What did you learn this year?
- burn_shady
- Posts: 38
- Joined: Mon May 12, 2014 2:47 am
- Burning Since: 2013
- Location: Auburn, CA
- Contact:
What did you learn this year?
I'll start it off:
I learned the critical importance of proper weight distribution when loading all yer shit onto a pickup truck.
It was a harrowing ride to BM just to wait in line an extra 20 hrs for things to dry at the gate. On the plus side, I'm one of the few who have been hailed upon while at BM.
With about 150lbs less in water weight, better overall weight distribution and no biblical weather, the ride home was far easier and less tailgatey.
I learned the critical importance of proper weight distribution when loading all yer shit onto a pickup truck.
It was a harrowing ride to BM just to wait in line an extra 20 hrs for things to dry at the gate. On the plus side, I'm one of the few who have been hailed upon while at BM.
With about 150lbs less in water weight, better overall weight distribution and no biblical weather, the ride home was far easier and less tailgatey.
- geospyder
- Posts: 1830
- Joined: Tue Mar 24, 2009 9:38 pm
- Burning Since: 2017
- Location: South of the Playa
Re: What did you learn this year?
Monkey hut is 12 foot wide and 10 foot long NOT NOT NOT 10 foot wide and 12 foot long. Discovered while trying to place the cover on. Neighbors thought I was leaving when they saw me pulling up rebar and nailed down floor tarp 

You know it's going to be a bad day when you jump out of bed and miss the floor.
- lucky420
- Posts: 9381
- Joined: Fri Mar 12, 2010 9:47 am
- Burning Since: 2021
- Camp Name: Dye with Dignity
- Location: Reno, NV
Re: What did you learn this year?
I pack way to many clothes.
10 ft truck was way to small.
Having a fantastic trike made a world of difference.
I have the best campmates ever ( ok I already knew that)
10 ft truck was way to small.
Having a fantastic trike made a world of difference.
I have the best campmates ever ( ok I already knew that)
Oh my god, it's HUGE!
- Sunbeam56
- Posts: 609
- Joined: Thu Jan 10, 2013 8:01 am
- Burning Since: 2014
- Camp Name: Fish OUt of Water Clan
- Location: Danbury, TX
Re: What did you learn this year?
Wearing stilettos on the Playa is stupid.
I wore stilettos to the meet & greet, trying to dress like my avatar, which is a stupid bit of vanity too. The heels broke through the crust, got caught in the softer sand below, and i twisted my ankle - had to leave early, walked home barefoot.
(Sigh)...
I wore stilettos to the meet & greet, trying to dress like my avatar, which is a stupid bit of vanity too. The heels broke through the crust, got caught in the softer sand below, and i twisted my ankle - had to leave early, walked home barefoot.
(Sigh)...
Let GOOD win!
- VultureChow
- Posts: 2328
- Joined: Mon Oct 10, 2011 4:08 pm
- Burning Since: 2012
- Camp Name: Hookers & Makers @ Barbie Death Village
Re: What did you learn this year?
1) Never use spikes again. 10 inch tent stakes only. Okay maybe I'll give the lag screws a try.
2) New way to remove ribar. The rain really seemed to cement them in.
3) I love the bullhorn. Never, ever let me have one.
4) Outgrowing a minivan with all of my stuff. If the art comes together for next year, I need to upgrade to a cargo van or small box truck
5) I am a lot braver than I thought I was. Did at least three things I never thought I'd be able to do.
2) New way to remove ribar. The rain really seemed to cement them in.
3) I love the bullhorn. Never, ever let me have one.
4) Outgrowing a minivan with all of my stuff. If the art comes together for next year, I need to upgrade to a cargo van or small box truck
5) I am a lot braver than I thought I was. Did at least three things I never thought I'd be able to do.
Sic Semper Spectatores
- winterdream28
- Posts: 165
- Joined: Fri Nov 05, 2010 8:46 pm
- Burning Since: 2013
- Location: Irvine, CA
- Contact:
Re: What did you learn this year?
