Questions

[jubydoo]

Hello all, I just wanted to pose a few questions about the preparations for BurningMan, since I've never been before and I would like to. How much does the whole trip usually cost, adding food and tickets and everything else involved in getting there and not dying?

Also, from what I'm reading, it seems to make more sense to drive out than to fly into Reno, but I'm afraid that my little car won't make it out there (and if it does, it probably wouldn't survive the playa). What do other people think? I know there are people out there I could carpool with if need be, I'm just trying to figure out the best way to go about things.

I guess the thing I'm afraid of is getting out there and not feeling like part of the community, but I'm sure with 30,000 other people there, I can find *somebody* to show me around. I just wanted to throw those two concerns out, see if I could get some help. The money issue is the biggest for me, I'm a college student full-time, so I have to live life as cheaply as possible.

[robbidobbs]

How much does the whole trip usually cost,
I know there are people out there I could carpool with if need be, I'm just trying to figure out the best way to go about things.
I guess the thing I'm afraid of is getting out there and not feeling like part of the community,

Hello Judy,
The tickets range from $165-350 depending on when you purchase them. Sooner is better than later. There is no way to tell another Burner how much it will cost, it can be close to zero if you have alternative resources, it can run into the thousands of dollars.
Carpooling from Reno is an option, and there are message boards to this effect generally starting to really ROCK in the Summer.

The best way to feel a part of the community is to participate. Get involved with Information Services, as they are in the business of farming out day-labor to other departments and camps. It's fun, and you don't have to do anything beforehand but show up. I've utilized their services twice when I needed help on the Pottie Project, and the volunteers and I had a great time.

Be careful, don't stress, drink water and just be yourself.

Robbidobbs clear

[ronski]

jubydoo:

In 2003 I came as a solo virgin, bringing everything I needed for one person, and drove my Toyota from Seattle roundtrip. I bought my ticket around May for $225, and then bought my other stuff (a shade shelter, tarps, water containers, food, alcohol, misc equipment, gifts, etc) over the next few months. I pretty much started from scratch.

My guesstimate is that the whole trip, with gas-road expenses-a couple of nights in cheap motels thrown in, totalled somewhere under $1000. This rough amount has been referenced as a benchmark by another person somewhere here on the eplaya. Note that this does NOT include any money you may blow gambling in Nevada (a real concern).

You can go on a minimalist basis and still have a good time. If you join up with others, or if you already have lots of appropriate gear, you could reduce the $1000 considerably. And if you have obsessive grandiose ideas for cool stuff to create the amount can be much, much higher.

Note that you do not have to have a big lump sum, you can do it piecemeal. Hit the thrift stores and surplus places now. The important thing is to buy your ticket -- then you're mentally committed and you'll figure everything else out "BECAUSE YOU"RE GOING, DAMN IT".

This was my perspective, hope it's of use. It really is doable, even for a starving student.

[Tiahaar]

jubydoo:

The important thing is to buy your ticket -- then you're mentally committed and you'll figure everything else out "BECAUSE YOU"RE GOING, DAMN IT".

That last part is great advice! Truly amazing the difference between merely thinking about going and actually having put out the ticket money, then thinking about how/what to get ready. Thrift/surplus places are great and also Ebay can have super finds for supplies, most machine parts I needed last year came from Ebay auctions. (careful that's addicting too)

[CadyMae]

I'll just admit up front that I love the planning part of my adventures as much as the adventure itself. I'm a a virgin Burner and will be going solo this august as a pilgrimage. I'm driving from florida. I weighed the pros and cons and it pretty much came down to this. I already have tried and true camping gear that I use for 4 days festivals here in Florida. I'd rather drive and have all my trusty equipment with me than fly and have to worry about picking stuff up out there. I also heard just enough horror stories of not getting your rental car reservation honored in Reno that I decided to rent a car here. I *know* my old pickup truck wouldn't be able to do 6000 miles in 2 weeks in the summer across the south.

My calculations are as follows:
one way: 3000 miles, at 30 mpg, tank holds 14gal, cost of fuel 1.50/gal, required # of fillups 8, total fuel cost one way is roughly $170.

Grand total fuel: approx. $350
Rental Car 2 weeks midsize Avis: $465
BurningMan Ticket: $250 (est.)
Food: ($15 per day upper limit) $200
Additonal gear to be bought: $235 approx.
Total so far $1500
(Ability to get in the car and head home when I'm ready? Priceless.)


Some of the additional gear I'm planning on buying from campmore.com is:
$ 10 waterproof headlamp
$23 Wag bags
$ 5.99 Portable urinal unit for ladies.
$16.99 single burner stove.
Need shade structure and rebar also but haven't priced them out yet.

