The Day at the Ranch

Perfect weather, exercise in the fresh air, good food, lively music, and interesting people–what more could you ask for?

Saturday June 22 we took the first step to making a film which will tell a story of the Nomad Foundation’s work among nomads in Niger.  Our goal is to help them adapt to the modern world and learn to support or supplement their herding income without giving up their most precious cultural traditions in much the same way as the cowboys and ranchers of the American West.  We invited you to participate in this day and hope you will follow us through to the planned premier at the Ojai Film festival in November of 2015.

The day started at Nomad Gallery with a glass of champagne provided by Maureen Cottingham of  Sonoma Valley Vintners and served by her mother Linda Lamb, a regular volunteer in Niger.

The next step, after caravaning up the hill to my family’s ranch and parking at the old ranch house, was a stop at Jim and Bambi Clark’s pool.  Here we split up.  Those who wanted a ride headed up the dirt road in pickups to the”Little Mesa”, our lunch site.  Those who wanted to walk headed out on foot.   Brother Jim rode along on his mule with water for the hikers.

After about an hour on the road, we were all pretty hungry and sat down to a delicious and surprising array of salads, buffalo wings,  smoked salmon, pancakes, potatoes and herring prepared by Swedish chef Johannes — a delightful departure from the usual barbeque and beans ranch fare.

Ojai Film Festival director Jamie Fleming and his wife Asunta enjoying lunch.

Musicians Bob, Isaac, Ned and Jamie entertained us with songs of the west and original compositions that gave us an idea of the talent that will be brought to the film soundtrack.

Host Bambi Clark enjoying lunch after adding her beautiful voice to the entertainment. (yes that is a camel in the background.)

In October we will head to Niger to shoot the film which will record the culmination of much of our past work:

THE FIRST CENTER FOR NOMADIC LIFE at Tamesna

THE FIRST MEDICAL CLINIC FOR NOMADS

THE FIRST ADULT EDUCATION CENTER FOR NOMADS

THE FIRST MIDWIFE TRAINING PROGRAM FOR NOMADS

THE FIRST SOLAR TRAINING IN NIGER

THE FIRST SOLAR POWERED DEMONSTRATION GARDEN

We will also celebrate the opening of our latest project:

THE FIRST BOARDING SCHOOL FOR NOMADIC CHILDREN

We will visit nomadic camps to follow up on the midwife training program, and then head to the dunes where we will film the lives and traditions of the nomads there accompanied by Tuareg musicians and one of our own.

We thank all of you who participated in this fun day.