Long Distance Pilgrimage

TheBurningFish · Post by **TheBurningFish** » Sun Jun 07, 2009 11:22 am

Hello Burning Man community.

I'm planning and preparing to go with some friends and family to my first burn in 2010. I live in Scotland, so I have to travel a bit, which is fine in itself. The problem is bringing things like tents, water, and all sorts of stuff.

Can anyone give me some tips on what to do? Can I get ahold of everything I need in Gerlach? What about transport from the airport to BRC?

Thanks in advance. I suppose this thread would be useful for anyone suffering similair problems.

Post by **AntiM** » Sun Jun 07, 2009 11:33 am

Gerlach is a tiny town, you will get your supplies in Reno.

Getting from Reno to the playa ... you may have to rent a car, or search the rideshare boards. There is no public transportation. I don't know if the biobus is running this year or not.

Lots of folks do this from long distance, so it is not impossible. Scour these boards for info and contacts.

TheBurningFish · Post by **TheBurningFish** » Sun Jun 07, 2009 11:35 am

Do you know roughly how much money I should bring or expect to spend?

Post by **AntiM** » Sun Jun 07, 2009 11:40 am

Um. Um. It depends on how basic you want to go. It can be done inexpensively, but that's not as comfy. We've had our infrastructure for so many years, I don't know prices for things like rental cars or even tents.

Anyone else?

Have you gone over the survival guide and get a list of what supplies you'll need?

Water: you will need more than you think.

Food: you will need less than you think.

TheBurningFish · Post by **TheBurningFish** » Sun Jun 07, 2009 11:47 am

I didn't imagine I'd need much food, but I'm still slightly worried about the idea of water, being that I live in a fairly cold country (arctic compared to the playa) I imagine I shall be sweating my balls off, even with it evaporating :P
How do people usually take their water? I thought most would take tons of bottles or ice boxes.

phil · Post by **phil** » Sun Jun 07, 2009 1:25 pm

> How do people usually take their water?

I take mine neat.

Kindly confirm that you have read the beginners' materials at
http://www.burningman.com/first_timers/

The link there to regional contacts should get you in touch with more or less local groups who go to Burning Man. The links in the green menu on the right will give you more information on what you'll need.

Drop by Louise's and my site at
http://www.cieux.com/bm/bmtoc.html#perennialGuides
for our guides for first and second timers and "things you didn't know you'd need," which has a list of items and links to a dozen or so lists by others who have suggestions.

See Louise's Reno pages at
http://civilizedexplorer.pbworks.com/CivExReno
which has links to shopping in and around Reno. Gerlach has no stores, so you can't buy stuff there.

As for budgeting, it's hard for anyone to guess what your budget should be. You will not need much money at the Burn itself, as nothing but ice and coffee are sold on the playa. You will need money (or credit cards useable in the US) before you leave Reno.

Louise and I buy 2.5 gallon containers of water at supermarkets, and we also have collapsible 2.5 gallon jugs that we take to our motel in Reno and fill up before we leave Reno for the playa. We use the collapsible jugs for other camping trips, so they are a reasonable purchase for us. My suggestion for your trip is to buy the large containers of drinking water at a supermarket, along with your food and other supplies. Reno has lots of outdoor activities, so you will have no trouble finding all the camping gear you will need. See Louise's Reno pages for locations, hours, URLs, phone numbers, and more.

You are planning now for your 2010 trip, and I think that's a fair start. Browse the posts here now and after this year's burn, and you'll get many tips on tents, shades, water, and more.

Good luck and have fun.

TheBurningFish · Post by **TheBurningFish** » Sun Jun 07, 2009 1:38 pm

Excellent, you have been most helpful :)

I suppose most of the stuff you recommend is easily available from a Wal Mart or something similair? I won't need to trek around Reno trying to find supplies, will I?

dragonpilot · Post by **dragonpilot** » Sun Jun 07, 2009 1:38 pm

It's like camping...the more elaborate your kit, the more elaborate your meals. Some show up with just a tent and cooler, others arrive in $500,000 motorhomes...and everything in between.

