Newbie from Minnesota donchaknow

[KasiNadine]

Hi all,
Providing all the stars align, this year will be my first burn. I'm 37 years old, live just north of Minneapolis on a little hobby farm, work for the University and like to spend my free time taking care of my little piece of earth, laughing/talking/eating with friends, being outside, Lyra, doing whatever hobby I've picked up (interested in leather work right now) and hanging out with my kiddos. I recently ended a 15 year relationship and have been enjoying revisiting interests and passions that had been put aside for a long time (particularly music, DANCING, art and silliness ). I'm hoping that a friend will be coming with, however may be doing it alone. Doing tons of research but I'm sure I'll have a million questions. Recently (as in this week) connected with my regional burner group and have met some lovely souls with lots of great information and energy. Looking forward to meeting more of you on the playa!

[Mountain Bobby]

WELCOME!! You have come to the right place. I too am hoping to make this my first burn. I have learned so much from all the posts on here. Good luck and hope to see you there.

[EGAZ]

Welcome KasiNadine! Last year was my first burn and I went solo. Don't be forefraid. I will most likely go solo again this year. Tickets willing...
You can read my posts from last year to see what I went through. It can be a bit overwhelming at times, but don't worry, it all gets done.

Looks like you are started on your research, Good! Its very important. Radical Self Reliance right? Here is an all encompassing list you can use. (Not mine) I pared it down a lot as I have been camping forever, but its a good 'guide' and is very descriptive.

The biggest thing I can recommend is start gathering your items now. there is a "one item a day for 2017 list" thread. It not only keeps you on track, it lets you see what others are doing, and maybe what you're forgetting or haven't even thought of.

Many birgin burners forget or minimize this important fact: BM is an extreme camping trip in a very hostile place. Get your camping gear, food, & water down first! Party supplies, outfits, gifting, music, art and the experience are second. Get the first one right and the second falls into place. Get the first one wrong and the second is much much tougher. If you are not a camper or have not camped in awhile, be it tent or RV, do a practice run for a weekend or two this summer. Unless you want to do one before the snow melts, your choice. Follow the ten principles. Try some of your ideas, make mistakes on these trips so you don't make them in the playa.

This forum helped me a bunch prepping for last year. Lots of experience, Lots of knowledge, and yea, sometimes lots of snark.

Enjoy your prep. Its part of the journey!

[Elderberry]

Hey there, welcome to eplaya!

[ZigZag]

Greetings fellow Minnesotan!!

I too live North of Mpls. and I went solo to BM last year and had an absolute blast. Everything ElderGeekAZ says is true (plus he's a real sweetheart!).

Do your homework and know what you are getting into. There is an enormous wealth of information here, I spent many many hours poring over everything and working up my plan and gathering my equipment. Obviously getting a ticket is a pivotal part so be ready for that. Even if you don't get one in the main sale there are other options but you have to work at it.

There is a great burner community here in the Twin Cities. There is a non-official regional burn in July called (appropriately) "That Thing at the Cabin" and a FB group called Burning Man Minnesota. They have Meet and Greets every other week or so, more often as we get closer to the burn. Lots of good people there. There are a few camps at BM that are mostly Minnesotans too.

I will probably camp solo again this year, I really enjoyed the experience and the radical self reliance that went with it. LMK if you have any questions, but there are some real seasoned veterans here at e-playa and are awesome people.

[EGAZ]

ZigZag, I forgot you were a Minnesotan..... I should have remembered that. DOH!!

We mid-westerner's, (MI), do have a common bond ....

[Elliot]

Hi, KasiNadine! Welcome aboard.

If you have not already... sign up for the Jack Rabbit Speaks e-mail newsletter. That's where all the official BM information is published. You will find it on the website.

[ZigZag]

ZigZag, I forgot you were a Minnesotan..... I should have remembered that. DOH!!

We mid-westerner's, (MI), do have a common bond ....

Yes we do! Can't wait to see you again!

[Savannah]

Welcome, KasiNadine!

I usually tell newbies to suspend their expectations, but you're probably going to get the music, DANCING, art and silliness you've been missing . . . .

[Ratty]

KasiNadine, Welcome to ePlaya. Read everything and then read some more. Prep is so fun. After you come home from the event you'll be prepping continually. All of a sudden everything looks like burning man equipment. Camp alone or join a group. There's no wrong way to do it, (as long as you're personally prepared). We'll hug you in person later. WELCOME!

[AntiM]

Welcome!

LOL, Ratty is right, although I find that even after all these years, I begin planning for next year about an hour into the drive to the playa ...

[Christian The Jew]

Greetings! I'm from Minneapolis, and there is a substantial burner community here. There's a meeting at Morissey's Pub in Uptown, every other Wednesday or so. I haven't been yet, but I'm going to after the ticket sale. Gods willing, I will get that sweet sweet golden ticket. My first year, I went with some veterans, this time I might go it solo, but I'm excited because I want to meet all the people. Get excited! Be Prepared.