Difference between revisions of "Hitchgathering/2021"

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[[File:HG21 Promo Sticker.jpg|thumb|2021 Hitchgathering Promo Sticker -- print and distribute!]]
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YOU can <span class="plainlinks">'''[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}|action=edit}} Edit this page]'''</span>. Get active! Help out! Hitchgathering is self organised.  
 
YOU can <span class="plainlinks">'''[{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAME}}|action=edit}} Edit this page]'''</span>. Get active! Help out! Hitchgathering is self organised.  
  
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'''For current information regarding the gathering join and contact: [https://lists.riseup.net/www/info/hitch mailing-list] and [https://signal.group/#CjQKIGgw5-FMZ1Sq67CL50LKCkZg-6i0KCDuS24S4uBDyb5IEhAmnOqOcim9eSMm-TJFozyg Signal-group]'''
  
'''For current information regarding Corona(-rules) please check (and if necessary update): [[Hitchhiking_and_Corona]]
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<s>As usual, there will be a Hitchgathering starting from the beginning of August this year -- come hitch to a beautiful spot to meet a bunch of other funky people to hang out, play music, do workshops, cook on the fire and celebrate the hitchhiking way of life together! After a lengthy and slightly messy decision-making process, it was decided that this year's beautiful spot in question will be at La Framondié, France.</s> As always, please subscribe to the [https://lists.riseup.net/www/info/hitch mailing list] or use this article's [[Talk:Hitchgathering/2021|discussion page]] to join the discussion.
'''
 
  
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<small>The overview over the other location proposals and all the info pertaining to the decision-making process can be found at [[Hitchgathering/2021/Archive]].</small>
  
As usual, there will be a Hitchgathering in August this year -- come hitch to a beautiful spot somewhere in Europe to meet a bunch of other funky people to hang out, play music, do workshops, cook on the fire and celebrate the hitchhiking way of life together!
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'''COVID-19 at the gathering in La Framondié'''
  
More information about the 2021 Hitchgathering will follow once location and dates have been decided on. In the meantime, please subscribe to the [https://lists.riseup.net/www/info/hitch mailing list] to join the discussion. Edit there if you have consequent ideas! Later discussion can also be brought on the [[Talk:Hitchgathering/2021|Talk page]]. Don't hesitate!
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UPDATE (Wednesday, August 4th): Hi everyone!  
  
We will probably try to come to some kind of decision by May 1st. After lengthy discussion we might do what we have done in past years, which is to poll during one or two weeks prior to that date.  
+
We had a meeting again this evening to discuss the situation. Almost all of us got tested today and one more person tested positive, but unrelated to the first positive case. This person is leaving tomorrow and also came from the european rainbow close by, like the first case. Everyone else got tested negative.
  
Yet as the situation and rules change almost on a weekly basis everything is subject to change.
+
Right now we have a quarantine area with a seperate dry toilet for when more people test positive. The person who is positive now has their tent in a different place than the quarantined area and will stay there though.
  
== Voting ==
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The general feeling in the group is that we would like everyone to get tested before arriving, or, if that's not possible, to get tested here. A quick test/antigen test is ok.  
Poll for the suggested locations: https://framadate.org/JlkUn3XlcXHxG9fZ
 
  
!Another place has been added (La Fromandie). If you can't update your vote you can just cast another vote (just add a "2" to your name) leaving the options you voted on already blank.!
+
A large part of the group feels uncomfortable being within close distance of people who weren't tested. That makes it difficult and impractical to accommodate people who don't want to get tested.
  
 +
Right now we're 10-15 people, though some will leave tomorrow. If anyone has the possibility to get free tests somewhere to refill the supply here it would be greatly appreciated!
  
 +
Hugs,
  
== Checklist adapted for current situation ==
+
Everyone here at hitchgathering :)
  
=== Accomodation ===
+
<s>There as been '''a COVID positive test on August 2st at La Framondié''' where the main gathering was scheduled to happen. You probably have already been following the events as they unfolded.
* Is there space for 30 to 60 people?
 
* Is there any toilets or shitpit possibilities?
 
* How covered are we from the elements? ---> not so important in summer, we will bring tarps and big communal tents
 
  
=== Food and water ===
+
As it has been pointed out by F. on the mailling list, the possibility of having Coronavirus cases is something I and some others personally realize to have overlooked for an event this size. We, the people present at the time, reacted in a hurry as some were afraid of a bad progression in the area. Some hitchhikers have left the place, and it has been pretty much '''agreed collectively to call the gathering at La Framondié canceled'''.
* Can we acquire drinking water somewhere nearby?
 
* Are there possibilities to dumpster dive or is food cheap?
 
* How will we cook?
 
  
=== Location ===
+
Debate has now been happening with the collective there to look for a way to '''maintain a smaller size get-together'''. As we realize that between the people staying there, Coronavirus propagation is now something really likely to happen, we have decided to implement proper quarantine policies, while maintaining a way to stay together.
* How overall easy/difficult is it to reach the place by free means of transport?
 
