Hi all, I'm renting a camper (converted minivan) and driving to BM from LA on the 23rd. From what I've heard it's about a 10hr drive so I'm wondering if anyone has any ideas of places to stop on the way to break the journey or general advice if anyone has ever made the drive before.
Also, is anyone leaving/looking for a ride from LA ? I'm still considering a possible travel companion if the times suit and they strike me as being someone I would enjoy spending ten hours getting to know.
Mike.
Driving from LA to BM
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VultureChow
- Posts: 2329
- Joined: Mon Oct 10, 2011 4:08 pm
- Burning Since: 2012
- Camp Name: Hookers & Makers @ Barbie Death Village
Re: Driving from LA to BM
I've never made that drive before, but I heartily recommend an overnight in Reno before the final push onto BM.
The drive, coupled with the wait at gate means you will be dangerously tired if you have no one with which to share the driving.
Plus you can get really cheap hotel rooms in Reno. See this thread for info: viewtopic.php?f=365&t=68438
The drive, coupled with the wait at gate means you will be dangerously tired if you have no one with which to share the driving.
Plus you can get really cheap hotel rooms in Reno. See this thread for info: viewtopic.php?f=365&t=68438
Sic Semper Spectatores
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BoyScoutGirl
- Posts: 1643
- Joined: Thu Jan 05, 2012 2:04 pm
- Camp Name: Lamplighters!
- Location: SD, CA
Re: Driving from LA to BM
Seeing as you are driving up on Saturday, it sounds like you are planning for one night's rest, which is definitely a good idea. The drive along 395 is pretty but can get monotonous, so having a buddy along to talk with helps. We stayed the night in a FuckMart parking lot - Carson City, maybe? Parking was free and there were several other campers/vans/burner vehicles doing the same. That was about the right distance to let us doing last-minute shopping in Reno and then head straight for the long line North to the playa and still arrive kinda sorta on time.
Mono Lake is a great little stop for stretching your legs, depending on whether it's still daylight when you get there.
Mono Lake is a great little stop for stretching your legs, depending on whether it's still daylight when you get there.
When he lights his streetlamp, it is as if he brought one more star to life, or one flower.
When he puts out his lamp, he sends the flower, or the star, to sleep.
That is a beautiful occupation.
- Le Petit Prince, Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
When he puts out his lamp, he sends the flower, or the star, to sleep.
That is a beautiful occupation.
- Le Petit Prince, Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
Re: Driving from LA to BM
I make that drive every year. First, take 395, it's a much nicer drive than going up the 5. Second, DO NOT SPEED even 1 mile over the speed limit. Cops set up speed traps in the small towns along the way and will use any excuse to search your car. They know we are all headed to TTITD.
I usually go straight to Reno (8 hour drive) and spend a night there, get my water and final supplies, and head out Sunday afternoon to the playa. Keep in mind that the drive from Reno to the playa will be WAY longer than 2 hours. Last year I left Reno 2:30pm and got to my camp around 10 pm. So that night of rest in Reno is very important because when you get to camp you still have to set up!
I usually go straight to Reno (8 hour drive) and spend a night there, get my water and final supplies, and head out Sunday afternoon to the playa. Keep in mind that the drive from Reno to the playa will be WAY longer than 2 hours. Last year I left Reno 2:30pm and got to my camp around 10 pm. So that night of rest in Reno is very important because when you get to camp you still have to set up!