Moonlanding: A Gathering of Nomads Powered by the Sun
We aren’t called XPLOR for nothing. As the provider of the most rugged tough overlanding solar panels on the market, we tend to spend a lot of time in the field, exploring lesser-known roads and meeting other overlanding enthusiasts along the way.
So when we met Josiah Roe, founder of The Journal of Lost Time at an Expo earlier this year and learned about his upcoming vanlife, overlanding, and nomadic event, Moonlanding, we knew we had to make the trip.
To sweeten the deal, this year’s event just happened to be at the same time, and in the direct path of totality, of the October 14th, 2023 solar eclipse. That was some luck we could not pass up.
The Trip to the Moon
Let’s be clear - it’s a long way to “the Moon,” aka Moonlanding. Our home base is in La Verne, CA. The event was in Ramah, NM. If you’ve never heard of Ramah, that’s because it’s in the middle of nowhere and not really a “destination town”... unless you’re going to the Moon.
It was a two-day drive for our caravan of two vehicles, with our overnight stop in Flagstaff, Arizona.
Just adjacent to the Zuni Reservation and on Zuni Native land, the little town of Ramah only has a population of just over 500. Complete with a gas station that’s also the only grocery store within an hour’s drive, you’ll be able to top off your tank and replenish the basics here if needed.
Moonlanding, however, was an additional 15 minutes past this little blip of civilization. With a pin to mark specific coordinates on a Google map, we were given clear instructions to use that instead of the physical address.
There may have also been instructions that included: “The road is a little sandy - just keep a consistent speed coming up the (long) driveway, and you’ll be fine.”
Luckily we like sand. Sand dunes are cool. But this sand was that sand that covers everything in its path with a thick, sticky layer of gritty goodness and doesn't come off until you forcefully remove it with hot water and soap.
Community and Shenanigans
Upon arrival to the Moon, other than the new copper coating of sand on our trucks, the first thing we noticed was the variety of rigs that were already parked and set up for the weekend. From fancy Sprinter Vans to truck campers to Vannogans to skoolies of all sizes, some were full-time nomads, and some were just here to get a taste of what the community and lifestyle is like.
It was clear that this is an environment where everyone is welcome. Earth Roamers worth over $300k were parked next to vintage VW campers. No one thought “their way was the only way” - it was just the right way for them.
Friends who hadn’t seen each other since the last event ran to each other with open arms and new friends were made by strangers within minutes that were sure to last for years to come.
Everyone was excited to participate in a plethora of ongoing classes, talks, and activities that were scheduled throughout the weekend. Much of the community donated time and materials to make these gatherings possible. There were yoga classes, pottery-making classes, woodworking classes, talks from women on the road, entrepreneurs on the road, and the LGBTQ+ community, all to support each other and learn from each other.
A community shop was set up with tools to help out with random projects anyone needed support with on their rigs. An ongoing “round robin” style of potlucks and food offerings were shared throughout the days.
We’ve been to plenty of Expos with the same type of schedule: planned events, entertainment, meals, and music, but what stood out to us most here was the true community aspect. Anyone walking by would lend a helping hand to set up whatever was on the docket next. If someone was scheduled to speak but ended up not feeling well, a friend would step in and take over without the crowd knowing the difference. Jokes were made, hugs were given, congratulatory high-fives were received, and true, genuine smiles were shared throughout the weekend.
Nobody cares what you were wearing, what you drove, or what you did for work. Everyone had a commonality that seemed to bring them together regardless of background: love for a nomadic lifestyle and respect for the wild places they call home.
““Moonlanding gave us a look at how the community comes together to build a successful gathering. Everyone is welcoming, open to sharing knowledge, and willing to lend a hand anytime! We not only left the event with a bigger circle of friendships, but we also gained road trip friends on our caravan home!””
Making New Friends
We had the opportunity to get to know so many amazing people, all with different backgrounds, goals and aspirations. Some were gracious enough to let us interview them briefly so we could share their story with others.
>>insert interview video(s) here with brief summary of convo<<
Raising the Moon
A tradition for Friday evening is the “Moon Raising”, where a painted weather ballon filled with helium is strung up over center camp. It sounds uneventful, but until you have seen the moon masterpiece with your own eyes, you can’t really understand it.
A live DJ played while a crescent-moon-shaped bonfire burned hot, keeping those warm who prefer to listen to the music instead of dancing to it.
People show up in alien costumes, onesies, and performance wear with fire batons and glowing hula-hoops… everyone fits in, whether in jeans and tennis shoes or wearing a flamboyant glowing adornment. They are all here to celebrate life, travel, community, and, of course, the Moon.
Solar Eclipse
Saturday morning was kicked off with the Solar Eclipse - an event that some never get to see in a lifetime. Ramah, New Mexico, just happened to be in the path of totality with a forecast of completely clear skies.
Everyone was given a free pair of eclipse viewing glasses, and a yoga session was planned at center camp just before the eclipse. Those who didn’t join in on yoga soon wandered up to watch the natural wonder that was about to happen.
Many were looking at their own shadows moments before the totality, fascinated with the “double shadow” that their bodies were creating.
Ambient music was playing softly in the background, continuing the relaxed vibe from yoga. Soon everyone had their eclipse viewing glasses on and were watching in awe as the moon passed between the Sun and the Earth. Light faded, and temperatures dropped with a collective silence that fell over the gathering.
Then a howl broke the silence. And another. And then the entire crowd was hooting and howling at the Sun and Moon, with a slow crescendo back into silence.
The day soon carried on with a packed schedule of activities. Some kept to their own camps, and no one seemed bothered by any level (or lack of) participation.
A Caravan Forms From New Connections
The camaraderie of this community is something that you can’t forget. All you have to be is open and kind, and you’re immediately welcomed in with no questions asked other than “Where have you been?” and “Where are you going?”.
We showed up only knowing two other people who weren’t in our own group, but within minutes of setting up camp, we made friends with our neighbors. By the end of the event, we had met so many people that we ended up planning a caravan out to Sedona (it was on the way home anyway) with many of our newfound friends. We spent one more night with this little community, and then we all went our separate ways - some back home, some to wherever they would call home next.
Returning to the Moon
Our trip to the Moonlanding event had nothing to do with sales, our bottom line, or forecasts. We are far more than a solar product company and the features we sell. We strive to be an active part of the community we love and serve.
We truly wanted to be immersed and experience a little sliver of the nomadic lifestyle to learn more about how this incredible community comes together. And that we did.
We’re looking forward to Moonlanding 2024, where we will hopefully get to reconnect with some of the new friends we’ve made, make new connections, and continue to learn and grow as a business and outdoor enthusiast to support all adventures powered by the sun.
