HELLO INTERNET - solo first timer

leafx · Post by **leafx** » Wed Mar 18, 2015 6:06 pm

hi, (solo) first timer here. flying from chicago, illinois and possibly meeting another first timer friend driving from orange county, california. emphasis possibly, hence the solo
ive been reading around here, various other websites, but im feeling supremely overwhelmed. i admit i am looking for and need help with everything
my sparkle pony ass needs some friends!!

Post by **Sham** » Wed Mar 18, 2015 6:10 pm

Welcome leafx! First timers are fun. Do you have a ticket already?
Yes, things can be overwhelming, but take it small pieces at a time. In my signature below, you will find some helpful links.
There are regional groups you can join and meet some others who have made the adventure to the desert in the past.
I hope you take the time to search around this forum and join in some of the conversations.
Best of luck with your planning.
Sham....

Ratty · Post by **Ratty** » Wed Mar 18, 2015 7:24 pm

Leafx welcome. I honestly don't know how people do it. (Flying in for the burn). Getting the right stuff and getting it there is a big undertaking. If you get something wrong you won't suffer and die. The playa provides to an extent. You won't even be embarrassed. Luckily it's early in the season and all the info is here and there for you. Welcome to eplaya, now start reading.

(Can't wait to meet cha in person).

ygmir · Post by **ygmir** » Wed Mar 18, 2015 8:01 pm

welcome!!

Post by **Elderberry** » Wed Mar 18, 2015 8:18 pm

Hey there, welcome to eplaya!

Elliot · Post by **Elliot** » Thu Mar 19, 2015 2:47 pm

Welcome to ePlaya, Leafx! You have plenty of time to "learn the language". Just hang around here on ePlaya and participate in some of the discussions, and it will soon be less overwhelming.

Post by **Savannah** » Thu Mar 19, 2015 3:11 pm

Welcome, Leafx!

Ragnar63 · Post by **Ragnar63** » Thu Mar 19, 2015 3:36 pm

Welcome to ePlaya!

some seeing eye · Post by **some seeing eye** » Sat Mar 21, 2015 8:57 am

I always suggest looking online for BM packing lists, then customizing. Also costumes. And meet your regional.

leafx · Post by **leafx** » Tue Apr 07, 2015 7:22 am

i need your guys'/gals' opinions, heavy on logistics here, planning on booking my flights already to/from reno...

gates this year open like sunday august 30, close monday sep 7th right?
i want to be there in the thickness as long as possible but dont want to get too burnt out showing up too early, too early is probably the wrong phrase but ill admit im not the best at pacing myself /endurance when in intense environments like the one i think ill be in; ive been camping in the mountains in california, lived in the heat in arizona, but mix in everything else, im in for a surprise

im obviously staying through the burning of the man and the weekend but im confused as to when to arrive/exodus and the logistics of the whole thing; pardon me if answers to the following are in other threads
minor details/back story of how i plan on showing up - flying from chicago to reno, plan on taking the burner express into and out of BRC, will be opting for the savemart to pick up food/water supplies on the way in...

arrival scenario questions: fly in monday night, hotel, get on the bus to BRC or fly in tuesday midday then straight bus to BRC? i want to be there early enough to post up in a decent 'location location location' camping area and early enough that not everyone is locked down with their group of friends yet, where people are still uncomfortable on the inside but not showing it on the outside
^ if i come in on a wednesday, will any camping area 'leftover' likely be pushed or crowded out to the outskirts of the city? at what point does the city become pretty populated and the community/groups already started clicking?
exodus scenario questions: will i actually be able to leave the day i plan to leave? if the man burns on saturday, what are the remaining days really for, decompressing, packing/leaving? i know lines leaving the city will take hours - i plan on taking the bus out of BRC back to reno, but the bus takes you straight to the airport, i will probably have stay a night in a hotel to freshen up and get my mind right before i jump back into the other world. what are good days/times to leave to guarantee me making my departing flight? - early sunday to make it in time for a monday morning flight? any time monday for a tuesday flight, possibly late monday night flight?
again, sorry if these questions seem petty, repetitive - just trying to gain perspective and how to use my limited days off. thanks for anyones help