I have already contacted a group about volunteering with them but I am planning on camping alone. So I'll be able to have time by myself to chill. I can cook what I want, when I want, yet still have a place to go to participate with a group I'm interested in.

I hope that helps. I admit I'm pretty anal but I like it! Really! Organizing stuff makes me happy.

I suspect this is one of those things that you will regret not doing when you had the chance, so be brave! Go for it! Think of the sights you'll see and the memories you'll have in your old age in the nursing home!

[Chai Guy]

I totally understand about your desire to want to take your stuff with you. Have you considered any other options? It seems like a lot of time and money to drive all the way across the country. I live approximately 12 hours away from the Playa and that drive home is horrible. I can't imagine driving all the way to Florida.

Anyway, you might want to consider shipping your items, flying out and then either renting a car in Reno or Carson City (yes, I'm aware of the problems, but I also know people who have done this without a hitch for years) or even arranging a ride with someone to the playa (I usually save a seat for someone that I pick up from the Airport.) Once you are in Reno you can buy your food and water and other perishible supplies.

Greyhound has some very reasonable rates for shipping heavy stuff
http://www.shipgreyhound.com/

You might also want to try these guys:
http://www.freightcenter.com/shipping%20companies.htm

[CadyMae]

[quote]I live approximately 12 hours away from the Playa and that drive home is horrible. I can't imagine driving all the way to Florida. [/quote]


Yes but that is part of my pilgrimage. I don't want to be instantly returned to my daily life. I want to putter back across the country. I've never driven across the country. I want time to process what I've experienced and to replay conversations in my head and not be stuck in some tin can with recirculated germs listening to a baby cry for 4 hours with a 2 hour layover. Perhaps NEXT year I'll think driving sucks but this year I'm looking forward to it. Ignorance is bliss.

[Bob]

http://afterburn.burningman.com/01/2001 ... demos.html

http://afterburn.burningman.com/01/2001 ... money.html

[_tears_]

[/quote] guess the thing I'm afraid of is getting out there and not feeling like part of the community, but I'm sure with 30,000 other people there, I can find *somebody* to show me around. I just wanted to throw those two concerns out, see if I could get some help. The money issue is the biggest for me, I'm a college student full-time, so I have to live life as cheaply as possible.



I suggest maybe finding a theme camp to attend with, one that perks your interest, i personally am a Lamp Lighter, they are a good strong faithful community of people.

Money was an issue for me as well, i was under 18 in 2003 and i payed for everything that i brought myself and i split 1/2 the rent for the car we rented out to attend, it was rough, but very worth it. They do have scholerships for BM tickets they are i believe $95.00 if you are able to get one, when tickes come out in feb, they will have infromation about them

Good Luck and feel free to E-mail me for anything ![/quote]

[Dork]

Try to get involved in some way, either through volunteering in some way at the event or better yet, find a group close to you putting together a project. Help them build it! You might be able to tag along and save some money on the trip. Some camps even set aside tickets for people who don't have much money but are willing to bust ass prepping their creation. You also would be going there already knowing people, you get to use their shade structure, etc. Try not to think of it as a camping trip or an event to go to and watch. It's about working with other people to create something. Without all of the wonderful things that people bring it would just be a bunch of dusty weirdos camping out next ot a big wooden statue.

If you decide you'd rather camp by yourself, that's cool, but that doesn't mean it won't help you to have a project to work on with others.

[terdbird]

I was wondering, if you drive to BM, where do you park your car? at your campsite? and are the campsites marked off, or is it get in where you fit in? i've got a pretty big shelter id like to bring(10'wx20l'x9'h), and am wondering if it will fit in my designated spot of resting. One more, is this a big party, or just a gathering of like minded souls?

[Badger]

Park your car at your camp site. It stays there for the duration of the event.

There is no designated parking. There are places where you can't park. It's not a good idea to park at Center Camp or at the Man.

By some standards (10'x20'9') are considered small. Arrive at the first of the week and you'll have no problem getting a space an setting up.

is this a big party, or just a gathering of like minded souls?

Dang, still haven't figured how best to answer that one. Can't say that my other 30,000+ neighbors can answer that one for you either. You might try reading the many available links by people who've been to get a flavor of the whole thing.

Most of them do seem to like fire though.

[terdbird]

what i meant, was is it a big Rave? Music going loud 24/7, dancing everywhere... ?

[Dork]

I was wondering, if you drive to BM, where do you park your car? at your campsite? and are the campsites marked off, or is it get in where you fit in? i've got a pretty big shelter id like to bring(10'wx20l'x9'h), and am wondering if it will fit in my designated spot of resting. One more, is this a big party, or just a gathering of like minded souls?

