The March Hare: Fall '01
Issue 30

Four More Years * Land Day a Smashing Success * Member Bio: Susan Brown * Poem: When I Hear the Door Open * Eco to Go: Packaging Redux * I'm Back * Wish List

I'm baaaaack...

by Tom Cowen

Well it's been a long though mostly enjoyable three years but I'm finally back here at DR. I arrived in March of 1998 to be a gardening intern. And I am constantly being reminded I was the "First Intern". This was the first year that things were getting set up so I ended up doing much more than just working in the gardens. Some of the tales of my exploits that summer are still being passed around; many quite unbelievable and funny to hear. When I left in August of 1998 the foundations on the first two strawbale structures were being finished. The outdoor kitchen (OK) was set up, the outhouse was built, several new gardens were dug and it seemed like things were well on the way to DR being a success. It was a difficult decision to leave as I really felt a connection to the people and ideals here. However I had responsibilities back in CA (i.e. bills) that were calling. I knew I would return though; just didn't know when.

The time just seems to have flown by when working and playing. The bills took longer to pay off when going on rock-climbing and mountaineering trips; odd how those things cost a lot of money. I finally got things squared away this summer so knew I had to return to DR to see how things had progressed. I had been keeping tabs on them through the website but was still amazed at the changes.

I arrived this year just in time for dinner. That much was unchanged; group meals are one of my favorite things here. But that huge hulking structure behind the OK was new. The Skyhouse building was much more imposing than the pictures. I wish I had been around for the frame raising but will have to settle for some of the bale stacking and the multitude of other finish work yet to be done. The other structures on the land are also all new to me. It was neat to go into the building that I had helped dig the foundation for. The new gardens are located on land that was just weeds in 1998. The outhouse was moved from the pit it was originally over and now a bucket system is used. Really keeps you aware of your food circle.

Other small changes are noticed over time: more tent platforms spread out over more land, more infrastructures for food & vehicle co-op, and more duties for specific people. The best thing that has remained unchanged though are the people and the ideals that first drew me here three years ago. I feel right at home and hope to stay for a long time.

Four More Years * Land Day a Smashing Success * Member Bio: Susan Brown * Poem: When I Hear the Door Open * Eco to Go: Packaging Redux * I'm Back * Wish List