I live in the Northwest US...weather's much like Scotland. I get by on 12 gallons of water, but I'm also consuming fruit, greens, and other beverages like coffee, tea, beer (lots of beer). The air is very dry...you will not see sweat as it evaporates almost instantly.

You can purchase only 2 items inside the venue...ice (about $4USD per 8 lbs) and espresso drinks (including lemonade, tea and chai) about $4USD ea. Everything else must be brought in.

A fair number of camps share meals, beverages, etc., but you must plan to be self-sufficient.

Post by **AntiM** » Sun Jun 07, 2009 3:09 pm

Also, many people are not prepared for the temperature drop at night. It can vary by 40 degrees F or more. You won't need a parka, but have layers of clothes.

Bob · Post by **Bob** » Sun Jun 07, 2009 4:10 pm

Huh? Always bring an anorak.

phil · Post by **phil** » Sun Jun 07, 2009 4:16 pm

> I suppose most of the stuff you recommend is easily available
> from a Wal Mart or something similair?

I believe most of the gear can be had at one of the big box stores. You can check their online sites and get prices, while you're working on your budget.

I'd also consider ordering stuff a month ahead of your arrival and choosing in-store pick up at the Reno store. Web prices are often cheaper than in-store prices. There is no charge for delivery if you pick it up in store - and you won't waste time wandering in the store looking for stuff.

The down side is, if you don't make it for whatever reason, you've bought it. You'll have to go through hoops asking for a refund.

Simon of the Playa · Post by **Simon of the Playa** » Sun Jun 07, 2009 4:49 pm

Do you know roughly how much money I should bring or expect to spend?

you count always count on the scots to be thrifty.

The down side is, if you don't make it for whatever reason, you've bought it. You'll have to go through hoops asking for a refund.

dont scare the thrifty scotsman.

theCryptofishist · Post by **theCryptofishist** » Sun Jun 07, 2009 7:23 pm

Bob wrote:Huh? Always bring an anorak.

And don't try and smuggle him in without a ticket.

gyre · Post by **gyre** » Sun Jun 07, 2009 7:30 pm

theCryptofishist wrote:
Bob wrote:Huh? Always bring an anorak.
And don't try and smuggle him in without a ticket.

TheBurningFish · Post by **TheBurningFish** » Mon Jun 08, 2009 2:37 am

An anorak? How cold does it get? I saw something on the site it sometimes goes down to about 4C/39F? It was that outside last night, an anorak was not a necessity.

Simon of the Playa · Post by **Simon of the Playa** » Mon Jun 08, 2009 4:51 am

UnMcFuckingBelievable.

IT"S A JOKE SCOTTIE.

i predict that YOU ARE McDoomed.

Post by **AntiM** » Mon Jun 08, 2009 5:58 am

Ah, Simon, thank you for pointing out the humor. Right. On we go then.

The Bio-bus is running again this year, so it may be back in 2010.

http://www.burncleanproject.org/2009/06 ... -brc-reno/

TheBurningFish · Post by **TheBurningFish** » Mon Jun 08, 2009 6:25 am

Simon of the Playa wrote:UnMcFuckingBelievable.

IT"S A JOKE SCOTTIE.

i predict that YOU ARE McDoomed.

Chill out.

And "Mc" is an Irish prefix.

Post by **AntiM** » Mon Jun 08, 2009 7:15 am

MacDoomed?

welcome to the eplaya, not to be confused with THE playa.

Simon of the Playa · Post by **Simon of the Playa** » Mon Jun 08, 2009 7:34 am

And "Mc" is an Irish prefix.

i KNOW!

god forbid you be mistaken for a potato fucking baby digging and a fightin' drunken Mick.

right Thrifty?

TheBurningFish · Post by **TheBurningFish** » Mon Jun 08, 2009 8:00 am

Simon of the Playa wrote:
And "Mc" is an Irish prefix.

i KNOW!

god forbid you be mistaken for a potato fucking baby digging and a fightin' drunken Mick.

right Thrifty?