Take a look at This

They set up a system of roads and you just go in and pick out an empty spot between them. Some spots are set aside for theme camps and such but the rest is first-come, first-serve. Pick a spot, drive into it, and set up camp. 10x20 is considered an entry-level shade structure. No problems there, but you should try to get in early in the week.

I suppose it's more of a "gathering" but there are parties. It's hard to classify. Like-minded is tough when you're talking about 30,000 people.

[Das Bus]

what i meant, was is it a big Rave? Music going loud 24/7, dancing everywhere... ?

No it is not a rave. There are rave 'camps', who do play music all night. As far as the noise level goes, it all depends on where you're camped. If you're next to a rave camp, don't plan on sleeping.
If you want quiet, join Hushville, or make the trek out to walk-in camping.

Personally, in three years, I have never had any problem sleeping on the playa. During the wee hours of the night, you may hear noise/music in the distance, but to me it's actually comforting.

[III]

>>One more, is this a big party, or just a gathering of like minded souls?

maybe both. probably more, since i think you left out a couple of valid options.

as for camping, you'll get a map when you show up with sections marked where you're allowed to camp. it's split up into big lots of about 200x600 feet, or so, and you just drive around until you find a spot that looks like it works. if you need a lot of space, or show up later in the week, you'll end up closer to the outskirts of town, but (so far, at least) there's always a good amount of space available, somewhere.

[Dr. Pyro]

SHOUT OUT TO CadyMae (and other interested observers):

There is another very viable alternative: Fly into Sacramento (we are about 5 hours from the playa). The manager of the downtown Avis is very Burner-friendly, and with enough heads-up time, can usually get you a good deal on a mini-van, regular van, etc. It is best to put your reservations in three or four months in advance. I have heard from fellow Burners who said that his prices were roughly half of the major competition. E-mail me at: [email protected] or call me toll free at (800) 458-6006 and I'll give you his name and number. If you do it this way, ship your stuff to the dealership a week in advance, you can get your water and perishable items either in Sacramento, Auburn, or Reno, and you are ready to rumble.

The Doc

[retropsycho]

Another option for folks is the Black Rock International Hostel in Reno/Sparks. For the last few years, burner Fred Hagemeister has opened his Reno home as a base for burners to make connections from the Reno airport to the playa.

We picked up a straggler from NY at the Reno airport in '02 and delivered her to the BRIH. Fred coordinates ride sharing and lets folks stay at his place. People we met seemed very happy with the whole affair. If you're coming in from abroad, Fred asks that you bring a flag from your country to add to his Hostel collection

Contact info:

[email protected]

[retropsycho]

http://www.blackrockburnerhostel.com/

[Maurice Panchenko]

Check out the e-playa forum index for a regional group near you. And read the survival guide to understand what you are in for, PREPARATION! is the key.

[enthropic]

What is a moderator and what is their job?

[admin]

What is a moderator and what is their job?

Good question, enthropic-

We currently have no moderators, and have no defined role for them. There is discussion about creating a team of volunteer moderators - these would be existing eplaya folk - to help with the vibe patrol - they would monitor the boards, help folks with etiquette issues, help resolve flame wars, and escalate to the admins when needed.

The system allows for moderators to be given any number of admin privileges on a per-topic basis. So we could give one user the ability to delete to freeze threads, approve posts, etc, but we have no immediate plans to do so.

Our plan is to add functionality that allows each user more control over their own experience first, then see how it affects the boards. If it looks like we need to set up some moderators, we'll have a discussion with the community about qualifications, privileges, and responsibilities thereof.

Further diiscussion on this topic should happen in the ePlaya Feedback folder http://eplaya.burningman.org/viewforum.php?f=61 .

~technopatra~
eplaya admin

[robbidobbs]

Bring earplugs. More than one set too. In the 1/2 hour it takes to "wind down" before sleeping it keeps the THUD THUD to a comfortable level.
I camped out in the far burbs, and I will NEVER camp "in town" again. I work in the daytime, so night is for sleeping for me.

RobbiDobbs
Chief Poopervisor of the Pottie Project

[LeChatNoir]

Wow... good topic. Answers some questions I had myself. CadyMae: I totally understand where you’re coming from with your pilgrimage. That’s kinda’ the approach I’m taking. I stated in a different thread that I’ve planned to go for 4 years now, but it seems that I either have the time or the money but rarely both. I’ve wrestled (and continue to do so) with the idea of car-pooling. On one hand it really is a sort of pilgrimage for me and while I’m not expecting any great transcendental happenings, I am a solitary creature. I genuinely enjoy driving at night when it’s just me, the road and some groovy chill out music. I really get in a groove and the time just flies. On the other hand, it sucks to be broken down on the side of the road in the middle of the night by yourself and two people can accomplish three times the work of one. And I get enough solitary comtemplative time as it is now. Either way I’m driving because for me the journey is as much a part of it as the destination. Oh, Oh... not to mention that two people in one car use less fossil fuel than two people in two cars... better for the environment. I also thought about starting out alone and hooking up with folks along the way too, you know... kinda get the best of both worlds and lend a hand to boot.

