Bring on the dust!
Bring on the dust!
Is anyone else reading all the dire warnings about constant dust storms and getting really excited? Coat all my posessions, my hair, my lungs in it! Rip apart my shade structure so that I might have to fix it with borrowed rope and duct tape. Ruin my carefully laid out event schedule so I have to wing it. Force me to wait in my car for an hour on the way into town because there's a complete whiteout. Force me to face hardships I'd never come across in my regular nerf-covered life. Bring it on!
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stickysunset
- Posts: 68
- Joined: Wed Sep 10, 2003 6:03 am
- Location: cheeko, ca
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unjonharley
- Posts: 10387
- Joined: Tue Sep 09, 2003 11:05 am
- Burning Since: 2001
- Camp Name: Elliot's naked bycycel repair
- Location: Salem Or.
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tetonshawn
- Posts: 12
- Joined: Sun Aug 12, 2007 4:22 pm
- Location: Jackson, WY
this just in....
>>> FWD: Playa Update - Received from Sarah the Cookie -
>>> Today!>>>
>>> WIND WARNING. . .
>>> Greetings from the playa where I am happy and well and
>>> holded up in my car. I dont want this to deter anyone
>>> from coming, as it's still a blast - but..batten down
>>> the hatches kids, cause the wind is the worst I've
>>> seen in the 12 years I have been coming here.
>>> For those of you around when the big wind hit last
>>> year and took our camp down, that is the way it has
>>> been the bulk of the time - really that windy, mostly
>>> non stop. The airstream is shaking and rocking and my
>>> tent is tied to every rack
>> and bumper and hitch the
>>> truck & airstream have, and I'm still unsure if it's
>>> going to hold up (one pole already snapped). The white
>>> out's are lasting a long time, some well over 5 hours.
>>>
>>> I hear it has been like this for weeks, dont know if
>>> it will continue through the event. but the green man
>>> is about nature, so be prepared for the force of
>>> nature to remind us how small we are! The good news is
>>> that it's warm thus far, even in the middle of the
>>> night. MIkey & Sarah - the shade structure we have
>>> planned probably isnt going to fly (or is going to
>>> fly). certainly not with the fabric we are planning, i
>>> just passed some like it and it's not doing well even
>>> with the holes. however, the garage tents around here
>>> seem to be holding up when they have no walls & are
>>> tied down every few feet - so if you feel like
>>> grabbing one from
>> costco, that could work.
>>>
>>> or we can just cool off in center camp since it is so
>>> close (1 block). who knows, maybe the wind will
>>> subside. in case it doesnt, i suggest that if you are
>>> debating between a tent or a van/suv, you pick the
>>> car. be sure to put everything in bins that have
>>> locking lids, and in ziplocks inside those. if your
>>> tent has any open netting areas that do not zip closed
>>> with a solid fabric, i suggest glue gunning a fabric
>>> onto them, closing them up permanently, before you
>>> come here (fabric on the outside of the tent, so it's
>>> between the tent & the rainfly).you can always cut it
>>> off later. mine has a few open ones and theres a good
>>> 1/8 inch layer of dust inside, on top of the bed, the
>>> floors, everywhere. had to sleep with dust mask last
>>> night. too much to keep up with & too late to close
>>> them off.
>>>
>>>
>> the wind/dust is coming from the same direction as
>>> always so be sure to park your cars in a way that
>>> blocks it from anything you put up. and lots of
>>> bungees, ive been through 20 just for my tent. phil -
>>> great decision in sleeping in the rider truck. i think
>>> that is all to tell - just a whole lot of wind. will
>>> update you if it stops. am still having a total blast,
>>> the wind is part of the fun for sure, and look forward
>>> to seeing you'll in a week! cma, please bring glue gun
>>> so i can seal up my tent.
>>>
>>> PS - wind reminders -fully enclosed goggles for day &
>>> night (not only dark ones), things that light up so u
>>> can be seen, bungees, rope, 2 ft long reebar - more
>>> than you think you need, heavy lotion, lip stuff,
>>> babywipes, giant sheet or tarp or something to cover
>>> all the stuff in your tent (to stop dust from getting
>>> into your bed), and lots
>> of soft towels - more than
>>> you think you need. xx
>>> FWD: Playa Update - Received from Sarah the Cookie -
>>> Today!>>>
>>> WIND WARNING. . .
>>> Greetings from the playa where I am happy and well and
>>> holded up in my car. I dont want this to deter anyone
>>> from coming, as it's still a blast - but..batten down
>>> the hatches kids, cause the wind is the worst I've
>>> seen in the 12 years I have been coming here.
