Let there be Sand !!

[Rez]

Hello All,

I'm a 43 yo kid in the Carolinas, But Originally from NY. So extremely excited to join the party this year (2016) "incase anyone was confused on what year it is" Experience: Held a snow shovel in NY, Cursed the gods because of nats in Florida and had a life altering conversation with a black squirl camping and hiking the grand canyon. In short I am sure I can endure and enjoy the extreme elements of BM Camping, in fact I am looking forward to it. I am at a point in my life where I really need this ReBoot.

Short List of Me facts:
- Straight Single Male
- Work nights 13hrs a day (Also known as Single)
- Drummer ex guitarist
- non drug user. (just never got into it but I don't judge nor have a problem being around it)
- Outgoing,I get along with everyone and enjoy meeting/getting to know new people/personalities.
- Click best with the 30 something crowd or other over 40 kids.
- Night person, can't wait for the lights and Rave music. and of coarse drinking.
- Can't wait to add burner to this list

Anything else just ask. If you have no life then mine can be pretty interesting. jk

I have already taken the time off for work (2 weeks) and cost is really not an issue, So I will be going!!

I'm just on the fence about how. I would really like to make it a fun road trip, seeing all the major cities on the way. So I guess the main reason I came to the forums Is to see if there is anyone else that may be interested in something like this.

Hope to meet ALL of you out there this year. Feel free to msg me if you are a veteran burner wanting to chat or even a Virgin Burner like me that wants to get excited about the Absolute Terror of goin for the first time.


~ ReZ

[tamarakay]

Welcome! But really there isn't any sand to worry about.its a dried out lake bed, so more hard pack silt with occasional flying dust. More like powder. We had a fire extinguisher go off on our airstream our first year and the stuff thT came out of that is very similar to the dust of the burn.

Lots of good info about prep in the pages. Google is your friend. Just add eplaya or eplaya.burningman to your search.

[Rez]

Hey tamarakay

Well, I'm thinking a subject of Let there be powder would of been a bad first impression I guess I could of went with dust.... hmm.. this is what virgin feels like.

This forum has been Christmas morning for me. But I will def take your advice and get all google on it. And also make sure I don't keep a fire extinguisher in the tent.

~ ReZ

[Elderberry]

Hey there, welcome to eplaya!

[lucky420]

Hola and hello...

You're gonna love it! Stick around get to know us.


We don't bite...much

[Rez]

Thanks Elderberry and Lucky 420

I will be the guy rolling in the sand at the gate screaming let me in, Lucky420 bit me and Elderberry stole my bike.

[lucky420]

Thanks Elderberry and Lucky 420

I will be the guy rolling in the sand at the gate screaming let me in, Lucky420 bit me and Elderberry stole my bike.

yes I think you'll get along just fine here on eplaya and even better on the playa

[ygmir]

Welcome!
yeah biting.....ha!
well, if you get out of the car and roll at Gate, let me know first, I want to watch!!!

[Savannah]

Welcome, ReZ!

You have a good attitude; keep studying and you'll be fine. There are tons of folks in your age group, and you don't have to be a drug user to have fun either, good lord no. (Some folks do, of course, but those who do are somewhat obscure about what they're up to).

It's actually better if you're not totally whacked out and remember most of your week. You will see stuff you've never seen before, and it's gorgeous! ( . . . And dusty, and windy, and really cold, and really hot . . . )

[Elderberry]

Thanks Elderberry and Lucky 420

I will be the guy rolling in the sand at the gate screaming let me in, Lucky420 bit me and Elderberry stole my bike.

Depending on when you plan on getting in, I might be one of those people having you make dust angels at the gate!

[Rez]

Depending on when you plan on getting in, I might be one of those people having you make dust angels at the gate!

Sounds like a diversion to steal my bike.

( . . . And dusty, and windy, and really cold, and really hot . . . )

Add "And Cooks" to this and I would buy her a ring.

Welcome!
yeah biting.....ha!
well, if you get out of the car and roll at Gate, let me know first, I want to watch!!!

Man ... You said you would watch my Bike!! One Job... Just ONE !!

