digging
This is what I found after doing a search on the main page for digging:
Digging Holes
Do not excavate holes in the playa. Small postholes (6 inches or less in diameter & less than 2 feet deep) used for structural support are the sole exception. When digging such a hole it is best to use an auger or a posthole digger, NOT a shovel. Bag the dirt you are removing so that it does not blow away in the wind. Refill the hole by carefully tamping the soil back into place. Repeat this process every few inches while dampening the soil. An inverted sledgehammer works well for this. Experience has shown that larger holes, sometimes used to sound-insulate generators or for pools, easily erode within a year's time, even when carefully backfilled. They leave a visible mark and create a serious safety hazard. Read the Generators article in the Survival Guide section of the web site for information.
Digging Holes
Do not excavate holes in the playa. Small postholes (6 inches or less in diameter & less than 2 feet deep) used for structural support are the sole exception. When digging such a hole it is best to use an auger or a posthole digger, NOT a shovel. Bag the dirt you are removing so that it does not blow away in the wind. Refill the hole by carefully tamping the soil back into place. Repeat this process every few inches while dampening the soil. An inverted sledgehammer works well for this. Experience has shown that larger holes, sometimes used to sound-insulate generators or for pools, easily erode within a year's time, even when carefully backfilled. They leave a visible mark and create a serious safety hazard. Read the Generators article in the Survival Guide section of the web site for information.
A lot can be done by using rebar effectively, then soaking the area with water. It should set up a lot like concrete and should be stable enough to hold the structure.
Are you going for height? Run guy-lines out and flag them and you should be OK.
Are you going for height? Run guy-lines out and flag them and you should be OK.
"Be at one with the dust of the earth. This is primal union." - Lao Tsu
Diggin' replies!
Gracias to Sensei, Badger, and TheJudge for fillin' in my undug hole questions! Stop and take a ride on our (human-powered) mechanical bull if you can find us! @ "MECHANICAL BULLSHIT OASIS" -unofficial this year, as theme camps go - but looking to build a following for next. Notification to be on the post-board-thingy by center camp for RODEO times. Anybody who has any ideas, suggestions, or wants to collaborate is more than welcome to. Thanks again, tryin' to keep everything proper.
rebar vs. stakes/digging..
Your ? made me wonder if the heavy duty steel sand stakes that are 12" will be enough to hold my tent/shade structure. I don't want to get rebar if I don't need it. Am 1st timer at Black Rock Desert so am not sure just how hard ground is. Any help appreciated>>>>Thanks
birdbrain stakes
The stakes you speak of should do you fine if your structure is, say, a six man tent or smaller. Angle them slightly away from the tent and leave JUST ENOUGH sticking out to be able to get a hold of them to pull them up but cap them with something to lessen their danger. Heavily consider using guy lines also, but make them visible. These have kept me and my structure safe in the past, but look around the site for more info. Happy camping!