* How secluded from other countries is the place? Can people come easily?
 
* Can we just stay at the place or does it belong to somebody, do we need a permission?
 
* Can we make fires, or do we have a place to cook?
 
  
=== Organization ===
+
What this concretely mean, is that anyone getting here should be concious of the risks involved, including serious respiratory illness that could happen to ''anyone'' (some more than others). You decide your risk balance in life.
* Can YOU be there to help organizing in the beginning?
 
* What benefits the location has to potential activities?
 
* What else is important? What do we need to bring?
 
  
== Date ==
+
The measures we have taken are:
  
[[User:Swaden|Swaden]] is proposing August 2th 2021 for the official beginning, following the [[Hitchgathering#Time|infos]] on the main page. As of now, there's a consensus for the beginning of August, so let's set this as an "official" date for now.
+
* 1.5 meters distancing, hand washing and indoor masking for everybody. Also, all use separate plates and spoons.
 +
* Testing for people presenting symptoms. Testing the first day and after seven days for contact cases.
 +
* Quarantine only for people having symptoms and testing positive (10 days minimum after beginning of symptoms, and 24h after the end).
 +
* Quarantine includes, separate, sleeping and cooking place, toilets and water tank. All while even more keeping up with what is stated above. If it happens one more person tests positive, the facilities will be used together and can be washed.
  
== Location ==
+
That said, if you still decide to come, mood is nice now pretty much everything seems decided.
  
Travel restrictions are evolving. As of now a good bet could be:
+
[[User:Swaden|Swaden]] ([[User talk:Swaden|talk]])</s>
*Eastern Europe (why?)
 
*Switzerland or Sweden (because they have been very soft with their travel restrictions so far)  
 
  
Set deadline for fixing a location is May 1st. Due to the situation, it might be smart to make a 'wish list' -- Plan A, Plan B, Plan C -- and then decide depending on travel situation.
+
==Main Gathering – La Framondié==
  
=== Germany ===
+
=== Date ===
  
==== Langenwarder Island on the Dieksee ====
+
The gathering is "officialy" starting August 2nd 2021. As agreed with the owners of the spot, the gathering will end around August 16th with August 23th being the date where '''everything''' must be clean and everyone has left.
  
Copperring said:
+
Some people have to get there before to help build the toilets and kitchen that we'll be using. Some pregatherings will very probably happen before too.
  
"It is an old wharf building [https://www.openstreetmap.org/search?whereami=1&query=54.16352%2C10.52726#map=18/54.16352/10.52726 on an island in a lake], located in the north of Germany about 100 km south of the Danish border. The building has a front that can be pushed open, inside there are old boats they used to ship tourists around on the lake. From the newspapers and menus I found on the boat, they have not been in use for a good 20 years and the whole building looks more like a forgotten graveyard."
+
=== Location ===
  
===== Pros =====
+
'''For more informations, **including access**, see [[La Framondié]].'''
  
* on an island in a lake, how cool is that
+
[[La Framondié]] is [https://www.geoportail.gouv.fr/carte?c=2.5349617676884937,43.990527389595&z=18&l0=GEOGRAPHICALGRIDSYSTEMS.MAPS.SCAN-EXPRESS.STANDARD::GEOPORTAIL:OGC:WMTS(1)&permalink=yes here]. Coordinates below.
* swimming definitely possible
 
* dumpsters about 4km away
 
* around the lake there is a lot of forest, and the closest village is 4km away, probability of being kicked out even in this covid situation is fairly low.  
 
* potentially more LGBTQ+ friendly than Poland
 
* solid building, provides shelter regardless of the weather
 
  
===== Cons =====
+
43.99014, 2.53491
  
* no fresh water source on the island (water has boat traffic and is running along several cities, -> polluted)
+
It's a large area of forest in one of the least densely populated parts of France, and there's a collective of about 8-12 people living there. They do gardening and steward the forest, and for the future they are quite interested in offering more activities, camps for children, etc. During the gathering, we will help them by building the infrastructure for ourselves so they can use it afterwards.
* no toilet on the island
 
* no permission; the lake is connected to a river and several other lakes, waterpolice might be active
 
* boat traffic (boat trips go along north and south of the island), depending on corona rules (risk of being spotted)
 
* on an island in a lake , actually 120 meters to the closest shore. We must find/build/borrow a canoe or raft so we can arrange transport of food, gear and people.
 