Well on a more serious note. .. .. ahhh.. screw serious!
but I will be shooting for opening day and will hope to find a way to meet you all I will be easy to spot. I will be the 6'3" dusty guy with bite marks.

[Ratty]

Welcome Rez, Hang out here to do research and ask stupid questions. It's OK. Really. Half the answers will be stupid too. Let's get to know each other and we'll hug you later in person. Now start reading, making lists and adding things to the pile in your front room.

[TT120]

Welcome! You're going to have so much fun. Yeah, if you want sand, you'll have to bring it with you cause it's all talcum powder out there. Make sure you sign up for the Jack Rabbit Speaks newsletter and read the survival guide several times. Once you have that down, just come prepared for a week long camping trip and you'll be fine.

[Rez]

Hello Ratty and TT120,

Hugs will come

I came across Burning Man last July. I have always been intrigued by art in any form. I get possessed by glowing lights at night with rave music and love to drink and camp.

So I knew the second I saw BM that I had to Go.. !! I have been reading non stop since July on it and trying to plan but did not want to get involved with the forum until I knew 100% that I would be able to go. Now I do and this is the Year. I'm so excited about it.

Only things I'm still trying to figure out are. Shit ... this is going to have to be a list.

- Live in the Carolinas, And I know I do want to have a vehicle of some kind to store stuff. So I'm not sure if it would be better to rent a van and drive "5000 mile round trip", being able to bring everything "camping gear, bike and stuff". Or fly to some city close by and then rent a van and buy everything last minute "Not being able to bring back any camping gear and such back with me". I'm so on the fence with this.

-Being my first time, when I get there do you just kinda pick a spot to camp or is it almost essential to join a camp ahead of time. Everything I have read is so mixed on this.

Once I get those two things figured out I think I will be golden.

[TT120]

Hello Ratty and TT120,

........
- Live in the Carolinas, And I know I do want to have a vehicle of some kind to store stuff. So I'm not sure if it would be better to rent a van and drive "5000 mile round trip", being able to bring everything "camping gear, bike and stuff". Or fly to some city close by and then rent a van and buy everything last minute "Not being able to bring back any camping gear and such back with me". I'm so on the fence with this.

You'll probably want to come back again next year so buying all your stuff and schlepping it across the country will be the cheaper way to go. If you fly in and rent a van or something, you'll have to get rid of all that stuff and buy it again next year. Also, renting a vehicle, any vehicle, in Reno or other close place to BRC will be next to impossible unless you have already set it up. Then there is the ROAD TRIP! I dunno about you but I love a road trip and that is one hell of a trip from the Carolinas. Renting a van or truck in your area will be easy and you get to keep all your dusty crap for next year.

-Being my first time, when I get there do you just kinda pick a spot to camp or is it almost essential to join a camp ahead of time. Everything I have read is so mixed on this.

Once I get those two things figured out I think I will be golden.

You will get a map upon entry that will show the open camping areas. There are areas that are reserved for theme camps that will be shown on that map. Pick an open area, talk to the neighbors and see if you'd like to camp there.
You don't need to join a camp, in fact, you should go solo your first year so you're free to explore and do anything you want anytime you want. Camps usually have chores that need to be done and a schedule to keep so you'll end up tending the bar or mooping the area when you could be out chasing shiny things. Camps can be nice because they will usually have resources like shade and showers and sometimes a meal plan. depending on who you are, this might be something to look at. My first year I went solo and ended up with killer neighbors and had a blast but I met some local burners at a regional here in my area and have been with their camp ever since.

[Rez]

You'll probably want to come back again next year so buying all your stuff and schlepping it across the country will be the cheaper way to go. If you fly in and rent a van or something, you'll have to get rid of all that stuff and buy it again next year. Also, renting a vehicle, any vehicle, in Reno or other close place to BRC will be next to impossible unless you have already set it up. Then there is the ROAD TRIP! I dunno about you but I love a road trip and that is one hell of a trip from the Carolinas. Renting a van or truck in your area will be easy and you get to keep all your dusty crap for next year.

