Burners from GA headed to the desert for the first time

[FloridaTimmy]

Hey yall

I'm a desert virgin, but not a burn virgin. My partner and I have been participating in in southeast regionals for the past 5 and 3 years respectively. We're 'rough around the edges' DPW types, having led and been involved in the various public works groups for the burns out this way. We just really like working, and making things go, and building stuff for people to enjoy, then tear it all down again. Currently, our plan is to kind of go it alone, since we don't really have any theme camps in mind, despite our plethora of friends also going. Many of their camps are a little too... hippy for us. Plus we don't have a ton of money for camp dues. But it's something we're keeping in mind and looking out for, because we both have a lot of skill, drive, work ethic, crude humor and whisky to bring to the right group, if we find one.

We're also both unable to get enough time off to drive out and back, so we're trying this the difficult way via flying and Burner Express Bus, and taking some space on a truck coming from Atlanta. We'll be packing our 2 bags each for the plane and bus, and sending our tent and bikes via the truck. I'm not entirely sure how this is going to work, but it'll be fiiiiiiiiiiine. It always is. On the plus side, from doing this for a few years now, we have some quality equipment and have become more efficient with packing and such. After two catastrophic tent failures in the past, we finally said 'fuck this' and bought a 10x14 Kodiak. It was the most perfect investment I ever made.

Anyway, I'm rambling now. I'm super fucking excited, but also terrified, and I have no idea what to expect, because I know the desert and all that comes with it is an entirely different beast. I'm excited to see huge art. I'm excited to participate. I'm confused as hell how to figure out what sort of shade and shit I can bring on limited space and limited budget. But I've still got a few months to figure it all out.

- Florida

[lucky420]

Hola and hello...

[Ratty]

Florida welcome to ePlaya. There are several threads on shade etc... Plus a really great one on the whole Burner Express experience. You'll be fine. There are still about 100 days before you take off. I'll look for that bus thread right now.

Here's one viewtopic.php?f=286&t=76278&p=1094690#p1094690

This is my personal favorite. From Spacetime viewtopic.php?f=286&t=71830&p=1038164#p1038164

[Raoul]

Welcome to ePlaya, Florida.

As a multi-decade resident of Georgia, I can tell you that the playa will feel like a breath of fresh air compared to the heat and humidity of the south in August. Sounds like you have a good start with your planning from your tent to the container truck to the Burner Express. There is a boat load of useful info on these pages, so definitely take advantage of it.

[FloridaTimmy]

This is my personal favorite. From Spacetime viewtopic.php?f=286&t=71830&p=1038164#p1038164

Wow wow. That thread is so detailed and helpful! I began taking notes while reading it to better prepare for my own experience. Like packing at least a headlamp and dust mask in my on-board bag for immediate use upon arrival.

I ended up clicking through to the other posts of theirs, too, and have been reading through them. What a great resource to the community.

[Savannah]

This is my personal favorite. From Spacetime viewtopic.php?f=286&t=71830&p=1038164#p1038164

Wow wow. That thread is so detailed and helpful! I began taking notes while reading it to better prepare for my own experience. Like packing at least a headlamp and dust mask in my on-board bag for immediate use upon arrival.

And goggles. And gloves.

Welcome, FloridaTimmy!