>>> For those of you around when the big wind hit last
>>> year and took our camp down, that is the way it has
>>> been the bulk of the time - really that windy, mostly
>>> non stop. The airstream is shaking and rocking and my
>>> tent is tied to every rack
>> and bumper and hitch the
>>> truck & airstream have, and I'm still unsure if it's
>>> going to hold up (one pole already snapped). The white
>>> out's are lasting a long time, some well over 5 hours.
>>>
>>> I hear it has been like this for weeks, dont know if
>>> it will continue through the event. but the green man
>>> is about nature, so be prepared for the force of
>>> nature to remind us how small we are! The good news is
>>> that it's warm thus far, even in the middle of the
>>> night. MIkey & Sarah - the shade structure we have
>>> planned probably isnt going to fly (or is going to
>>> fly). certainly not with the fabric we are planning, i
>>> just passed some like it and it's not doing well even
>>> with the holes. however, the garage tents around here
>>> seem to be holding up when they have no walls & are
>>> tied down every few feet - so if you feel like
>>> grabbing one from
>> costco, that could work.
>>>
>>> or we can just cool off in center camp since it is so
>>> close (1 block). who knows, maybe the wind will
>>> subside. in case it doesnt, i suggest that if you are
>>> debating between a tent or a van/suv, you pick the
>>> car. be sure to put everything in bins that have
>>> locking lids, and in ziplocks inside those. if your
>>> tent has any open netting areas that do not zip closed
>>> with a solid fabric, i suggest glue gunning a fabric
>>> onto them, closing them up permanently, before you
>>> come here (fabric on the outside of the tent, so it's
>>> between the tent & the rainfly).you can always cut it
>>> off later. mine has a few open ones and theres a good
>>> 1/8 inch layer of dust inside, on top of the bed, the
>>> floors, everywhere. had to sleep with dust mask last
>>> night. too much to keep up with & too late to close
>>> them off.
>>>
>>>
>> the wind/dust is coming from the same direction as
>>> always so be sure to park your cars in a way that
>>> blocks it from anything you put up. and lots of
>>> bungees, ive been through 20 just for my tent. phil -
>>> great decision in sleeping in the rider truck. i think
>>> that is all to tell - just a whole lot of wind. will
>>> update you if it stops. am still having a total blast,
>>> the wind is part of the fun for sure, and look forward
>>> to seeing you'll in a week! cma, please bring glue gun
>>> so i can seal up my tent.
>>>
>>> PS - wind reminders -fully enclosed goggles for day &
>>> night (not only dark ones), things that light up so u
>>> can be seen, bungees, rope, 2 ft long reebar - more
>>> than you think you need, heavy lotion, lip stuff,
>>> babywipes, giant sheet or tarp or something to cover
>>> all the stuff in your tent (to stop dust from getting
>>> into your bed), and lots
>> of soft towels - more than
>>> you think you need. xx
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TopangaPatrick
- Posts: 3
- Joined: Wed Aug 16, 2006 5:21 pm
- Location: Topanga, Ca
It will all be fine!!
By the time the Jedi arrive, all will be well!!
With only 8 years desert time under my robe, I will have to use The Force on the weather, a rather draining, yet worth it, endeavor! Once someone told me of a famous quote: "That which does not kill us, strengthens us!" May This Burn Strenthen Us All!!
Genuinely,
JediDale Of Reno
"May The Force Be With US in '07!!"
With only 8 years desert time under my robe, I will have to use The Force on the weather, a rather draining, yet worth it, endeavor! Once someone told me of a famous quote: "That which does not kill us, strengthens us!" May This Burn Strenthen Us All!!
Genuinely,
JediDale Of Reno
"May The Force Be With US in '07!!"
You don't have to..Believe Everything I Say...because your unconscious will hear this.
Your unconscious can Do anything It wishes..
But your conscious mind isn't going to do
anything of Importance for Now. And...My Voice Will Go With You...
Your unconscious can Do anything It wishes..
But your conscious mind isn't going to do
anything of Importance for Now. And...My Voice Will Go With You...
Don't mean to be disagreeable but.....
I read a post from a pilot who just flew over the playa, and he said it was very calm, he landed at BRC, which should tell you the weather is good.
Fear not, for all is well!! Of course, fear can draw to you that which you focus your attention on, so, envision totally windless days! It will be fantastic, no matter what!!
Genuinely,
JediDale of Reno
"the Force Is With BRC 07!"
Fear not, for all is well!! Of course, fear can draw to you that which you focus your attention on, so, envision totally windless days! It will be fantastic, no matter what!!
Genuinely,
JediDale of Reno
"the Force Is With BRC 07!"
