We were hiking along the Florida Trail in the Ocala Forest (otherwise known as the Ocala Trail). We came to a road at the transition between a lovely longleaf pine prairie and a sand pine scrub. As we crossed the road we noticed a laminated paper sign stapled to a post in the midde of the trail. The line that stood out said:
"Your recreational experience may be impacted."
It also said something about a large group of folks in the woods. It also listed a couple of dates and we were right smack in the middle of the two dates. Hmmmmmmmm. That's interesting. As we walked on the rest of the group wondered what was going on. I did not wonder. I knew exactly what was going on. Aaaaaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrgggggggggggggggghhhhhhhhhhhh!! Oh no, it's the Rainbow People. Not again.
Many years ago we hiked through about 5,000 people encamped in the forest at Farles Prairie and now here they were again at Hopkins Prairie. Good grief.
The boys had an interesting education learning much about hippies, freaks, and various other odd and assorted folks. Later that evening the adult leaders also had an interesting education as various lost and lonely Rainbow Folks wandered into our camp looking for friendship, directions and Home. About all they received were some vague directions.
The adults learned about alternate universes, purple velvet banana peels, giving away stuff for friendship, milkweeds and butterflys. Or something.
Happy Rainbow Month and Welcome Home!
