission to help people live the best life that they can!
RTR 34.01964, -114.23318
The free pile has graduated to tables.
Signing the van
Always good to see old friends.
Bubbles!
Seems like there's always a film crew following Bob.
Volunteer parking
As a trustee and representative for HOWA, I been spending my days manning the HOWA booth and answering questions. It’s always fun to hear the stories of new van dwellers – how they made the decision to hit the road and where they plan to go when the weather warms up. Lots of excitement and smiling faces.
Signing the van 
Bubbles! 
Ten years...
ReplyDeleteYeah, hard to believe that it's been that long.
DeleteHow many attend now after ten years?
ReplyDeleteLast year the estimate was 10,000 which I think is high. How can you really count people camping in the desert? This year since it's all scattered it's impossible to get a good estimate. The seminars are well attended though.
DeleteWe camped at the original location before the RTR. I was talking with one of the women who was at the first one and while going through all of the names we realized that a good number are still on the road!
Amazing. Yet, there's always changes. We outgrow that which we create! Good to get back, tho, and see familiar people again. Your weather has to be warmer than ours! :-)
ReplyDelete