You don't have to..Believe Everything I Say...because your unconscious will hear this.
Your unconscious can Do anything It wishes..
But your conscious mind isn't going to do
anything of Importance for Now. And...My Voice Will Go With You...
Your unconscious can Do anything It wishes..
But your conscious mind isn't going to do
anything of Importance for Now. And...My Voice Will Go With You...
So now that the event is over with and all the "everybody panic" posts have passed. What is your opinion of the dust storms this year versus other years? Do you think it was worse than in the past? Was the dust more...dusty?
Its a desert. You have to embrace the dust. Make it your own and stop worrying about it.
My tagline says it all and is from the Tao Te Jing.
Its a desert. You have to embrace the dust. Make it your own and stop worrying about it.
My tagline says it all and is from the Tao Te Jing.
"Be at one with the dust of the earth. This is primal union." - Lao Tsu
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unjonharley
- Posts: 10387
- Joined: Tue Sep 09, 2003 11:05 am
- Burning Since: 2001
- Camp Name: Elliot's naked bycycel repair
- Location: Salem Or.
the dust was a fuckin pain in the ass!!! worse I've seen in my 5 years....BUT, it brought me and my buddies closer together as we 5 dumb asses held on to all our shit during Thursday afternoon's windstorm...I said "now here's the test of true friendship" we all agreed!!! Friday we said "fuck it" and got drunk as hell as the wind blew our shit all over and some away...some good memories come outta that fuckin dust....
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buttercups
- Posts: 16
- Joined: Sat Feb 03, 2007 2:51 pm
I loved it
The dust on Thursday and Friday was epic. This was only my fourth year, but our longest attendee (eight years) said it was easily the most intense dust storms he'd ever seen.
I loved the dust and embraced it. I wrapped my shemagh and wandered out into it, letting the big ass granules pelt my skin and sting me. I wanted it; I didn't want or need to hide from it. Sure, my bed was a little gritty when all was said and done, and I had some serious playa boogers. So what? There's few other places on earth one ever gets to experience nature in such a way. The brownout on Friday was so intense I laughed hysterically and wandered in the street.
It may sound burnier-than-thou but I don't think anyone should avoid the dust. Embrace it, love it, let it cover you. It's part of the place, the experience, the city. Don't turn your back on it.
I loved the dust and embraced it. I wrapped my shemagh and wandered out into it, letting the big ass granules pelt my skin and sting me. I wanted it; I didn't want or need to hide from it. Sure, my bed was a little gritty when all was said and done, and I had some serious playa boogers. So what? There's few other places on earth one ever gets to experience nature in such a way. The brownout on Friday was so intense I laughed hysterically and wandered in the street.
It may sound burnier-than-thou but I don't think anyone should avoid the dust. Embrace it, love it, let it cover you. It's part of the place, the experience, the city. Don't turn your back on it.
I was dreading the dust for my first burn until about a week or two beforehand when I realized I needed to change my attitude and LOVE the dust instead of fearing it. I'd never even breathed it before, but the message that came to me was loud and clear.
Accept the dust. Allow the dust. Let it be healing (it may sound silly, but I really said these things to myself until I believed them). I was genuinly happy to do face-down dust angels on the playa upon arriving. I was a little worried because I came to BM with a bit of a cough, but I healed and stayed healthy throughout the experience!
I will say, though, that I drew the line at dust in my bedding. I cleaned my tent regularly and covered my goods well when not sleeping in them.
=)
Accept the dust. Allow the dust. Let it be healing (it may sound silly, but I really said these things to myself until I believed them). I was genuinly happy to do face-down dust angels on the playa upon arriving. I was a little worried because I came to BM with a bit of a cough, but I healed and stayed healthy throughout the experience!
I will say, though, that I drew the line at dust in my bedding. I cleaned my tent regularly and covered my goods well when not sleeping in them.
=)
First time burner's cheap and dirty shade structure.
This was my first burn and we had erected a pentagonal shade structure and topped it with a strategically slashed parachute. The whole thing held up really, really well.
http://geometrydome.com/inst01.html
We staked it down with re-bar and when the wind picked up fitted extra lines from the top horizontal bars down to the opposite cross beams. When the wind was at what felt like the maximum gust our only fear was the parachute tearing more than it already was. We were able to roll it up and secure billowing portions.
With this design we also secured a block (pulley) to the apex and strung it with some utility cord. The original intention was to use it for decorative pieces. In a pinch we also secured this temporarily to the rebar on the windward side.
We were comfortable enough after the first few minuted of the blow to make drinks and fix a meal. Sitting there was great but I was so confident I decided time would be better spent having a drink or 2 at the Petting Zoo so off I went.