If you knew, why wouldn't you just put "Mac"?

Chirst, what's your problem? And why are you posting here if you have yet to contribute to the thread at all?

Thecatman · Post by **Thecatman** » Mon Jun 08, 2009 8:45 am

Lately the night time temps have been in the 40sF for the last two weeks with daily rain

in northern Nevada. The playa is almost 4,000 feet in elevation and can have a 40-50F degree differance in temperatures from day time highs to early morning lows. The coldest time is right before sunrise. According to the weather.com average high in late August, early September is around 86F and the average low is around 55F. Come perpaired for extremes one way or the other. A sweatshirt and jeans should be more then enough for the early morning if its cool out.

Bob · Post by **Bob** » Mon Jun 08, 2009 9:03 am

No joke. Some nights you can go out in your skivvies, some nights you need an anorak and beer gloves.

Post by **AntiM** » Mon Jun 08, 2009 10:33 am

That's the thing about the open forum style of the eplaya .. you have to sort out what you want to reply to and what you want to ignore. The performance art creeps in all the time.

On topic? Here?

Good luck with that, and I can say that, I'm one of the moderators. Use your plonk feature if you truly want to ignore someone.

Da Mule · Post by **Da Mule** » Mon Jun 08, 2009 12:01 pm

TheBurningFish wrote:Chirst, what's your problem? And why are you posting here if you have yet to contribute to the thread at all?

His problem = mornings....look at the time of day of his posts. 6:49AM!! He's woken up too early, hasn't had coffee yet, or dealt with the wood.

As AntiM suggested, you can "plonk" him by clicking the sad face button under his name.

I believe that is humor was a veiled way of saying that there's now way we can estimate how much money you'll spend. Everyone plans differently, has different needs etc.

RE: the anorak: Many folks, although they may be used to cold temperatures, are not used to the extremes. SUPER hot in the day and then cold at night/early morning isn't the same as cool all day.

I'd plan on a good 8 hours in Reno picking up gear and last minute ideas. Another tip: it's advisable to rent a hotel for one night before you head back home. That way you can take a good shower (or a few depending on how long your hair is) before you head back on the plane. I had to take 3-4 showers before the dust finally got out of my hair. Even after that, I was sweating dust for the whole plane trip back to the East Coast.

Simon of the Playa · Post by **Simon of the Playa** » Mon Jun 08, 2009 1:53 pm

TheBurningFish wrote:
Chirst, what's your problem? And why are you posting here if you have yet to contribute to the thread at all?

ah, but i already have, the mule, knowing all too well when he sees it, knows that i am an ass.

an ass who has been to black rock more times than your kilt has pleats, and who just might have a tasty bit o' haggas for you if you wade thru the filet mignon and get to the good stuff.

and rest assured, the blarney you'll encounter my orange friend will be TEN times more inane and ridiculous on the playa...

i suggest you read, re-read, and memorize the first timers guide and survival tips readily available and FREE no less, and then report back.

ps. glascow rocks.

TheBurningFish · Post by **TheBurningFish** » Mon Jun 08, 2009 1:58 pm

Simon of the Playa wrote:[Wall of text]

Um, thank you??

The blarney stone is also Irish, by the way, but whatever. I'm not bothered.

oneeyeddick · Post by **oneeyeddick** » Mon Jun 08, 2009 2:02 pm

Hey, at least the Scottish have the shepherd's pie to claim as thier own, right ?

Simon of the Playa · Post by **Simon of the Playa** » Mon Jun 08, 2009 2:10 pm

The blarney stone is also Irish, by the way, but whatever. I'm not bothered.

i know that too...

but when are you and your emerald isle brothers going to wake up, and agree that you're both a bunch of drunkards under the thumb of the British, who are a bunch of Pervert Drunkards.

throw off your shackles, man.

Post by **AntiM** » Mon Jun 08, 2009 3:53 pm

Can I be that annoying American who knows all the clans in my geneaology, but has never made it to Scotland (yet)?