Contact in the Desert, is a four day conference regarding UFOs and the Metaphysical taking place at the Joshua Tree Retreat Center in Joshua Tree, California, begging the question from skeptics and believers, “What’s really out there?”
Loaded with experts in the field of Ancient Astronaut Theorists including Mike Bara, Giorgio Tsoulakos, Linda Moulton Howe, George Noory the host of Coast to Coast AM, Laura Eisenhower, Dr. Lynne Kitei MD and the Godfather of the Ancient Astronaut Theorist Movment, author of Chariots of the Gods, Erich von Däniken.
It was a weekend full of intriguing panels and workshops including one of the most popular being, Government Cover-Up & New Disclosures, which included former Congressman Merrill Cook (R-UT), Stephen Basset, Nick Pope, Grant Cameron, Roswell Researcher Donald Schmitt, Richard Dolan, Joseph Buchman, J. Andy Ilias, along with Howe and Dr. Kitei who sat on the dais. Buchman discussed his work on the Disclosure Hearings and translating 3500 page in English, Spanish and Chinese, as well as his website: The People of the Earth Apologize.
von Däniken’s lecture, Extraterrestrials in the Ancient East was so popular, that a second one was added in the amphitheater under the stars. The founding researcher showed his discoveries within the Great Pyramid in Giza and the discovery of an ancient sarcophagus in a lake as described by ancient Greek historians.. This was the third lecture of the day for von Däniken who celebrated his 80th birthday on a panel called, Extraterrestrial Influence and The Seeding of Our Galaxies, which was hosted by Noory.
By now you’re asking, “So what are the secrets revealed?” The real secret of Contact in the Desert is that it should be called, Contact (High) in the Desert.
Unfortunately, there were two camps. Those who were there for the von Däniken perspective with the desire to learn and question about the mysteries of the universe along with the government and what they were keeping from the general population.
Then there was the second camp that was overrun by sage burning, unbathed, patchouli drenched, hash smoking hippies. I don’t know if there is something in extra small fine print in the Bhagavad Gita that says, “…and when White people convert to pseudo-Hinduism, you must smell like a decomposing goat,” but I’m assuming it’s in some version I have never ready before.
I should have known something was up when I saw a sea of Subaru and Buick on the makeshift parking lot and the volunteers were not able to figure out where the parking lot ended and the fire lines began. The venders were true Generation X neo-hippies, as their ideals were overshadowed by the love of money, Capitalism. Everything was met with a condescending, “Can I help you?” or “thank you,” if you didn’t purchase their crystals, check your chakras or elevating your chi for very “fair” prices. Whenever I walked by the venders I kept hearing Eric Cartman’s voice from the South Park Episode, Die Hippie Die, wondering why I left my copy of Slayer’s Reign in Blood at home.
It’s no secret I loath hippies. I’m from San Francisco. I grew up with this filth all around me. The pseudo-socialists who profess free love, exchange of ideas and the lack of world possessions, until of course the almighty greenbacks are present from people who look similar to them. However, if you appear to be straight-laced, then of course your money is no good. The hippies only rip off their own and people who want to celebrate their Birkenstock Bohemian Bulls**t…how’s that for alliteration?
If you decide to attend Contact in the Desert and you are actually there for the UFO discussions, hangout near the sanctuary, the Noble Hall and make your way around the back to the amphitheater to avoid the rank stank.
Minus the hippies, it was a fantastic weekend. Where else could you find metal heads, punk rockers, Baby Boomers trying to hold on to their youth, scientists, politicians, normies and yes, hippies tolerating each other while listening to some very talented speakers and even catching some flicks under the stars like Travis: The True Story of Travis Walton, Packing for Mars and The Montauk Chronicles.
Just remember, if you attend next year, bring a lot of sun screen, water, blankets and chairs to sit on. Also, if you aren’t up for camping, feel free to check out many of the hotels and motels in the surrounding area.
I’ve been wanting to attend for several years now. I’m an actual fan, not a hippy but thanks for letting us know what to expect. Might be different this year as it will be held at the Marriott so it might drown out those kind of people.
I mean, Renaissance hotel