RAMA FILES


		     INSTRUCTIONS FOR DESERT TRIP
			   WINTER SOLSTICE
                                                     
                                                     
NOTE:The following instructions were issued to all Rama followers to
guide them on their desert trip to the Anza-Borego Desert for the
winter solstice.  This has been, so far, an annual event for all Rama
followers.

Bring maps of the area: You should know the route before leaving the
airport.  If leaving from LA allow 2 extra hours to get to the desert
for traffic jams and bad traffic.  If you hit traffic, wear your
shades, put on some Zazen music and stay cool.

Desert food and services: There are 2 grocery stores, several
restaurants and sandwich shops, a drug store (but it may not be open
on Sunday) and a Mall with various tourist type shops.

What to bring:
    Chapstick
    Cool shades
    Shoes - something with heavier sole like running shoe as opposed
	to a tennis canvas shoe to protect you from cactus spines driving
	into the foot, a painful experience! 
    Warm socks
    Hat, scarves, gloves
    Down booties are great for while you're sitting out on the sand
    Warm winter pants with long underwear (ski pants,etc.)
    Long sleeve shirts, sweaters, turtlenecks, warm coverings!
    Warm winter coat (ski jacket, down or wool)
    Something to hold water (a bottle of Evian will do as well!)
    Gorp - high energy food like M&Ms, trail mix, dried fruit, etc.
    Small flash light
    Foam pad - to sit on the sand - it can be kept rolled to sit on
	for back support or rolled out to keep you off the sand. 
    Optional lightweight covering to cover the area of the sand you
	will be sitting on. 
    Zip lock bags for food transport in the evenings
    Toilet paper/kleenex
    Paper towel roll
    Optional knife (Swiss army types are great)

Day pack or large book pack for keys, clothes, water, flashlight, food
for the evening, coffee thermos (if needed) or other drinks,
medication and toilet paper.

Dinner - an early dinner is a good idea.  The late night dinner should
be able to withstand many hours of sitting untouched!  You can't
expect to go back to your car for dinner so you should pack it in.  Do
not bring anything too complicated to eat because you will be awing in
the dark!  If taking fruit make sure it is something that can
withstand punishment!

COFFEE - It is highly recommended that your have one thermos of
regular coffee per car for the trip out of the desert.  It takes one
hour to get back to Borrego from the Gorge and you may be tired.

You will be meeting at Yaqui Pass parking lot of 5:00 PM on Sunday
evening. 

DESERT ETIQUETTE

Be discrete about conversations in public in regard to why you are in
the desert and with whom.  This is our Winter Solstice Desert Outing.
Be respectful of people at the stores and restaurants, especially the
sandwich shop (don't go in droves, call ahead if possible especially
when you need coffee.  Coffee can also be gotten at Case Del Zoro and
the restaurant associated with the Palm Canyon Resort Hotel in Town.)

Make sure you have a full tank of gas, thermos of coffee and water in
your care before leaving to go out for the evening.

NOTES FOR ON THE SAND

Park close together but carefully at both Yaqui Pass and in the Gorge.
Remember your license plate number to identify which 4 wheel is yours,
they all look alike at the end of the night.

Put the keys to your car in a safe place like a zipper pouch in you
backpack not the pocket of your pants.

Be respectful of the desert.  Pack out all trash.

Have many special moments and a beautiful trip.  May the Gila Monsters
be with you and not against you and remember to cover your mouth when
you yawn.