There is just too much to write about Locke to do it justice in one small blog post. They were supposed to have a traditional chili cook-off that was cancelled due to rain. That did not stop Dan Beghin from coming with his chili and handing it out to everyone. It’s customary for the chili to be accompanied by copious amounts of alcohol, and a young crowd from beyond Locke gathered to enjoy Dan’s “Tres Diablos” chili in a rowdy ambience.
The Locke residents are not entirely thrilled with the chili cook-off event. The ones we came to know are involved with communal activities. We gathered together for a typical communal meal with Russell and Debbie, Tony and Jan, James and his son Wesley, Stewart and Alfredo. Our contribution was gorp (Good Old Raisins and Peanuts, along with M&Ms).
Besides the communal meals were the communal garden that people at the meal were working in up until the time we ate, and their somewhat communal approach to housing and overall living. Part of what I’m doing is going across the country to share stories of belonging, hospitality and involvement, but in this case I was the learner, seeing the philosophy of belonging put into practice.
They knew that we were kindred spirits as well. When we parted company it was like leaving old friends. I’m hoping for many more communal experiences like Locke as we continue east.
