We got there on Thursday and hour or two after the gate opened, and did get a ride around the area by Doxie. Unfortunately, we were too busy hanging onto the golf cart to really pay close enough attention to which areas were and were not reserved. (Maybe next year use the trick we use at the U.W.-- we place (and tape) pre-printed paper bags over the parking meters when we make parking on Lake Street off limits. Bags could already be marked for reserved camping spaces, and then placed over the signs and taped so that they don't get knocked off. All they would really need is the word "Reserved", or even an "R" printed on them with marker.)
Anyway, we saw something like three places we liked which we thought were in the non-reserved area, got everything unloaded from the mini-van, and got well into setting things up when we found out we were in Midwest Mayhem's zone. Unfortunately, by then the only place in that area which was left which we could be certain wasn't in a reserved area which didn't have someone setting up in it was too small. Plus, I was worried that I might be getting a dehydration headache, the friend of mine whose minivan we were using wasn't looking too good, and my brother-- well, with him, who knows?!
Unfortunately, it was about an hour or so on the drive back when it occurred to us we might have been able to bribe our way into Midwest Mayhem's camp (since when my friend talked to them they seemed friendly enough). After all, we had bratwurst and other meat products (kind of an odd story behind the "other meat products," since I am the one who procured them and am still not entirely certain what they are), two propane stoves, and a charcoal grill. And vodka.
There is a good possibility we may try again next year. (I don't know if it would be possible to schedule LoF to improves the odds of good weather or not.)
I have also got a transfer at the U.W. to Physical Plant, which does not have Blackout Dates, so, depending upon other factors (such as money, and how badly the mandatory 8 days off without pay, goes) I might be able to make it to Burning Man again.
Finally, I think I am going to try to get myself in better physical shape for next year. (I don't really see how it could hurt..., well, I suppose I could always injure my
other ankle...!
I think I will put that on my list of things to avoid!)
Now, if only I could figure out where to get the money for a school bus to customize, things would really be going well for next year!
"Nothing is withheld from us which we have conceived to do.
Do things that have never been done."
--Russell Kirsch
(Between the heat and humidity, not being able to find a camp site with shade which was big enough for our three tents and supplies, and concerns about health, we decided to head back to Wisconsin.) Maybe next year the weather will be better...