* not super inclusive for people with disabilities
 
* [[Hitchhiking_and_Corona#Germany|Corona rules in Germany]] (2.5.21) require testing and quarantine for pretty much everyone entering Germany, curfews, and ban gatherings > 2-5 ppl
 
  
=== Poland ===
+
=== Misceallaneous ===
  
==== Wolimierz ====
+
* Tools: We can borrow tools from them and they have a lot.
 +
* Language: Locals speak French and some speak good English, especially in the collective in La Framondié. Please respect the people there as they are hosting us and this is their living space.
 +
* Weather: No rain in summer apart from very rare storms. Forest fire risk, dry climate and mosquitos. Bring sun protection.
 +
* Dogs: Don't bring dogs. If really necessary, contact the people living there to ask (you can go through [[User:Swaden]].
 +
* Helping: be prepared to help with cooking, wood collection for winter, phytoepuration and buildings for us, participating in assemblies.
 +
* COVID-19: The people living there are not at all worried about us bringing them Covid, or anything in regards to that.
 +
* Of course transphobia exists in France, but probably not more than in most places.
 +
* If you remember them from your childhood, it's very close to where [https://www.maxitoys.lu/media/catalog/product/cache/fcf6fde2aecaa3a19404630833ab6e02/1/0/10940997-10940997-mt_picture1-64139.jpg Kaplas] were invented!
  
Dama suggests as a location for the gathering: [https://www.openstreetmap.org/#map=19/50.95248/15.30663 Stacja Wolimierz]. An old train station that's been converted into a theatre and festival place. She says:<br>
+
=== Infrastructure ===
:"I was a volunteer there in 2018. At the time I asked if they'd be up for allowing the Hitchgathering to happen there, and they said yes. We would probably have to volunteer a bit in exchange. They have their own festival there in July every year, so the beginning of August would probably be fine. I left the place on semi-awkward terms with the owners, so I wouldn't want to ask unless people really want to do it there."
 
  
===== Pros =====
+
We can't be more than around 50 people otherwise it would be kind of a mess to handle camping and food collectively in La Framondié. All that's lower stands for 50 people and if we end up being 10, it will obviously be different regarding access to kitchen, toilets, etc.
  
* People there should be happy to host considering the vibe of the festival.
+
==== Shelter ====
* Plenty of space for camping on their festival grounds.
 
* Dry toilets are available
 
* Possibility for a big pregathering at Kesselberg and then hitching to Wolimierz as a big colourful flock of odd-birds
 
  
===== Cons =====
+
Camping would happen in a somewhat dispersed way -- to have a central camp and then camp in the forest around where you can find the space. There land is generally steep, but there are ancient terraces, and it's also possible to shape the terrain with a shovel to make it more amenable for camping.
  
* There are no dumpsters really close, and the ones that are further away might not be very good (although Poland does hide some surprisingly plentiful diving).
+
In the forest. No shelters are provided. There is virtually unlimited space for hammocks in the forest. Tents cannot go anywhere since the place is on an incline. There are flat spaces near the houses that could be cleared and are flat. Depending on the people, there is space for tents in these or more lonely in the forest. Overall room is for 15-20 tents. We can for sure build primitive shelters and the collective there would love to build wood cabins on platforms.
* No swimming -- there is a pond on the Czech side for those who are quite determined, about 7 kilometers away.
 
* Multiple people who have been there or not expressed strong concern on the mailing list about the inclusiveness of the people there, along Poland as a country. Other people also said it was very nice and are supportive of the idea, see the mailing list for discussion and don't mix up Atelier Wolimierz and Stacja Wolimierz.
 
  
==== Łąków ====
+
They have a very big berber yourt (50 people) that we will build in the beginning on the main square so we can have a meeting spot to do activities. Otherwise there is no shelter for 50 people to meet all at once but smaller groups can under the wooden roof.
  
Dama has another proposal, in part because of the above concerns:
+
==== Dumpster diving ====
  
A private plot of land in Łąków, Poland. The closest village is called Rudnica. It’s 47 km away from the German border. Our host would be a guy named Paweł, who I met in Wolimierz (the location of the other proposal). I don’t know him very well and I’ve never been to the location. I asked him about hosting the HG a couple of years ago, and called him today to see if he’d still be up for it. He agreed straight away, but seemed to be in a rush, so I couldn’t ask him everything I wanted to. He said to call again closer to the date of the HG. If this is a place people would consider then I can call again, or send a text message with some questions.
+
Bring enough to feed yourself for around 2-3 days before we set up a proper cooking and dumpster diving routine as our presence shouldn't impact the people living there.
 +
We can feed a maximum 10-20 people from trash behind small shops in Requista. Albi, Rodez and St-Affrique can feed a lot more people. There is a big Carrefour near Requista which could also feed more.
  
===== Pros =====
+
==== Cooking ====
  
* Private land with permission from the owner.
+
We can't use their kitchen. We are therefore cooking outside, except for the first days with less people during the time we setup an outside kitchen. Try to bring pots as we can only borrow a little. They have a gas stove on a tripod with paella pans but no gas. We'd want to gather wood collectively: lots of dry wood and possibility to cut wood, simply not in only one spot.
* Paweł has agreed to two weeks at the beginning of August, he just asked that a couple of people come beforehand to set things up.
 
* Close to the German border (for those concerned about traveling through Poland).
 
* Space for up to 100 people. I mentioned that between 20-100 people would show up, he seemed fine with this.
 
* Less pressure to volunteer. It would still be nice to help out and do things, but (unlike Wolimierz) it isn’t an organized volunteer place.
 