I KNOW.. ROAD TRIP . RIGHT!!! At this point I would be by myself but I'm sure It would still be an experience. Plus I have never been to Denver and would love to check it out on the way. I have done a NYC to Miami Fl to San Diego CA road trip years ago but it has been awhile I am leaning towards this.

You don't need to join a camp, in fact, you should go solo your first year so you're free to explore and do anything you want anytime you want. Camps usually have chores that need to be done and a schedule to keep so you'll end up tending the bar or mooping the area when you could be out chasing shiny things. Camps can be nice because they will usually have resources like shade and showers and sometimes a meal plan. depending on who you are, this might be something to look at. My first year I went solo and ended up with killer neighbors and had a blast but I met some local burners at a regional here in my area and have been with their camp ever since.

I do enjoy being part of something like a camp and helping out. Plus I am an ex bartender so enjoy being around people. and well .. Showers Wish there was a way to pay for food and a couple showers but still be able to have selfish Me time for the first Burn. Then next year roll up my sleeves with a camp.

[TT120]

Check out some of the regional groups in your area on this page: http://regionals.burningman.org/regiona ... h-america/

It looks like there are several groups in the Carolinas you could get in touch with. Might be some resources you can use there. You might even find a camp you're interested in.

The thing about the desert is the super low humidity. Your sweat evaporates very fast so you never really get all sweaty-sticky-gross. A baby wipe bath works very well. Make no mistake though, a shower is GLORIOUS!!

[Savannah]

You'll probably want to come back again next year so buying all your stuff and schlepping it across the country will be the cheaper way to go. If you fly in and rent a van or something, you'll have to get rid of all that stuff and buy it again next year. Also, renting a vehicle, any vehicle, in Reno or other close place to BRC will be next to impossible unless you have already set it up. Then there is the ROAD TRIP! I dunno about you but I love a road trip and that is one hell of a trip from the Carolinas. Renting a van or truck in your area will be easy and you get to keep all your dusty crap for next year.

I KNOW.. ROAD TRIP . RIGHT!!! At this point I would be by myself but I'm sure It would still be an experience. Plus I have never been to Denver and would love to check it out on the way. I have done a NYC to Miami Fl to San Diego CA road trip years ago but it has been awhile I am leaning towards this.

You don't need to join a camp, in fact, you should go solo your first year so you're free to explore and do anything you want anytime you want. Camps usually have chores that need to be done and a schedule to keep so you'll end up tending the bar or mooping the area when you could be out chasing shiny things. Camps can be nice because they will usually have resources like shade and showers and sometimes a meal plan. depending on who you are, this might be something to look at. My first year I went solo and ended up with killer neighbors and had a blast but I met some local burners at a regional here in my area and have been with their camp ever since.

I do enjoy being part of something like a camp and helping out. Plus I am an ex bartender so enjoy being around people. and well .. Showers Wish there was a way to pay for food and a couple showers but still be able to have selfish Me time for the first Burn. Then next year roll up my sleeves with a camp.

If you're willing to drive 5,000 miles, I'd say do it. It's a lot easier (especially your first time) to shop and pack at your leisure, tick things off a carefully organized list, and then PACK that list in a readily available spot for when you're second-guessing yourself along the road.

TT120 is right; you don't need a camp, especially if you're not sure, or you're on the fence about it. Sure, a lot of them have showers, but not all do, and sometimes there's a line to get that shower, or sometimes it's supposed to be up on day 1 and it's not up til day 3 . . . etc, etc. And on the last day, when you really want a shower the most, good luck finding one that hasn't been packed up already. That's what the first motel on the way back is for.

You can build your own shower w/ PVC and catch the water, funnel it into a barrel and tote it back out again. (Yes, that's some work).

Or stand on a towel, use a new spray bottle of water and some body wash and you can spritz, soap up, spritz again, blot w/ a hand towel and air dry. That's a good supplement to baby wipes.

Never buy a box of baby wipes (it dries out!) Always go for the plastic refill-size bag, or the similarly-sized bag of three smaller units.

And never use a wipe that feels a bit dried out. It will activate the alkali just enough to burn you.

[Raoul]

Welcome!