- Never doubt mother nature. ( Bring more large zip lock bags for rain shoes)
- Stop trying to agree on places to go as a group just got and journey on your own when decisions get hard
- Eatting better more substantial foods saved my stomach this year... it does take longer but it is well worth the no tummy problems:)
- Saying hello to your neighbors early really does set up a wonderful vibe:) I enjoyed all my neighbors this year so much because we made efforts to really get to know one another:)
- Stop trying to agree on places to go as a group just got and journey on your own when decisions get hard
- Eatting better more substantial foods saved my stomach this year... it does take longer but it is well worth the no tummy problems:)
- Saying hello to your neighbors early really does set up a wonderful vibe:) I enjoyed all my neighbors this year so much because we made efforts to really get to know one another:)
"Not until we are lost do we begin to understand ourselves" - Henry David Thoreau
- otakup0pe
- Posts: 144
- Joined: Sat Jan 21, 2012 6:27 pm
- Burning Since: 2012
- Location: Oakland, CA
- Contact:
Re: What did you learn this year?
Pulling T-Stakes that were set after the rain is easier than pulling those that were set before the rain. Oh, and aiming a twelve inch dish at the top of a twenty foot mast towards the NOC in center camp is kinda hard.
- MFOB
- Posts: 240
- Joined: Mon Dec 16, 2013 3:44 pm
- Burning Since: 2013
- Camp Name: Camp Hot Mayo
- Location: Washington
Re: What did you learn this year?
I found that Ice Bags worked awesome. If you open the bag correctly a foot with shoes, boots, etc will slide on in. Used what I had and the Ice Bags were the trick. With a lil duct tape of course.winterdream28 wrote:- Never doubt mother nature. ( Bring more large zip lock bags for rain shoes)
These angles are all fenced up!
- Eric
- Moderator
- Posts: 9360
- Joined: Wed Sep 03, 2003 9:45 pm
- Burning Since: 2003
- Camp Name: BRC Weekly
- Contact:
Re: What did you learn this year?
I'm moving this to Tips & Tricks since it's a better fit for more general answers.
For me:
More solid food, less snack food. I don't know if it has to do with getting older, but I was craving more "meal" type foods this year than in the past. Mashed potatoes are definitely on the list for next year, as are actual greens. I would have killed for a salad by Friday.
Use only carabiner clips on my belt - fiddling with the other types of clips got real old, real quick.
Don't be afraid to do that incredibly stupid thing you should never, ever do - like take the plummet down the Volcano Slide. Totally exhilarating, totally terrifying, an absolute blast, and completely outside of my comfort zone. I need to step up breaking out of that zone more often.
Never think you're not cute enough for that person you have the hots for, you might just be surprised (contrarily, don't get bent out of shape if they're not interested)
For me:
More solid food, less snack food. I don't know if it has to do with getting older, but I was craving more "meal" type foods this year than in the past. Mashed potatoes are definitely on the list for next year, as are actual greens. I would have killed for a salad by Friday.
Use only carabiner clips on my belt - fiddling with the other types of clips got real old, real quick.
Don't be afraid to do that incredibly stupid thing you should never, ever do - like take the plummet down the Volcano Slide. Totally exhilarating, totally terrifying, an absolute blast, and completely outside of my comfort zone. I need to step up breaking out of that zone more often.
Never think you're not cute enough for that person you have the hots for, you might just be surprised (contrarily, don't get bent out of shape if they're not interested)
It's a camping trip in the desert, not the redemption of the fallen world - Cryptofishist
Eric ShutterSlut
Former Ass't Editor & columnist, BRC Weekly
Eric ShutterSlut
Former Ass't Editor & columnist, BRC Weekly
- unjonharley
- Posts: 10387
- Joined: Tue Sep 09, 2003 11:05 am
- Burning Since: 2001
- Camp Name: Elliot's naked bycycel repair
- Location: Salem Or.
Re: What did you learn this year?
That that damn Eric didn't make it to the M & G..
I'm the contraptioneer your mother warned you about.
- jneilvindy
- Posts: 292
- Joined: Sun Apr 27, 2014 2:26 pm
- Burning Since: 2014
- Location: Greenwood, Indiana
Re: What did you learn this year?
When did you go down the volcano? I was tossing people down on Tuesday from 9pm to 1:30isham!Eric wrote:I'm moving this to Tips & Tricks since it's a better fit for more general answers.
For me:
More solid food, less snack food. I don't know if it has to do with getting older, but I was craving more "meal" type foods this year than in the past. Mashed potatoes are definitely on the list for next year, as are actual greens. I would have killed for a salad by Friday.
