For twenty-five minutes we drove across the high desert of Arizona into The Painted Desert/Petrified Forest area. We were heading toward our friend’s apocalyptic camping group. Just so you know, I am one who prefers comforts: air conditioning (or heat) and drinks with umbrellas. Needless to say, this adventure was taking me outside of my comfort zone!

We rumbled over ‘washboard’ dirt roads, passed tumbleweeds toward our destination. Inside the Jeep the air conditioning was providing a steady stream of comfortable breezes. “You know it gets cold in the high desert at night?” Chuck mentioned casually. I couldn’t imagine it being cold.

We arrived to ram shackled structures made from repossessed, found items. It appeared to be unorganized and rusty. “I can do this. It’s just two days without a shower.” I gave myself a silent pep talk.

It was obvious that these campers were creative. They had used found items to construct their sites. The wind kicked up sand from every direction. It was nearly 80 degrees. I already felt gritty. Where was the bathroom, I wondered?

We shared happy, “Hellos!” It was great to see our friend after many years. She had worked with Chuck at Fortune Bay Expedition Team. It’s an adventure group that Chuck started. Bumble Bee managed accounts and did correspondence for the adventurers.

Bumble Bee was excited that Da Viking was willing to help move some supplies.

Then, Chuck helped lift a garage door to the overhead beams. It would be secured as a shade for the “Engineers of the Apocalypse” structure.

The teamwork was impressive! The engineer crew has made a real community within these grounds.

I walked by a small building hoping it was the outhouse. It wasn’t. There weren’t any trees to conceal my necessary, so I inquired about a restroom. I was pointed in the direction of a small two stall john.

I wondered about how apocalyptical camping started. Who would come this far out into the desert to build structures and camp? When I strolled back to the engineers set up I found Bumble Bee and Da Viking on an extremely sturdy tire swing!

The Engineers of the Apocalypse help ensure that all the camp structures are safe. However, I knew I wouldn’t be climbing the stairs on top of this bus to ride the imaginary horse.

Bumble Bee took us to meet Reverend Lawless, the leader of the camp. Corrugated steel rattled in the wind as we approached a shed compiled of debris. Bumble Bee gave a knock at the door and called inside, “May we come in? I’d like to introduce you to my friends from Michigan.” I felt timid when we entered Reverend Lawless’ abode.

A frightened moment grabbed at my inner self. ‘Is this some sort of cult?’ I wondered. The secluded desert location and the outfits made me cautiously curious. The inside of the derived complex was cozy and free of the wind.

Then, Reverend Lawless explained how he’d gone to an auction and saw this land was for sale, sight unseen, for $4,000.00. He placed a bid believing someone would make a counter offer. But no one did. So he scraped together the funds and drove out here to check what he had. He thought it would be a cool get-a-way for friends.

In the late afternoon as he set up camp on the ridge, a truck came barreling directly toward him. It was kicking up dust and not following a road. A gentleman, cowboy-type with life experience etched on his face crawled out of his vehicle alongside his black lab.

Richard added that he was relieved to learn that this young man who was camping near his property wasn’t a druggy hiding in his desert. Richard offered to take Reverend Lawless to his exact property in the morning. The two have held a kinship ever since.

“I’ve seen a lot of people come and go here.” Richard chuckled. “One wanted to plant a citrus orchard.” He shook his head. “A young man wanted to raise emus. . . He didn’t last long.” Richard’s face brightened. “Another, ” he busted out a raspy laugh and had to catch his breath, “wanted to have a bee farm.” We all exploded in laughter joining Richard’s fun. “Nothing grows out here for the bees to pollinate!” He kept us all going with a ruckus roar.

Richard’s pure laughter and authentic charm was refreshing. I tucked away any misguided thoughts about this group. This cohort likes to dress up in “End of Days” gear, just like those who wear costumes for Renaissance Festivals or Mad Max gatherings.

“NINETEEN!” Richard suddenly called out. I was startled. He looked up to a group of large, black birds flying overhead. “NINETEEN!” He called again with enthusiasm.

I raised my eyebrows giving him an inquisitive look. Before I could ask, he offered an explanation. “Oh, we had a pet raven last year. We named him Covid 19. He would sit on our shoulders and peck at our ears.” Richard gave a disbelief shake of his head. “He would come when we called him. Now, we haven’t seen him in months. I always hope he’ll come back even though he was a pain.”

Making our way across the community we ran into another “End of Days” camper. He’s an attorney and enjoys time in the desert, away from work.

As we strolled I learned that “End of Days” holds several events throughout the year where nearly 300 people attend. “Festival of Ashes” takes place at Halloween. The “Charyou Tree” is a Thanksgiving gathering. Each team has specialized bottle caps which are traded.

Next we headed toward “The Race Track” in the dry riverbed. Racing is an event during gatherings. Groups construct vehicles, flags and banners. An on sight radio station broadcasts commentary to the events.

The energetic stories and laughter of Richard, Bumble Bee, Kite Face, Smokey, Shadow Cat and Da Viking carried over the dry river bed of the Painted Desert as they shared tales of past races.

As the parade continued across the grounds I noticed how the dogs were in their element and seemed to view us all as their “staff.”

Bumble bee and the engineer team grilled burgers. Da Viking contributed tortellini. The meal was far more than I had expected. We sat around the camp fire and shared stories getting to know one another. Individuals came from all walks of life and enjoyed their escape to the desert surrounded by accepting friends.

Da Viking and I set up our sleeping arrangements and grabbed his guitar. He’s an amazingly talented player and often makes up lyrics as we flank a campfire.

Darkness settled quickly over the plains. The stars lit the sky brilliantly. As I slid on my down jacket, a meteorite glided across the dome above. I couldn’t even think of a wish to make. My life is remarkable! So, I wished for the health of a friend.

Others started to bundle in their winter wear as the temperature dropped nearly 50 degrees. The elevation of this area is a catalyst to these diverse degrees.

When we woke it was 34 degrees. I snuggled under a wool blanket as Chuck made coffee. The sunrise warmed the plain quickly. Soon I rolled up the blanket and shed my down coat. The desert is peaceful and a true ‘get away.’

“End of Days” felt like a beginning to me. I have come to understand how people from many backgrounds can come together and form a tightly-knit community of teamwork and understanding. There’s talk of constructing a “Dark Tower” and a theater. I hope to visit again and witness the changes that have been made.

Enjoy Da Viking’s video of our adventure: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G8gVDnZsKc8

Restless Viking merchandise is available: https://restless-viking.myshopify.com/