I was just watching a documentry about that place (If were thinking of the same place). This website has alot of good info too if you havn't read it already. http://blackbearranch.org/visitors/ Looks awesome, it Would have been a crazy place in the sixties thats for sure. Not sure what its like now though. But if you go, maybe I will see you out there one day! :hat:
Its been around for a long long time and was the subject of a documentary - Commune. Early on they had lots of connections to Hollywood, and some number of famous people / actors hung out there, and they got a lot of money from Hollywood people - I think the actor ( & author) Peter Coyote is their most famous alumnus. There is a wikipedia article on them http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_Bear_Ranch As far as I can tell, it was founded, went through growing pains, then had the usual explosion of in-fighting where most people left. The unusual part is that a few people hung on and kept it going, I think it is quite small today, and is quite remote.
I know a few people who have visited, and one woman in particular who stayed for a few years. I live fairly near Black Bear, and have heard nothing but wonderful things about the commune. From what I understand, it is an excellent place to be for someone who wants to LEARN about living communally and to learn about the homesteading lifestyle. It's about 3 dollars a day to stay up there, which is pretty darn reasonable, considering. I hope to go spend some time there next year, actually