Use only carabiner clips on my belt - fiddling with the other types of clips got real old, real quick.
Don't be afraid to do that incredibly stupid thing you should never, ever do - like take the plummet down the Volcano Slide. Totally exhilarating, totally terrifying, an absolute blast, and completely outside of my comfort zone. I need to step up breaking out of that zone more often.
Never think you're not cute enough for that person you have the hots for, you might just be surprised (contrarily, don't get bent out of shape if they're not interested)
- theCryptofishist
- Posts: 40313
- Joined: Mon Feb 23, 2004 9:28 am
- Burning Since: 2017
- Location: In Exile
Re: What did you learn this year?
Going down slides sounds like such a bad idea for me. Maybe if I could land in a roll. Kaiser roll--all that german blood.
The Lady with a Lamprey
"The powerful are exploiting people, art and ideas, and this leads to us plebes debating how to best ration ice.
Man, no wonder they always win....." Lonesomebri
"The powerful are exploiting people, art and ideas, and this leads to us plebes debating how to best ration ice.
Man, no wonder they always win....." Lonesomebri
Re: What did you learn this year?
- I walked a lot more and biked a lot less.. opened myself to a lot more interactions.
- Funky Town had the most amazing bloody Mary's... with bacon, asparagus, pickles, olives.. the whole sh-bang!
- I love yurts... might make an epic yurt/bucket cooler combo and migrate away from the comfortable RV for next year.
- Don't organize your night around a DJ that might/might not happen/might be late. Just go out and play, explore, meet people.. let the music come to you.
- Polish Ambassador (the only DJ sets I made sure to catch,) is way to awesome for a small stage. Ego Trip on Wednesday and Sacred Spaces on Friday were not prepared for the onslaught of humans.
- Like Erik mentioned, cooking meals this year was epic. Bringing a bbq was a great idea. You need the good food to get you through the week.
- Funky Town had the most amazing bloody Mary's... with bacon, asparagus, pickles, olives.. the whole sh-bang!
- I love yurts... might make an epic yurt/bucket cooler combo and migrate away from the comfortable RV for next year.
- Don't organize your night around a DJ that might/might not happen/might be late. Just go out and play, explore, meet people.. let the music come to you.
- Polish Ambassador (the only DJ sets I made sure to catch,) is way to awesome for a small stage. Ego Trip on Wednesday and Sacred Spaces on Friday were not prepared for the onslaught of humans.
- Like Erik mentioned, cooking meals this year was epic. Bringing a bbq was a great idea. You need the good food to get you through the week.
Can you at least admit that nuclear explosions are awesome!?
-
- Posts: 545
- Joined: Mon Aug 22, 2011 10:04 pm
- Burning Since: 2011
- Camp Name: Everlasting Fuck-you's
Re: What did you learn this year?
- Conduit Steel Shade.
- Monkey Huts don't scale well.
- The worst part about PnP is the bitching.
- I know nothing about how BM works, and ultimately, hardly anyone knows anything. It's a big ugly weird beast.
- CONDUIT. STEEL. SHADE.
- Bring an RV or a trailer with amenities. Having one in camp turned being in camp from being a slightly uncomfortable experience to utterly godlike. The look on the faces of people on sunday afternoon when we busted out frozen chocolate. Oh man.
- Build a bucket cooler. They are amazing.
- My Megaphone is a toy not to be loaned to those who suck at using it, but merely a toy for myself.
- Monkey Huts don't scale well.
- The worst part about PnP is the bitching.
- I know nothing about how BM works, and ultimately, hardly anyone knows anything. It's a big ugly weird beast.
- CONDUIT. STEEL. SHADE.
- Bring an RV or a trailer with amenities. Having one in camp turned being in camp from being a slightly uncomfortable experience to utterly godlike. The look on the faces of people on sunday afternoon when we busted out frozen chocolate. Oh man.
- Build a bucket cooler. They are amazing.
- My Megaphone is a toy not to be loaned to those who suck at using it, but merely a toy for myself.
- skippy3k
- Posts: 301
- Joined: Thu Jul 12, 2012 7:55 am
- Burning Since: 2009
- Camp Name: 8:15 and J....or close to it.
- Location: Rocky Mountain High
Re: What did you learn this year?