* He said there’s definitely a place to swim on his land. Seeing the map, I’m not sure if he meant the little stream, or one of those little lakes (he mentioned both a river a lake during our conversation).
 
  
===== Cons =====
+
==== Transport ====
  
* Safety concerns due to Poland’s political actions against LGBTQ rights.
+
Cars can be borrowed as long as they're respected and fuel is payed collectively. Bicycles are the same (5 available) but some needs to be fixed and the way in and out of La Framondié is pretty steep.
* Time limit of two weeks. Could maybe be negotiated in the moment?
 
* I’ve never been there, I don’t know the owner very well (he seems very nice and easygoing, but I don’t know how reliable he is).
 
* I don’t know if there are any good dumpsters around.
 
* By deciding on a location early and spreading the news, I’d be a little worried if way too many showed up (something to ask Paweł about).
 
* I’m not sure about the current (or future) covid restrictions in Poland. (Current restrictions as of mid to late March are favourable to people entering by hitchhiking.) Since it would be on private land, my main concern would be that Paweł would get in trouble for hosting people. Maybe we could agree on something beforehand in case this were to happen (i.e. if he got a fine).
 
  
=== France ===
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==== Toilets ====
  
==== La ZAD du Lien near Montpellier ====
+
There is one old dry toilet that is available to put back in service. We can't use theirs as we might be too much people. We might have to build another one the first days. They imperatively have to be underneath the water spring where water is taken.
  
Lu. has mentionned on the mailing list that it might be possible to be hosted at the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zone_to_Defend ZAD] du Lien near Montpellier.
+
==== Showers and swimming ====
  
===== Pros =====
+
We can bring or build solar showers. Otherwise there is a small waterfall nearby (with leeches included which mean free ) or the Tarn river. In anyway no soap and industrial products that could damage the flora and fauna. The Tarn river is 25 minute down and 45 minutes up and we can swim in it.
  
* Lu. says the people here have plans for the summer so they might be interested. Helping will probably be needed.
+
==== Water ====
* Plenty of space for camping.
 
* Easy dumpster diving at Montpellier, about ten to fifteen kilometers away. (Maybe not great for hitching in and out.)
 
  
===== Cons =====
+
Drinkable water from a spring at the taps in the house. Bring water containers for yourselves as the camp will not necessarly be close to the taps.
  
* Possible evacuation by police, it already happened once in October.
+
==== Electricity ====
* Some people expressed concerns about politicising the gathering too much, would this apply to holding it AT a ZAD?
 
  
 +
There is from the grid. We will pay collectively for the electricity we use by taking measures from the electricity counter.
  
==== La Framondié ====
+
==== Internet ====
  
(C., Mailing List) The spot is here: https://www.openstreetmap.org/#map=16/43.9890/2.5326. I've not been there myself, but people I know well and trust, and I've heard great things about the place. It's a large area of forest in one of the least densely populated parts of France, and there's a collective of about 8-12 people living there. They do gardening and steward the forest, and for the future they are quite interested in offering more activities, camps for children, etc., so we might kind of be their guinea pigs :-)
+
Unreliable 4G but stable at some spots. Crashes sometimes. No WiFi.
  
As far as other orga things are concerned... I asked about ~50 people for ~2 weeks. If 100 people suddenly show up, I think it would be an issue. Camping would happen in a somewhat dispersed way -- to have a central camp and then camp in the forest around where you can find the space. There land is generally steep, but there are ancient terraces, and it's also possible to shape the terrain with a shovel to make it more amenable for camping. And of course hammocks will* rule supreme :D There is plenty of firewood, plenty of wood for constructions, drinking water too. If we want to use their electricity and electrical amenities, we would probably donate some money; the same is also true for tools (saws, axes, shovels) -- we could decide if we want to bring some or perhaps they will also get some more tools for their future activities and we could support their purchase.
+
=== Nearby ===
  
===== Pros =====
+
==== Next town: Réquista (6km) ====
 +
* [https://www.openstreetmap.org/node/3879896428 Supermarket] (Carrefour market), no info yet if dd works
 +
* ATM, bank
 +
* Post Office
  
* Swimming! 20 minutes walking from the Tarn, a gorgeous swimmable river. There are also apparently waterfalls on the land that one can swim at.
+
==== Next cities: ====
* Gorgeous place, legal camping, cool people.
+
* [[Albi]] (48km), population: 50.000
* The people living there are not at all worried about us bringing them Covid, or anything in regards to that.
+
* Rodez (54km), population: 25.000
* Of course transphobia exists in France, but probably not more than in most places.
 
