VB from Boston HELP!

[drinkofwata55+]

The Burning Man has been an interest of mine for a few years now. As I find myself searching for more info about the event and Obsessing with every morsel of info I can find. I have decided I must make this Pilgrimage to this epic event.
My life is at a point where a self discovery and exposure to artist is what I would love. I am a musician that has played music (guitar) all of my life. Music has always been there for me. Being a full time artist was what I wish I could have done in my life instead, I did what I had to do and not what I wanted to do. That is where Burning Man comes in.
At 55 yrs old nerdy white guy. I hope I am not on the fringe but that I may still be able to interact and enjoy the heartbeat of the event. I don't do drugs but I sure like beer.
I spend my summer time on the mass bay on my Whaler. The desert will be a radical departure. Can't wait for the challenge.
I have been learning about survival in the conditions and reading all the novice information. I am already preparing my “bug out bag” and determining how I will live from it for 5-7 days.
I am single and do not share this passion for the experience with anybody so I am hoping to learn from others as to how to get there and the best way to experience my first BM as a solo.
Should I be a volunteer?
Should I make art or join a team and help create?
How can I team up to get there?
Looking for some guidance for a Virgin.
drinkofwata55+

[lucky420]

Hola and hello...

So nerdy 55 year old guy, huh? don't worry you'll fit right in. For starters read the first timers guide and the survival guide on burningman.org. Look for BM groups in your area. Where ya from? There may be regional groups close to where you live. Check them out and try to get involved locally. They can really help get you acclimated to the culture.

Should you volunteer? I've seen lots of advice against first year people volunteering for fear of I don't really know. You can go to playa info, it's by center camp and volunteer on playa. That way you're not making a big commitment ahead of time, that may be hard to keep. There's lots of different things to volunteer there for too.

Stick around here and engage us. We will answer you're questions but we really appreciate it if you read that shit I told you about in the first paragraph. If you can't find the answer, then ask.

[drinkofwata55+]

Thanks Lucky420. I am well into the BM First timers guide. Thanks. Think I have watched about 75 Youtube vids. Love it. Not sure how to find BM groups in Mass. Perhaps that new invention "The Internet" can help me/lol Thanks again.

[Elderberry]

Hey there, welcome to eplaya!

BM Groups in Mass? You mean camps to join? If so, those that are looking for new members will be posting here.

[gaminwench]

There's a huge, active burner community in Boston.
Facebook is probably the best place to find them.

[Ratty]

Welcome Drinkofwata. First thing I would recommend is stop watching videos. That's like watching action films to further your education. Sure they're exciting, but not all that informative or helpful. This event doesn't fly without 55 year old nerds. You think those cute 20 somthings wearing a thong paid for and built the mega art?

You can get most of the important info by reading and research. Use Google to search eplaya. Start making lists. Peek into the archives. When you can't find an answer just speak right up. We'll point you in the right direction. Most of your questions have been asked many times before. Eplaya helps those who help themselves. That's one of the reasons we come here every day. (The other is because we hate to drink alone.) This is a great resource.

Now repeat after me. 'I can do this'.

My Father said there is no wrong way to grow tomatoes. Everyone burns differently so expect to have choices among the answers. Welcome.

[drinkofwata55+]

Hi,
Logistical Question.
I understand the ultimate self reliance and need to share to spread the good will. But I was trying to figure out how to carry 1.5Gallons x 5 days=7.5 gallons win addition to all the essential gear and no vehicle accept what I am hopeful enough to ride-share to the event?

As I understand it, the essentials of being not only equipment prepared but mentally prepped as well for the stark reality of the desert is important. Pacing oneself as well are important. But the load seems like a challenge.

I differ to the experienced Burners recommendations.
Thx You guys are already being very helpful and supportive.

[lucky420]

You can get one of those round water cooler type thermos things (1, 2 or 5gallon) and use ice melt. You can purchase ice on playa. Lots of people do this when space is limited. Bring it with water already in it and just add ice throughout the week as needed

[Drawingablank]

Welcome.

[Raoul]

There's a huge, active burner community in Boston.
Facebook is probably the best place to find them.

Yeah, the Boston Burner community is really active. Here is a link to the Facebook group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/8532871564/. There are weekly gatherings every Tuesday night at the Cambridge Brewing Company. I'm an hour away so have only attended a couple times, but there always seems to be a pretty good crown.