DrYes · Post by **DrYes** » Tue Apr 07, 2015 8:18 am

leafx wrote:
arrival scenario questions: fly in monday night, hotel, get on the bus to BRC or fly in tuesday midday then straight bus to BRC? i want to be there early enough to post up in a decent 'location location location' camping area and early enough that not everyone is locked down with their group of friends yet, where people are still uncomfortable on the inside but not showing it on the outside

Personally, I would attempt to arrive mid-day though be aware that Tuesday is the heaviest traffic going to the playa. Reason to arrive midday is to have time to set up your stuff (no idea how elaborate your camping plans are) while it's comfortably light. Doing so in the dark just adds an extra layer of pain-in-the-assness. You might also consider flying in on Saturday and arriving on Sunday if you think you can restrain yourself from going hogwild in the first day or two.

^ if i come in on a wednesday, will any camping area 'leftover' likely be pushed or crowded out to the outskirts of the city? at what point does the city become pretty populated and the community/groups already started clicking?
exodus scenario questions: will i actually be able to leave the day i plan to leave? if the man burns on saturday, what are the remaining days really for, decompressing, packing/leaving? i know lines leaving the city will take hours - i plan on taking the bus out of BRC back to reno, but the bus takes you straight to the airport, i will probably have stay a night in a hotel to freshen up and get my mind right before i jump back into the other world. what are good days/times to leave to guarantee me making my departing flight? - early sunday to make it in time for a monday morning flight? any time monday for a tuesday flight, possibly late monday night flight?
again, sorry if these questions seem petty, repetitive - just trying to gain perspective and how to use my limited days off. thanks for anyones help

By Tuesday or Wednesday, you'll generally be on the outskirts but I wouldn't worry about it. The outskirts can be quite lovely and are better for sleeping due to less noise. Plus, as you're camping solo or with one friend you probably won't spend that much time in your camp anyway.

As far as exodus goes, if you give yourself 24 hours, you'll have no problem making your flight pretty much no matter what. That's plenty of buffer. More than you really need, barring some kind of incident like rain shutting down exodus as it did with entry this last year.

Ratty · Post by **Ratty** » Tue Apr 07, 2015 9:44 am

If you camp in the burner buss area you have a big communal shade structure and an instant neighborhood of friends. It's a good location and there is plenty of room. It's right next to the main bus stop so you don't have to drag your gear too far. There was a good thread on eplaya about the Burner Express last year. I think the author was 'spacetime'.

I greeted at the bus stop for 1 shift. Try not to arrive after dark. It only adds to the difficulty. Can't find anything in your pile of gear and everyone else is out partying.

Elliot · Post by **Elliot** » Tue Apr 07, 2015 10:31 am

The 2015 BLM Stipulations don't seem to be on the website yet. The 2014 Stipulations say that the event begins at 6 p.m. on Sunday (eight days before labor day), and ends at 6 p.m. on Monday Labor Day -- and that (to improve traffic flow) the gate may be opened at 10 a.m. on opening day and may remain open for exit until 12 p.m. Tuesday (the day after Labor Day).

(Let's hope they fix the nasty typo in the 2014 stipulations. And I also wish they would use the 24 hour clock.)

Elliot · Post by **Elliot** » Tue Apr 07, 2015 10:57 am

The Burner Express buses enter BRC via an "express" lane which bypasses the "civilian" hordes. I would not be surprised if they leave in the same manner, but I don't know that.
Be aware, though, that the buses cannot fly, so they are subject to any delay that may occur on the highways.

Based on all the positive comments I have read about Burner Express, I think this is a good choice for you.

I'm thinking you (and everyone) should spend as many days in BRC a possible. Why short-change yourself! It is "full immersion" event, so the longer the better. Adn it is perfectly "legal" to rest while you are there.

As for finding a camping spot, I feel you are over-thinking it. Nothing wrong with being "at the end of the alphabet". But do arrive in daylight.