Totally agree. Our whole camp felt this way. Something was different this year...we think because it wasn't as hot and dry? Not sure. But we ate a ton of food and wanted more.Eric wrote:More solid food, less snack food. I don't know if it has to do with getting older, but I was craving more "meal" type foods this year than in the past.
I'm a fixer. I fix things.
- bluemiragemi
- Posts: 110
- Joined: Thu Feb 06, 2014 12:54 pm
- Burning Since: 2014
- Camp Name: Pretty Pickle
- Location: Lansing, Michigan
- Contact:
Re: What did you learn this year?
Intention and energy and where you direct it is EVERYTHING. BM is just a microcosm of the universe. Put your energy and attention on the right things, at the right time, and make shit happen.
And I love you all.
Squish <3
And I love you all.
Squish <3
~ Em
- theCryptofishist
- Posts: 40313
- Joined: Mon Feb 23, 2004 9:28 am
- Burning Since: 2017
- Location: In Exile
Re: What did you learn this year?
That there are some people on this board whom I deeply love and I wish I coulda hugged.
I will have to find some way to do that, now.
I will have to find some way to do that, now.
The Lady with a Lamprey
"The powerful are exploiting people, art and ideas, and this leads to us plebes debating how to best ration ice.
Man, no wonder they always win....." Lonesomebri
"The powerful are exploiting people, art and ideas, and this leads to us plebes debating how to best ration ice.
Man, no wonder they always win....." Lonesomebri
Re: What did you learn this year?
I learned that Black Rock Rangers are at best an official-looking bystander if you get physically attacked. Which I understand is the way it has to be...but they aren't even a deterrent.
- motskyroonmatick
- Posts: 1981
- Joined: Sun Jul 09, 2006 11:37 am
- Burning Since: 2004
- Camp Name: B.R.C. Welding&Repair
- Location: Aurora Oregon
Re: What did you learn this year?
I really need to make time to see the city and art. I missed seeing a lot of cool things again.
Black Rock City Welding & Repair. The Night Time Warming Station. iGNiTE! Bar.
Card Carrying Member BRCCP.
When you pass the 4th "bridge out!" sign; the flaming death is all yours.-Knowmad-
Card Carrying Member BRCCP.
When you pass the 4th "bridge out!" sign; the flaming death is all yours.-Knowmad-
- Simon of the Playa
- Posts: 20562
- Joined: Thu Sep 06, 2007 6:25 pm
- Burning Since: 1996
- Camp Name: La Guilde des Hashischins
- Location: BRC, Nevada.
Re: What did you learn this year?
i've kinda known this all along, but without a doubt, the thing i learned is "IT'S ABOUT COMMUNITY"
and we have a helluva family here...the burn, the party, the dust, the music, and the art all are a stage for a
FAMILY REUNION.
we don't all agree, we don't even like everyone, but, it's our family...
best pot-luck ever...and i would not miss it for the world, because even if i only get to say hello for a minute, it is worth it.
and we have a helluva family here...the burn, the party, the dust, the music, and the art all are a stage for a
FAMILY REUNION.
we don't all agree, we don't even like everyone, but, it's our family...
best pot-luck ever...and i would not miss it for the world, because even if i only get to say hello for a minute, it is worth it.
Frida Be You & Me
-
- Posts: 8
- Joined: Thu Oct 24, 2013 11:36 am
- Burning Since: 2014
Re: What did you learn this year?
Make it your own Burning Man, don't let your camp mates dictate where you all should go and/or do.
Do not expect others to help you out with transportation not matter how much you help them out with their needs.
Say hello more often to others and don't be afraid to chat it up.
Take more solitaire adventures through out the city.
Volunteer more.
Do not expect others to help you out with transportation not matter how much you help them out with their needs.
Say hello more often to others and don't be afraid to chat it up.
Take more solitaire adventures through out the city.
Volunteer more.
- AfricanFire
- Posts: 143
- Joined: Thu Mar 20, 2014 9:45 pm
- Burning Since: 2010
- Camp Name: Astral Headwash
- Location: Northern CO
Re: What did you learn this year?
We had salad to spare on Sunday. (The perks of having an actual fridge in camp). The perfect end of week meal when you're really not all that hungry anyway.I would have killed for a salad by Friday.
