Question on entering the gate at 12:01 Monday Morning!!

TheDude · Post by **TheDude** » Wed Aug 18, 2004 8:53 pm

I was thinking that I need to be at the gate to enter at 12:01 am Monday morning. I'm not worried about getting a place or anything. I was just thinking this would be a cool experience if it's an event. But if it's a cluster fuck, well I guess I could get there Monday morning/afternoon.

My question is: Does anyone have a good experience on doing this, or maybe a bit of advice why I shouldent do this?

Sub Question: I don't mind waiting in line for a long ass time; What time is good to get to the gate to be in at just after midnight?

Badger · Post by **Badger** » Wed Aug 18, 2004 9:01 pm

My question is: Does anyone have a good experience on doing this, or maybe a bit of advice why I shouldent do this?

Two things: 1) don't think you're the first to come up with this idea. The area between the Hwy 447 and the actual gate is NOT that far. It will fill up fast. 2) don't EVEN think of parking on the side of the road (Hwy 447) as part of a line getting in. local law enforcement will fine the shit out of you. Make things easy on everyone and consider coming in Monday mornig when everyone's up, awake and getting into the swing of dealing with the crush. All involved will appreciate it.

TheDude · Post by **TheDude** » Wed Aug 18, 2004 9:12 pm

Yah, I'm sure I'm not the first to think of getting to the gate early. I was looking for first hand experiences on good stuff that goes on, and the stuff that sucks, like, The parking on the road thing. That would start the week off on a suckey note. If there's no room to get off the road do people just keep driving untill they can get in line?

Badger · Post by **Badger** » Wed Aug 18, 2004 9:19 pm

I was looking for first hand experiences on good stuff that goes on,

Nothing goes on at the gate. There are no tailgate parties like you see at a 49'ers game or a Dead show. The gate folks are too focused on getting the city going and and there are probably gonna be enough law enforcement folks hanging around the gate (certainly on the roads) that any idea you might have of having an imprompu party will get quashed.

Best idea I can think of is hang out on the playa and check the line situation from afar using a binocular. Whn it looks like things are sane, leave the playa and head for the gate ON 447. NOT via the playa.

SilkenTofu · Post by **SilkenTofu** » Wed Aug 18, 2004 9:41 pm

Badger is correct on this - I showed up my 2nd year at night - the line was crazy long and it was difficult to figure out where to go as the city isn't really filled yet. Driving around in the "suburbs" while it was dark and hard to see the street signs wasn't fun. We circled our spot twice before we recognised our friends camper. Trying to set up two tents with headlights and a lantern with dust blowing all around was not pleasant.

It was much easier the 2 times we came mid-morning/afternoon - had time to catch a last dust free meal - and plenty of light to set up our tents before it was miserably hot. And then got an oppertunity to get a feel for our neighborhood in the daylight before it got dark.

But some people want to be there for the whole time. I can't blame them.
I am so ready. Hell I was ready 340 days ago.

maeabee · Post by **maeabee** » Wed Aug 18, 2004 10:01 pm

I agree about going in on Monday. I too, thought about waiting at the gate. All in all we'll get eventually. Even if we had to wait a long ass time. Maybe we can get acquainted with others. You know share stories, maybe have a few drinks, Eat some food :) The great thing about coming in at night is the coolness of the air and beautiful lights from the city.

Question on entering the gate at 12:01 Monday Morning!!

Question on entering the gate at 12:01 Monday Morning!!

Hummmmmmmmm.