There are few rules. The atmosphere is redolent with the dense, sweet smell of marijuana, mingled with incense, dust, and, overwhelmingly, body odor. To put it politely, personal hygiene is iffy. Some family members have been here for two weeks, and the combination of high temperatures and precious little water have made this gathering a highly fragrant one. Cary, who like most Rainbows has freed himself of his last name, has been to 22 gatherings and says this one is a peaceful as all the rest.
Rainbows strive to build good relations with the local communities.
They are even bringing us water. There are no problems. Tim, who makes a living selling tie-dyed clothing, said the younger Rainbows must be taught the spiritual and philosophical underpinnings of the event. The problem is that no one agrees about the exact nature of Rainbow philosophy and the precise point of the gathering. There have been a lot of positive changes brought by people who come to places like this and were able to get out of their personal situations long enough to take a look at the bigger picture.