Many Burners do leave on Sunday after the Man Burn, but then they miss the Temple Burn on Sunday evening. I'm sure they leave on Sunday to avoid the rush on Monday, but perhaps... if you can confirm that the bus makes a bee-line for the pavement, then this would not be a concern for you.

If you take the Burner Express bus straight to the Reno airport, you can simply take a hotel shuttle to your hotel.

leafx · Post by **leafx** » Tue Apr 07, 2015 12:25 pm

you guys are awesome, thanks for the tips!!

Drawingablank · Post by **Drawingablank** » Tue Apr 07, 2015 4:48 pm

Welcome,

As for help, I like to think my guide for first timers at http://grasshoppernight.org/burnythings.php is pretty good.

leafx · Post by **leafx** » Wed May 13, 2015 8:13 am

when will burner express tickets go on sale? ive been refreshing for days and site down due to maintenance; im practically waiting to book those and check schedule before my flights and its costing me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Jovankat · Post by **Jovankat** » Wed May 13, 2015 9:28 am

The site says/said "in May" the fact it's down for maintenance probably means they're updating it for the sale right now. Also it is really not at all uncommon for the dates info was supposed to be announced on to sail by. Even in the real world BRC related stuff often runs on playa time.

Ratty · Post by **Ratty** » Wed May 13, 2015 10:12 am

Can you access last years schedule? It won't be the same but it will give you something to look at. Information can calm you down. You can also try emailing. It's very satisfying. They will be adding more buses due to the success of last year. Meeeelllllooooow.

Zubeneschamali · Post by **Zubeneschamali** » Wed May 13, 2015 12:53 pm

What they said! I've had my camp happily perched on the outer ring since my first year, and love it. The "outskirts" or "outer banks" are an awesome location with great neighbors and a mellow vibe. Every year we welcome new people into our camp who may not have a destination in mind, or in some cases they stop by the bar for a drink and decide what they want to stay instead of continuing on. Either way, just saying that the community is more than likely to accept newcomers with open arms, especially if you show up self sufficient or with mad skills.

The draw to the playa is strong and magnetic and flying into Reno and spending 24 hours filling your supplies list sounds like a nightmare, but take the time to do it right. It'll be difficult but will pay off when you're there and you have your shit together. Logistically speaking you're either packing it on a plane or buying it before you hop on the Express. If you're going for 7 days, you're not fitting your water and food in your carryon.

Check out the Regionals page to find regional burners, there's got to be some in Chicago. Get involved and they can help out also.

Zumaria · Post by **Zumaria** » Thu May 14, 2015 10:34 am

First off, I LIVE IN CHICAGO TOO!! I would love love love to meet up! send me a private message and let's get together - I'm in Humboldt park and work in the loop. I will happily chat your ear off (and smoke you up if you're into that) about all the pro tips I wish someone had told me my first time, making you less overwhelmed

You can even check out some of the stuff and bling I've got for this year. We've also got a pretty great and active regional network here in Chi-Town that you should get involved in, I'm happy to introduce you to some folks.

Secondly Welcome welcome welcome! Last year was my first year and I was traveling solo too which was scary but turned out to be awesome! Solo at the burn is nice because you can just do what YOU want without having to worry how much fun someone else is having. That being said, I'm sure you'll still have a blast with your friend!

Welcome to eplaya! Hope to hear from you soon!

Ratty · Post by **Ratty** » Thu May 14, 2015 11:39 am

When you use the burner bus your main source of water can be melted ice. It's only $3 a bag or block. You can pack your gear into an ice chest or bring a collapsible one. Keep your fresh clean ice in heavy ziplocks and you'll have plenty of water. Bring a couple of gallons to get you through the first shock of arrival.

purcitron · Post by **purcitron** » Wed Jun 10, 2015 9:28 pm

howdy all.
1st time burner in 2015 here.
very seasoned traveler.
self-reliant.
all BM gear is ready.
rolling solo.
looking to make friends at the burn.
i know the camp admission process is strict.

any advice for joining a newbie camp please?
thanks.

HELLO INTERNET - solo first timer

HELLO INTERNET - solo first timer

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Re: HELLO INTERNET - solo first timer

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