What was your experience at your first rtr? Tips:)

[Yogidog]

Hello all
Some of new people are pondering what the rtr might be like, so I thought I would ask for any tips for when u are new. Thanks!

 

[TMG51]

I think it's pretty straightforward. If you don't know anyone walk up and talk to people or you'll end up sitting alone with your van. Unless of course you want to sit alone with your van. Which, some people do.

 

[Glenda From Oz]

I went to my first RTR this Jan 2016 at Quartzsite. It was great. I met lots of fun and interesting people. It was interesting and informative. I have since met up with a couple of those people and the group size was much smaller so you got to know people better, but both were good! Just get started and be friendly. This is a fun group and just getting started it good.

Glenda From Oz

 

[WheelEstate USA]

Relax, be yourself, and say hello to lots of folks.

 

[masterplumber]

Spend as long as possible. My first RTR I only spent 5 or 6 days total, in 2 shifts, due to needing to be at family's place in CA and having to get back to work. This year I spent 10 days, and still wished I could have been there for the whole shebang. I've met people from all walks of life, and from all over the USA and shared many a conversation over coffee in the mornings, and campfires in the evenings. I couldn't recommend it more.

 

[Suanne]

I very much appreciate that I can be my introverted self at vandweller gatherings. Yet, I attend knowing that it's very much a social experience.

When I first started attending, I pushed myself to "mingle;" and I'm glad I did. But, I would occasionally hole up in my vehicle just to get a break, or drive off for a bit (a benefit of living on wheels). Now, after several years, I've made a good number of significant friendships; so, it's no longer just "mingling," but really connecting with like-minded folks.

If you are like me, an introvert, then know you can participate to the level that's comfortable for you. I once heard someone call us a gathering of introverts; so, you won't be alone. If, however, you are the type to dominate a conversation, I'd encourage you to step back a bit and get to know those of us who need a bit of silence before we speak up.

Shared meals and campfires are great places to make connections.

In addition to the social, these gatherings are a wonderful place to learn the lifestyle. Most vandwellers love to show you their rig, be it a van, car, truck or RV. I've learned so much. So, if you have a question, just ask; someone will likely have a few ideas for you to consider. And, if you have need for assistance, ask for that as well. Many talented folks are more than willing to help out.

RTRs are a gift of place and time where wanderers meet and become a tribe.

 

[Iggy]

I've been to the last two and it's been time well spent. I'm generally an introvert but realize I'll learn more and can develop good friendships if I force myself to interact. It seems to work best for me to attend most all of the meetings there and then chat with various folk afterwards. Then I can withdraw for awhile, by going hiking in the hills nearby, going into town, or just staying in or around my van.
Occasionally I'll make enough of a connection with someone that I will meet them somewhere else in our travels. It's cool when that happens!

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[akrvbob]

 If, however, you are the type to dominate a conversation, I'd encourage you to step back a bit and get to know those of us who need a bit of silence before we speak up.

Those are extremely wise words!!!!!!!! 
Bob

 

[Yogidog]

Hello all,
thank you for the responses they really helped me to begin to think through things regarding rtr. I am coming to appreciate the diversity of views and opinions, most of all it forces me to come up with the truth for me. With this many different views on things what I say is going to be in opposition to someone. No way for me to keep everyone happy if I am going to speak.

I am one of those people that could sit by my vehicle probably forever and be happy. I spent three years in an Earthship very isolated, three years on the road. I loved having no social responsibility or pressure, it often tires and stresses me. Many possibilities of why this is and I spent a lot of my life trying to change it. I accept it now and the weird thing now is it is not nearly so anxiety producing to be around people, the pressure was released when I gave up, "trying to be social". I said in bobs blog recently I am done apologizing for this need/want to be alone. It is ok

The more I have thought about this is really wonder why our culture makes being social And talkative "good" and quite "bad". This certainly is not universal.

So anyway back to the subject of rtr. I have been in these group camping things before. Kind of funny last group thing was a silent retreat! So what I have found helpful is getting a flexible routine. Just like on the road. Once I map out that there is not nearly as much time as I envision. It also helps any lost, ungrounded feelings.

I love being around people when we are doing a project or learning. I figure I am good for social stuff at rtr for up to 5 hours a day. Of course subject to change!

I am totally looking forward to meeting everyone and maybe all this will change when I get around my like kind.

I am always friendly to everyone so that is not a problem.

I really appreciate all the response, made me think, thank u!

Wishing us all well!!!!






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[Yogidog]

Glenda from Oz, u have the best signiture, makes me happy every time I read it!

 

[Yogidog]

How do shared meals work?

 

[Almost There]

How do shared meals work?

The big RTR 'group meals' are organized and thankfully we had someone who volunteered to head the committee in charge of cooking.

Peter asked for volunteer cooks and that anyone who wanted to contribute bring their contributions to the central campfire area at a set time. For example we had chili dinner one night - there was vegetarian chili, hot chili, mild chili, etc. Those with ovens often contributed cornbread etc.

At dinner time we mostly all brought our own bowls/plates/cutlery and did a happy line while we got food.

Some choose not to participate, some got thirds....

 

[Yogidog]

Almost There, thanks I will bring something other than my cast iron skillet. Glad I am asking I would have been standing in line with that and would have weighted me down for the happy dance!

 

[akrvbob]

Peter is not returning for the RTR in January 2017, so there will almost certainly NOT be any group meals that year. The group has gotten so large it really takes a pro to make it happen and turn out good. Peter was a pro so it worked great.

Without him--or some other pro--it ain't gonna happen!!

It may or may not happen this summer in June. I don't have any of my big pots with me and it could be a big group. No promises!
Bob