When I returned drunk and dusty she was still holding in perfect shape. I highly recommend this design.
http://geometrydome.com/inst01.html
We staked it down with re-bar and when the wind picked up fitted extra lines from the top horizontal bars down to the opposite cross beams. When the wind was at what felt like the maximum gust our only fear was the parachute tearing more than it already was. We were able to roll it up and secure billowing portions.
With this design we also secured a block (pulley) to the apex and strung it with some utility cord. The original intention was to use it for decorative pieces. In a pinch we also secured this temporarily to the rebar on the windward side.
We were comfortable enough after the first few minuted of the blow to make drinks and fix a meal. Sitting there was great but I was so confident I decided time would be better spent having a drink or 2 at the Petting Zoo so off I went.
When I returned drunk and dusty she was still holding in perfect shape. I highly recommend this design.
Create, Destroy, Enjoy
Embrace the dust and you don't even flinch during a whiteout. My tent is now in the garbage but that's exactly what I expected to happen.
I had some of my best times during the dust storms. Not only just hanging out in our dome with our camp mates but also cruising the streets seeing everyone draped in shemagh's and Vapor Masks.
During the big storm on Friday I was out deep playa and it was strangely soothing to feel isolated a burning man. Once in a while a bike would ride by reminding me that I was still surrounded by 45,000+ people.
Dust storms are also a great time to go help other people out. I saw so many people fighting to keep their structures upright and they really appreciate an extra set of hands.
I had some of my best times during the dust storms. Not only just hanging out in our dome with our camp mates but also cruising the streets seeing everyone draped in shemagh's and Vapor Masks.
During the big storm on Friday I was out deep playa and it was strangely soothing to feel isolated a burning man. Once in a while a bike would ride by reminding me that I was still surrounded by 45,000+ people.
Dust storms are also a great time to go help other people out. I saw so many people fighting to keep their structures upright and they really appreciate an extra set of hands.
[quote="buttercups"]Rode out the worst of the storm with all my topless sisters at the critical tits after party. Props to the band who played on right up until the double rainbow. That was one of the best parties I have ever been to even if I couldn't see shit through half of it. :D[/quote]
Right On sista! I was there too! My friend and I got lost after the first bar stop but made our way to Adoration camp! By then we were served by the men for all our hard effoerts. It was the best white out eva! Not to mention that I kinda miss all that playa dust in the hair, almost started to dread, it was awesome. The dust soaked up all the grease so it never felt dirty.
Until next year. The dust will be missed in ways..... :wink:
Right On sista! I was there too! My friend and I got lost after the first bar stop but made our way to Adoration camp! By then we were served by the men for all our hard effoerts. It was the best white out eva! Not to mention that I kinda miss all that playa dust in the hair, almost started to dread, it was awesome. The dust soaked up all the grease so it never felt dirty.
Until next year. The dust will be missed in ways..... :wink:
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diane o'thirst
- Posts: 2092
- Joined: Tue Sep 09, 2003 5:04 pm
- Location: Eugene, OR
- Contact:
Talked with my erstwhile camp director Robert yesterday. He described the dust storms as worse than 2001 and that his carports (that he got from WalMart, NOT Costco) were broken, flattened and bent six ways to Sunday by the end of the Burn.
Felt kind of sorry for him because the other eight people we were going to camp with FLAKED on him, to a man. And he had to pull Safer Sex Camp alone.
God, the poor guy. I am kind of glad that I missed the Burn but that made me wish I'd been out there anyway. Imagine having to do a serious theme camp solo, at the last minute.
Sounds like the dust was legendary.
Okay, here's some more tips. Badger Balm is good for healing hands and feet. Wash stuff with a little white vinegar in the water. Embracing the dust is a good mantra but it's gonna really suck for your health and well-being when you still have bloody cracks between your toes and on your fingerpads this time next month. Get yourself well so you can Burn Burn Burn next year!
Felt kind of sorry for him because the other eight people we were going to camp with FLAKED on him, to a man. And he had to pull Safer Sex Camp alone.
God, the poor guy. I am kind of glad that I missed the Burn but that made me wish I'd been out there anyway. Imagine having to do a serious theme camp solo, at the last minute.
Sounds like the dust was legendary.
Okay, here's some more tips. Badger Balm is good for healing hands and feet. Wash stuff with a little white vinegar in the water. Embracing the dust is a good mantra but it's gonna really suck for your health and well-being when you still have bloody cracks between your toes and on your fingerpads this time next month. Get yourself well so you can Burn Burn Burn next year!
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