  
===== Cons =====
+
==== Healthcare, emergency: ====
 +
* Réquista (6km): pharmacy, doctor, dentist
 +
* Saint Affrique(41km): hostpital
 +
* [[Albi]] (48km): hospital
 +
* Rodez (54km): hospital
  
* There isn't really any space there to park cars if anybody wants to bring one. (But after all, it's the hitchgathering... right?^^)
+
=== Organizing ===
* Since it's a remote region, dumpsters are not very close.
+
==== Questions/local research ====
* They have quite a few dogs there already, so while not saying that no dogs should come, they were a bit scared by the thought that we 'are like them and 50 people would come with 50 dogs'.
+
A.P. on the mailing list proposed to ask questions to locals since someone they know lives nearby. Rom. will be there around mid-July. [[User:Swaden]] got there around June 10th to ask questions and possibly bring some stuff.
 +
<!---
 +
List here unanswered questions.
 +
-->
 +
==== What we have ====
 +
* drinking water
 +
* firewood
 +
* wood for construction
  
=== Scandinavia ===
+
==== What we could bring ====
 +
* food
 +
* boats, scuba gear and a plan for building a raft for the river :-)
  
Current situation:
+
==== things you can bring ====
Denmark, Norway and Finland deny entry or require testing AND quarantine.
+
Games, instruments, tools,  
Transit through Denmark (24h) is possible. So hitchhiking should work via Ferry and Bridge.
+
* [[User:Tobias|Tobias]] ([[User talk:Tobias|talk]]) migh be able to bring an inflatable island and a 12v/5v water turbine
Sweden requires a negative test.
 
  
The locations below are just examples. Due to the right to roam we can be pretty flexible there and choose as well a place further south.
+
=== Activities ===
  
[https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1doLXXvokOtiMzthVz0SLFjEPmD4&hl=en_US Map of shelters in Sweden]
+
Think about workshops you could organise! (It's very low-key.) So far, there are ideas about making circles about DIY gear-making and rounds of what-is-in-my-backpack, lockpicking workshops, herbal walks, making jellies from plants. At past gatherings there were many great workshops such as womens' circles, how-to for political marriages, clay oven building, capture-the-flag... etc pp.
  
===== Pros =====
+
There will be games, music, dumpsterdiving, occasional skinnydipping. Massage circles and hopefully many, many workshops. Late-night joints and bottles of wine passed around, discussions on how to -- you know...
  
* The right to roam gives us the right to camp in the nature (not necessarily for two weeks at one spot, yet it's possible) which is great if we need to be spontaneous and flexible.
+
==== Knot and lockpicking workshop ====
* Sweden has never closed it's borders (to EU) in the whole time.
 
* Sweden never hat a curfew so far
 
* Plenty of space and amazing nature, fresh water sources, fireplaces and wilderness huts.
 
* Many suitable places for camping in Sweden have a toilet
 
  
===== Cons =====
+
I'll bring some sythetic ropes (also hanf three stranded rope) so we can all study together decorative and useful knots from beginner to more advanced. I also have some lockpicks and locks that I'll bring  only if there seems to be an interest since it's kinda heavy. [[User:Swaden|Swaden]] ([[User talk:Swaden|talk]]).
  
* Only Sweden is open (29.4.) and requires a negative test. (For German residents free, others might need to pay about 20€; giving a local adress might be enough).
+
==== Wood toys ====
* As Denmark is pretty much restricted it's important to catch a direct ride to Sweden(transit) if you hh from Germany (ferry or bridge).
 
  
 +
The people there mentionned a guy named Henri who builds funny wooden toys and could come with them.
  
==== Abisko, Sweden ====
+
==== Partying ====
  
There is a free camp site in the National Park
+
One of the people there love mixing techno and we might make a party once.
  
===== Pros =====
+
=== COVID-19  ===
  
* Fresh water source
+
==== (Entry) rules ====
* Toilets
+
see [[Hitchhiking_and_Corona#France]]
* Small dumpster close by and bigger one 40 km from there.
 
* River, mountain and lake nearby
 
  
===== Cons =====
+
(10.6.) curfew is supposed to be lifted be 30.6; gatherings over 6 people still banned, entry: test or proof of vaccination/recovery, sworn statement
  
* Far in the north
+
==== Testing====
 +
[[User:Swaden]] will bring around 5 COVID-19 quick tests (they're free in Switzerland) to use in case for more anxious/at-risk people or if someone starts having symptoms.
 +
[[User:Mrmagicmax]] will also bring some from Austria (if he doesn't have to use all of them on the way)
  
 +
== Pre or post gatherings ==
  
==== Kinnaroden, Norway (Cape Nordkinn) ====
+
=== Kesselberg, 2nd week of July ===
  
There is a small cabin at Europe's northest point Kinnaroden in Norway as mentioned by To.
+
Anybody is always invited to the anarchist bastion and forest village of [https://www.openstreetmap.org/#map=17/52.38086/13.73355 Kesselberg-upon-Berlin] anyway, but particularly in the 2nd week of July, hitchhikers are called to congregate there. It could be possible to join a potential pre-gathering at Langenwerder towards the end of July from there together, or move towards France already. Ask for a Carlos.
  