Check out some of the regional groups in your area on this page: http://regionals.burningman.org/regiona ... h-america/

This...definitely this. My first burn was in 2014, and I was pretty much on my own for planning. Connecting with the local group - even just by email - was a great resource. Through the local email list, I found out about the container trucks that are shipped from Boston to the playa and back, and I was able to transport my bigger stuff back and forth that way. I was then able to fly into Sacramento, rent an SUV without any problems (it was at about this time of year) and drive into Black Rock City.

I don't know if there is a group in the Carolinas that does the container truck thing, but it might be worth checking into as another option.

Here's a great thread about what folks learned at their first burns - viewtopic.php?f=69&t=76004.

There's a lot to plan, but that part of it can be a lot of fun it you let it.

[Drawingablank]

Welcome.

[Rez]

Sup Drawingablank And to Raoul, Savannah and TT120 you all rock.. Some great info there. "Savannah I would of so bought a bunch of the wipe containers"
I can survive on Coffee, Beer and a couple showers a week "home made if I must" . There will always be fresh Coffee going so come by and bang on the tent. I've been known for having a cup of mud in one hand and a beer in the other. It's a thing.

And Raoul.. The Container.. That would be so cool to find. I will def check that out. Even somewhere on the east coast.. I travel non stop between offices every night for work. "480 miles last night"

[Rez]

OK. I'm a bit confused.

I have been taking about an hour a day before work and reading thru the forum. One thing still confuses me.

Ticket Madness

Correct me If I am Wrong. Please

If I log in on my Burning man profile March 16th @ Noon or 3pm my time. And Register first thing. Then Log back in March 23rd right at Noon or 3pm my time and purchase a ticket and car pass.

There is still a chance I may not get it? When would I know for sure?

Also are the people that have problems getting one just waiting too late into the sale? Or Like me logging in write away?

[Raoul]

The trick is whether you are actually able to get a ticket and vehicle pass. There are literally tens of thousands of people who are trying to login at exactly noon PST on the day of the sale. Seconds count, not quite as much as in the Olympic downhill, but the entire queue for all the available tickets can fill within a matter of seconds. If the clock on your computer is off or your internet connection isn't at its prime, it can be the difference of making it into the queue or not.

I've spoken to people who are able to get in every year without incident, and I've spoken to folks who try every year right at the top of the hour and never get a ticket.

If you do actually score a ticket and a vehicle pass, then you're good.

[lucky420]

Get involved with local burner groups, you can make connections that may end up in tix and vp that way too. Stay involved here too, more than one eplayan has been able to score a ticket through the connections they have made here too.

[Rez]

Raoul.. You Rock, Thanks

That was exactly what I was confused on. So this knot in my stomach really does go away on the 23rd. Or maybe.. crap.

[Rez]

Thanks Lucky.. You Rock Too!

Sorry your post slipped in while I was writing my reply.

[lucky420]

No problemo...


Wishing you all the luck in scoring a ticket!

[Rez]

No problemo...


Wishing you all the luck in scoring a ticket!

Thanks Lucky! Oh It is Game ON !!

[Eric]

If I log in on my Burning man profile March 16th @ Noon or 3pm my time. And Register first thing. Then Log back in March 23rd right at Noon or 3pm my time and purchase a ticket and car pass.

Okay, ugly hard facts: there are waaaaaay more people who want tickets than there are tickets available. It's been the way it is since 2012. Like everyone said, be ready to log in the hot second the ticket sales start. You do not need to register the second that registration opens, you have days and the time you register has nothing to do with your chances of getting a ticket. The registration is there to give the BMorg time to weed out as many known scammers, scalpers & assorted problem issues.

Oh - "insider tip" on language use: we call it "dust". Roll in the dust, see you in the dust, get used to the dust in your food and covering everything you own, etc.
It's actually a desiccant with the consistency of talcum powder/ baby powder that turns into a sticky, clinging clay when it gets wet.
*sigh*
Are we there yet?

[Rez]

Sup Eric

You do not need to register the second that registration opens, you have days and the time you register has nothing to do with your chances of getting a ticket.

Thanks Man.. I was wondering about that.

Can't believe it is only 6 months from now So Stoked !