Playa Update 8/16

Token · Post by **Token** » Sat Aug 16, 2008 4:12 pm

I just got back from the Playa today. Here is the synopsis for the past week in the dust ...

Playa surface is the worst I have seen since 2001. It is crisp and crunchy to the point that bicycles leave a trail of crushed dust in their wake. The "sand dunes" are best described as moguls on a skiing slope. They are small in height but slow down any tire travel dramatically. Some roads have vast sections of deep silt and are treacherous at night.

The Man base looks to be almost up and done. Center camp is now in its skeletal phase and is sprouting new features daily.

The heat was oppressive the past couple days. Our thermometers in camp read past 107.

We have not had any major wind events so at least that has been a blessing.

I'll be back in the dust on Monday or Tuesday next week and will try to post an update.

T

p.s. Dork has been kicking some serious ass out there in the heat. Give him some love and come visit us all for a pint at 8:15 and Bonneville.

Bob · Post by **Bob** » Sat Aug 16, 2008 4:45 pm

Was out there last weekend prepping yellow bikes and concur on the dust potential.

Suggestion -- try silt fence around your camp.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silt_fence

The entry/exit road is four miles long, so bring a Swiffer to clean off your Scrabble board, dash board, sex partner, etc.

Token · Post by **Token** » Sat Aug 16, 2008 4:56 pm

Yes! It takes forever to make it to center camp. Long and slow drive from the tarmac.

But it IS the Playa, one and only.

No place like home.

Bambi of Finland · Post by **Bambi of Finland** » Sat Aug 16, 2008 5:46 pm

What are the night temps like? any need for extra layers?

EspressoDude · Post by **EspressoDude** » Sat Aug 16, 2008 6:42 pm

yes, extra layers of dust are needed!!!

Bob · Post by **Bob** » Sat Aug 16, 2008 8:38 pm

http://www.burningman.com/preparation/e ... ather.html

Post by **mdmf007** » Sun Aug 17, 2008 4:05 am

Excellent - what else would you expect at BM?

sounds like a blast!!!

Absolut Jeenyus · Post by **Absolut Jeenyus** » Sun Aug 17, 2008 4:19 am

Playa surface is the worst I have seen since 2001. It is crisp and crunchy to the point that bicycles leave a trail of crushed dust in their wake.

Usually in my experience out there, the playa is normally crunchy and flaky. Its only once the people get there and tread all over it that it becomes a fine talc... Those conditions dont seem much different from any other year to me... Just my 2 cents...

Thank you for the update though. Ive been waiting for someone to post on the conditions out there...

Timezone LaFontaine · Post by **Timezone LaFontaine** » Sun Aug 17, 2008 10:07 am

Sounds like a good year for hoofin' it. Hittin' the bricks. Perambulatin', that is.

theCryptofishist · Post by **theCryptofishist** » Sun Aug 17, 2008 1:13 pm

Timezone LaFontaine wrote:Sounds like a good year for hoofin' it. Hittin' the bricks. Perambulatin', that is.

Curses!