===== Pros =====
+
=== La Vieille Valette, end of July ===
  
* Dumpster diving possible next town.
+
[https://www.geoportail.gouv.fr/carte?c=4.095322876378653,44.27187141002011&z=16&l0=ORTHOIMAGERY.ORTHOPHOTOS::GEOPORTAIL:OGC:WMTS(1)&l1=GEOGRAPHICALGRIDSYSTEMS.MAPS.SCAN25TOUR.CV::GEOPORTAIL:OGC:WMTS(1)&permalink=yes Another anarchist village of unsurpassed charm and beauty in the Cevennes]. Would be very much worth making a stopover on the way to the Tarn.
* Beach close by.  
 
* Fresh water available.
 
  
===== Cons =====
+
=== European Rainbow in the Pyrenees, end of July/beginning of August ===
  
* Far from central Europe.
+
Some people might also like to meet at the European rainbow beforehand. Please add info here.  
* Pretty isolated
 
  
=== Discussion ===
+
=== Other ideas ===
 
 
Follow or join the discussion on the [https://lists.riseup.net/www/arc/hitch/2021-03/ hitch mailing list]!
 
<!-- === 1# Proposal name ===
 
==== Pros ====
 
* …
 
==== Cons ====
 
* …
 
-->
 
  
== Activities ==
+
<small>C. proposed Kesselberg, an anarchist bastion in a forest in Germany for a pregathering. He said there is a group called [https://www.ecotopiabiketour.net/ Ecotopia] doing a bike tour and that we could meet with them. Some people of the mailing list are part of the organisation so communication is easy. Like he said in his mail, I think it's a good idea to have pregatherings so people can met in smaller groups and have already a little bit of connivance before reaching the main gathering. Doing this is nice but we need to coordinate correctly. --[[User:Swaden|Swaden]] ([[User talk:Swaden|talk]]) 18:47, 24 March 2021 (CET)
  
There will be games, music, skinnydipping if there's a lake, or otherwise rolling around naked in the sand. Massage circles and many, many workshops. Late-night joints and bottles of wine passed around, discussions on how to -- you know.
+
We can organize easily small pregatherings at the infinity of forest cabins available in Switzerland, Sweden or Norway.</small>
  
 
== Promotion ==
 
== Promotion ==
  
Stickers have been printed by C. See the mailing list for informations.
+
Stickers are available, see the top of the page!
 
 
== Pre or post gatherings ==
 
 
 
C. proposed Kesselberg, an anarchist bastion in a forest in Germany for a pregathering. He said there is a group called [https://www.ecotopiabiketour.net/ Ecotopia] doing a bike tour and that we could meet with them. Some people of the mailing list are part of the organisation so communication is easy. Like he said in his mail, I think it's a good idea to have pregatherings so people can met in smaller groups and have already a little bit of connivance before reaching the main gathering. Doing this is nice but we need to coordinate correctly. --[[User:Swaden|Swaden]] ([[User talk:Swaden|talk]]) 18:47, 24 March 2021 (CET)
 
  
We can organize easily small pregatherings at the infinity of forest cabins available in Switzerland, Sweden or Norway.
+
You can order stickers from [[User:Tobias|Tobias]] ([[User talk:Tobias|talk]]).
 +
50pcs/2€, 100pcs/4€; delivery 4€ (Germany 2€). Contact via [https://signal.group/#CjQKIGgw5-FMZ1Sq67CL50LKCkZg-6i0KCDuS24S4uBDyb5IEhAmnOqOcim9eSMm-TJFozyg Signal-group] or [https://lists.riseup.net/www/info/hitch mailing list].
  
 
== Online event ==
 
== Online event ==
  
Some people have proposed the idea of conducting an online event for people not able to attend the gathering.
+
Some people have proposed the idea of conducting an online event for people not able to attend the gathering.-->

Revision as of 18:49, 11 August 2021

2021 Hitchgathering Promo Sticker -- print and distribute!

YOU can Edit this page. Get active! Help out! Hitchgathering is self organised.

For current information regarding the gathering join and contact: mailing-list and Signal-group

As usual, there will be a Hitchgathering starting from the beginning of August this year -- come hitch to a beautiful spot to meet a bunch of other funky people to hang out, play music, do workshops, cook on the fire and celebrate the hitchhiking way of life together! After a lengthy and slightly messy decision-making process, it was decided that this year's beautiful spot in question will be at La Framondié, France. As always, please subscribe to the mailing list or use this article's discussion page to join the discussion.

The overview over the other location proposals and all the info pertaining to the decision-making process can be found at Hitchgathering/2021/Archive.

COVID-19 at the gathering in La Framondié

UPDATE (Wednesday, August 4th): Hi everyone!

We had a meeting again this evening to discuss the situation. Almost all of us got tested today and one more person tested positive, but unrelated to the first positive case. This person is leaving tomorrow and also came from the european rainbow close by, like the first case. Everyone else got tested negative.

Right now we have a quarantine area with a seperate dry toilet for when more people test positive. The person who is positive now has their tent in a different place than the quarantined area and will stay there though.

The general feeling in the group is that we would like everyone to get tested before arriving, or, if that's not possible, to get tested here. A quick test/antigen test is ok.