As far as costs go, I had figured about $1500 round trip and my truck gets about 18-20 mpg (lodging, food and diesel fuel). I will probably allow for $2000 though just in case. I rather have it and not need it than need it and not have it. And for camp stuff I’m going a Zen as possible. Simple and effective with an emphasis on bringing things that could help other people out rather than me (tools, etc).

I have already contacted a group about volunteering with them but I am planning on camping alone

Well... I’m still wrestling with this one too. I don’t want to be percieved as an outside observer, but as I said, I need my time to chill and ponder. I’m a big ponderer. How would one accomplish this type of camping anyway, if at all? Is this the wrong approach?? Thoughts form the pros on this??

Cheers!!
Matt

[BlueBirdPoof]

Well... I’m still wrestling with this one too. I don’t want to be percieved as an outside observer, but as I said, I need my time to chill and ponder. I’m a big ponderer. How would one accomplish this type of camping anyway, if at all? Is this the wrong approach?? Thoughts form the pros on this??

Matt--don't let anyone tell you how to do burningman. (Do take advice on how to prepare. . .) Maybe you'd like the walk-in camping. Less crowds there. You could camp alone or in a group.

[LeChatNoir]

Thanks!!

Yeah... I've always walked to my on beat. But I've also found that asking questions is a great way to learn. I've read and reread the survival guide and will do it again. And I definitly put my research time into a any project, listen what others have to say and weigh it all out for myself. To quote Treebeard, "If it's worth thinking about, it's worth thinking about for a long time."

M

[BlueBirdPoof]

"Treebeard"

As a good parakeet, I just fly into things and see what happens. And perch and chew on branches.

Chirp!!

[Chai Guy]

I’m a big ponderer. How would one accomplish this type of camping anyway, if at all? Is this the wrong approach?? Thoughts form the pros on this??

I would suggest walk in camping for being alone and wanting to ponder. This is a "quiet" section of the city and sees signifigantly less visitors than the interior.

WALK-IN CAMPING
Each year we offer a Walk-In Camping section, located at the back of our settlement beyond the last road that rings the city. Here, participants are welcome to walk-in and camp on the open playa, away from their vehicles. Contact walkin (at) burningman (dot) com.

Again, I would suggest that people who are coming from far away (like more than a day's or two drive) might do better to fly out and get a ride from a fellow burner at the airport (stopping in Reno to pick up supplies), or renting a car once you get to Reno. Burning Man can be a physically and emotionally exhausting experience and a several day road trip following the event may be more than you bargained for.

[Tiara]

Burning Man can be a physically and emotionally exhausting experience and a several day road trip following the event may be more than you bargained for.

I'd second Chai Guy's advice, unless you have *lots* of extra time to make your way home. This was not my first year, so I knew what to expect. I stayed an extra day, and got a full night's sleep before leaving the playa. Yet there is still a portion of the drive home that I have no recollection of. Though some sort of auto-pilot angels saw me through that part of the road, I'm terrified at what could have happened from falling asleep at the wheel.

If you do have the luxury of plenty of time, though, a road trip would be a wonderful opportunity to process and digest all the new sights, sounds, and ideas that you will be exposed to. I'd advise only driving a few hours the first day, and stopping where you can take a long hot shower and sleep 12 hours in a nice bed before continuing on your drive.

[LeChatNoir]

Speaking for myself only, I am self employed and can adjust my schedule in most cases. I was figuring on 15 days round trip, but if it takes longer... so it goes. Coming from Ky, I had thought of taking a northern route out then heading south from BRC and hoping on I-40 back east. Although a little longer, this would be a different route and perhaps make things more interesting. Not to mention being able to say , “I did that”. Either way, I'll take my time... I'm good at that. I saw (perhaps in this thread, maybe another) someone mentioned getting a hot tub suite for the first stopover out of BRC. That seemed like a great idea to me. Plus I have another thing in my favor. I am so accustomed to driving that a several day trek may be easier on me than most. My truck is a 2001, 0.0 miles when I got it and now it has 130,000+ (serviced religiously). I have gypsy blood mixed in with the Celt, I guess.

I'd advise only driving a few hours the first day

Again... another great idea. Gotta be safe... an extra 100 miles ain’t worth your life. Chai Guy... thanks for the info and advice. Both are duly noted and I’ll continue to chew on it as the days count down. Blessings to all of you. Hope My posts aren’t too long... I tend to ramble. But maybe all this blather will help others make informed decisions too. And hey... at least I’m doing my part to keep this conversation rolling.

M