I learned that BRC doesn't cure my shyness and that I really struggle to meet people even in a place like Burning Man. I learned that you can be unbelievably lonely even when surrounded by people.
Re: What did you learn this year?
Real food is good. (vs. snacking all day)
Paper plates are good.
I should let my partner take the shade down any way he wants.
Remember to bring BOTH plastic cups with lids and straws.
It's super fun to invite kids to afternoon ice cream.
Keeping a "night" bag and a "day" bag is a great way to save time.
A pee funnel is the best thing ever.
More Kern's next year.
I need a new kickstand and better decorations for my bike.
Paper plates are good.
I should let my partner take the shade down any way he wants.
Remember to bring BOTH plastic cups with lids and straws.
It's super fun to invite kids to afternoon ice cream.
Keeping a "night" bag and a "day" bag is a great way to save time.
A pee funnel is the best thing ever.
More Kern's next year.
I need a new kickstand and better decorations for my bike.
In dust we trust.
- chuckularone
- Posts: 459
- Joined: Thu Jan 23, 2014 7:49 am
- Burning Since: 2014
- Camp Name: Fish Out Of Water
- Location: Newark, Delaware
Re: What did you learn this year?
It's about people...
then art...
then things burning...
and then lastly it's leaving a little sad it's over and very hopeful about next year.
then art...
then things burning...
and then lastly it's leaving a little sad it's over and very hopeful about next year.
Remember kiddoes, if you don't sin, Jesus died for nothing!
chuckularone:: Pronounced: Chuck-You-Lar-One
http://makerandfixerofthings.blogspot.com
KF4JPE
chuckularone:: Pronounced: Chuck-You-Lar-One
http://makerandfixerofthings.blogspot.com
KF4JPE
- skippy3k
- Posts: 301
- Joined: Thu Jul 12, 2012 7:55 am
- Burning Since: 2009
- Camp Name: 8:15 and J....or close to it.
- Location: Rocky Mountain High
Re: What did you learn this year?
Press 'N Seal over metal camping plates are better. Less trash, no washing, fun to peel off.danibel wrote:Paper plates are good.

I'm a fixer. I fix things.
- forty_eight
- Posts: 1179
- Joined: Sun Sep 11, 2011 7:58 pm
- Burning Since: 2013
Re: What did you learn this year?
kids belong at burning man
there were a couple teenagers in our camp, and i met a bunch of kids at sk8 Kamp
they were loving it and that is infectious
there were a couple teenagers in our camp, and i met a bunch of kids at sk8 Kamp
they were loving it and that is infectious
-
- Posts: 36
- Joined: Wed Jun 19, 2013 9:41 pm
- Burning Since: 2013
- Camp Name: Pump's Raiders
- Location: Denver, CO
Re: What did you learn this year?
I am not 20 years old any more.
I can actually volunteer too much.
If I volunteer too much I make for a shitty volunteer and end up having minimal fun on what is supposed to be my vacation.
I can actually volunteer too much.
If I volunteer too much I make for a shitty volunteer and end up having minimal fun on what is supposed to be my vacation.
Re: What did you learn this year?
I learned that I am a "Fucking Asshole" AND " a Pussy"!!! 

"Don't buy ur Burn...........Build ur Burn!"
"If I can't find an answer, I'll create one!!!"
Fuck Im Good Just Ask Me
"If I can't find an answer, I'll create one!!!"
Fuck Im Good Just Ask Me
- tatonka
- Posts: 3514
- Joined: Wed Sep 19, 2012 4:28 pm
- Burning Since: 2013
- Camp Name: Camp Threat
- Location: oregon
Re: What did you learn this year?
I need a electric trike , by the time I bike anywhere or hike im pooped . So I need transport so I be refreshed as I arrive to any situation 

Tales told
Of battles won
Of things we've done
Caligula would grin
Of battles won
Of things we've done
Caligula would grin
- unjonharley
- Posts: 10387
- Joined: Tue Sep 09, 2003 11:05 am
- Burning Since: 2001
- Camp Name: Elliot's naked bycycel repair
- Location: Salem Or.
Re: What did you learn this year?
FIGJAM wrote:I learned that I am a "Fucking Asshole" AND " a Pussy"!!!
Even so, I like ya
I'm the contraptioneer your mother warned you about.