A large part of the group feels uncomfortable being within close distance of people who weren't tested. That makes it difficult and impractical to accommodate people who don't want to get tested.

Right now we're 10-15 people, though some will leave tomorrow. If anyone has the possibility to get free tests somewhere to refill the supply here it would be greatly appreciated!

Hugs,

Everyone here at hitchgathering :)

There as been a COVID positive test on August 2st at La Framondié where the main gathering was scheduled to happen. You probably have already been following the events as they unfolded.

As it has been pointed out by F. on the mailling list, the possibility of having Coronavirus cases is something I and some others personally realize to have overlooked for an event this size. We, the people present at the time, reacted in a hurry as some were afraid of a bad progression in the area. Some hitchhikers have left the place, and it has been pretty much agreed collectively to call the gathering at La Framondié canceled.

Debate has now been happening with the collective there to look for a way to maintain a smaller size get-together. As we realize that between the people staying there, Coronavirus propagation is now something really likely to happen, we have decided to implement proper quarantine policies, while maintaining a way to stay together.

What this concretely mean, is that anyone getting here should be concious of the risks involved, including serious respiratory illness that could happen to anyone (some more than others). You decide your risk balance in life.

The measures we have taken are:

  • 1.5 meters distancing, hand washing and indoor masking for everybody. Also, all use separate plates and spoons.
  • Testing for people presenting symptoms. Testing the first day and after seven days for contact cases.
  • Quarantine only for people having symptoms and testing positive (10 days minimum after beginning of symptoms, and 24h after the end).
  • Quarantine includes, separate, sleeping and cooking place, toilets and water tank. All while even more keeping up with what is stated above. If it happens one more person tests positive, the facilities will be used together and can be washed.

That said, if you still decide to come, mood is nice now pretty much everything seems decided.

Swaden (talk)

Main Gathering – La Framondié

Date

The gathering is "officialy" starting August 2nd 2021. As agreed with the owners of the spot, the gathering will end around August 16th with August 23th being the date where everything must be clean and everyone has left.

Some people have to get there before to help build the toilets and kitchen that we'll be using. Some pregatherings will very probably happen before too.

Location

For more informations, **including access**, see La Framondié.

La Framondié is here. Coordinates below.

43.99014, 2.53491

It's a large area of forest in one of the least densely populated parts of France, and there's a collective of about 8-12 people living there. They do gardening and steward the forest, and for the future they are quite interested in offering more activities, camps for children, etc. During the gathering, we will help them by building the infrastructure for ourselves so they can use it afterwards.

Misceallaneous

  • Tools: We can borrow tools from them and they have a lot.
  • Language: Locals speak French and some speak good English, especially in the collective in La Framondié. Please respect the people there as they are hosting us and this is their living space.
  • Weather: No rain in summer apart from very rare storms. Forest fire risk, dry climate and mosquitos. Bring sun protection.
  • Dogs: Don't bring dogs. If really necessary, contact the people living there to ask (you can go through User:Swaden.
  • Helping: be prepared to help with cooking, wood collection for winter, phytoepuration and buildings for us, participating in assemblies.
  • COVID-19: The people living there are not at all worried about us bringing them Covid, or anything in regards to that.
  • Of course transphobia exists in France, but probably not more than in most places.
  • If you remember them from your childhood, it's very close to where Kaplas were invented!

Infrastructure

We can't be more than around 50 people otherwise it would be kind of a mess to handle camping and food collectively in La Framondié. All that's lower stands for 50 people and if we end up being 10, it will obviously be different regarding access to kitchen, toilets, etc.

Shelter

Camping would happen in a somewhat dispersed way -- to have a central camp and then camp in the forest around where you can find the space. There land is generally steep, but there are ancient terraces, and it's also possible to shape the terrain with a shovel to make it more amenable for camping.

In the forest. No shelters are provided. There is virtually unlimited space for hammocks in the forest. Tents cannot go anywhere since the place is on an incline. There are flat spaces near the houses that could be cleared and are flat. Depending on the people, there is space for tents in these or more lonely in the forest. Overall room is for 15-20 tents. We can for sure build primitive shelters and the collective there would love to build wood cabins on platforms.

They have a very big berber yourt (50 people) that we will build in the beginning on the main square so we can have a meeting spot to do activities. Otherwise there is no shelter for 50 people to meet all at once but smaller groups can under the wooden roof.

Dumpster diving

Bring enough to feed yourself for around 2-3 days before we set up a proper cooking and dumpster diving routine as our presence shouldn't impact the people living there. We can feed a maximum 10-20 people from trash behind small shops in Requista. Albi, Rodez and St-Affrique can feed a lot more people. There is a big Carrefour near Requista which could also feed more.

Cooking

We can't use their kitchen. We are therefore cooking outside, except for the first days with less people during the time we setup an outside kitchen. Try to bring pots as we can only borrow a little. They have a gas stove on a tripod with paella pans but no gas. We'd want to gather wood collectively: lots of dry wood and possibility to cut wood, simply not in only one spot.

Transport

Cars can be borrowed as long as they're respected and fuel is payed collectively. Bicycles are the same (5 available) but some needs to be fixed and the way in and out of La Framondié is pretty steep.

Toilets

There is one old dry toilet that is available to put back in service. We can't use theirs as we might be too much people. We might have to build another one the first days. They imperatively have to be underneath the water spring where water is taken.

Showers and swimming

We can bring or build solar showers. Otherwise there is a small waterfall nearby (with leeches included which mean free ) or the Tarn river. In anyway no soap and industrial products that could damage the flora and fauna. The Tarn river is 25 minute down and 45 minutes up and we can swim in it.

Water

Drinkable water from a spring at the taps in the house. Bring water containers for yourselves as the camp will not necessarly be close to the taps.

Electricity

There is from the grid. We will pay collectively for the electricity we use by taking measures from the electricity counter.

Internet

Unreliable 4G but stable at some spots. Crashes sometimes. No WiFi.

Nearby

Next town: Réquista (6km)

  • Supermarket (Carrefour market), no info yet if dd works
  • ATM, bank
  • Post Office

Next cities:

  • Albi (48km), population: 50.000
  • Rodez (54km), population: 25.000

Healthcare, emergency:

  • Réquista (6km): pharmacy, doctor, dentist
  • Saint Affrique(41km): hostpital
  • Albi (48km): hospital
  • Rodez (54km): hospital

Organizing

Questions/local research

A.P. on the mailing list proposed to ask questions to locals since someone they know lives nearby. Rom. will be there around mid-July. User:Swaden got there around June 10th to ask questions and possibly bring some stuff.

What we have

  • drinking water
  • firewood
  • wood for construction

What we could bring

  • food
  • boats, scuba gear and a plan for building a raft for the river :-)

things you can bring

Games, instruments, tools,

  • Tobias (talk) migh be able to bring an inflatable island and a 12v/5v water turbine

Activities

Think about workshops you could organise! (It's very low-key.) So far, there are ideas about making circles about DIY gear-making and rounds of what-is-in-my-backpack, lockpicking workshops, herbal walks, making jellies from plants. At past gatherings there were many great workshops such as womens' circles, how-to for political marriages, clay oven building, capture-the-flag... etc pp.

There will be games, music, dumpsterdiving, occasional skinnydipping. Massage circles and hopefully many, many workshops. Late-night joints and bottles of wine passed around, discussions on how to -- you know...

Knot and lockpicking workshop

I'll bring some sythetic ropes (also hanf three stranded rope) so we can all study together decorative and useful knots from beginner to more advanced. I also have some lockpicks and locks that I'll bring only if there seems to be an interest since it's kinda heavy. Swaden (talk).

Wood toys

The people there mentionned a guy named Henri who builds funny wooden toys and could come with them.

Partying

One of the people there love mixing techno and we might make a party once.

COVID-19

(Entry) rules

see Hitchhiking_and_Corona#France

(10.6.) curfew is supposed to be lifted be 30.6; gatherings over 6 people still banned, entry: test or proof of vaccination/recovery, sworn statement

Testing

User:Swaden will bring around 5 COVID-19 quick tests (they're free in Switzerland) to use in case for more anxious/at-risk people or if someone starts having symptoms. User:Mrmagicmax will also bring some from Austria (if he doesn't have to use all of them on the way)

Pre or post gatherings

Kesselberg, 2nd week of July

Anybody is always invited to the anarchist bastion and forest village of Kesselberg-upon-Berlin anyway, but particularly in the 2nd week of July, hitchhikers are called to congregate there. It could be possible to join a potential pre-gathering at Langenwerder towards the end of July from there together, or move towards France already. Ask for a Carlos.

La Vieille Valette, end of July

Another anarchist village of unsurpassed charm and beauty in the Cevennes. Would be very much worth making a stopover on the way to the Tarn.

European Rainbow in the Pyrenees, end of July/beginning of August

Some people might also like to meet at the European rainbow beforehand. Please add info here.

Other ideas

C. proposed Kesselberg, an anarchist bastion in a forest in Germany for a pregathering. He said there is a group called Ecotopia doing a bike tour and that we could meet with them. Some people of the mailing list are part of the organisation so communication is easy. Like he said in his mail, I think it's a good idea to have pregatherings so people can met in smaller groups and have already a little bit of connivance before reaching the main gathering. Doing this is nice but we need to coordinate correctly. --Swaden (talk) 18:47, 24 March 2021 (CET)

We can organize easily small pregatherings at the infinity of forest cabins available in Switzerland, Sweden or Norway.

Promotion

Stickers are available, see the top of the page!

You can order stickers from Tobias (talk). 50pcs/2€, 100pcs/4€; delivery 4€ (Germany 2€). Contact via Signal-group or mailing list.

Online event

Some people have proposed the idea of conducting an online event for people not able to attend the gathering.-->