Arriving at night

[jhx]

Hi, I'm a virgin who will be arriving after my friends have already set up camp. Logistically it would be easiest for me to get there Monday night (around 7 or 8 PM) but based on what I've read in the guide and on this board, it seems like it might be difficult to find them then (we don't have an assigned spot). How scary/confusing would a nightime arrival for a first timer be? Would I be much better off trying to get there during daylight?

Also I'll be picking up a will call ticket if that matters.

Thanks!

[Boijoy]

Have your friends pick a spiffy name for their camp & register at the center camp computers. Also, if you already know what time your arriving.. just have your friends meet you at center camp. There is supposed to be cell service this year, but I'm thinking it might be tough to get a call thru.

[chiefdanfox]

It will probably be impossible for you to find your friends, day or night, if you haven't made any provisions to hook up. You should have a place and a few times to try for a rendezvous, like at the corner of DNA and 6:30 from 11-12 on Monday, something like that. Make it real specific, and pick the most dependable person. If you can, make about four paper plates that YOU have colored, drawn on, so you recognize them, have your buddies post them on the bulletin board near Center Camp, and leave a note for you at the Post Office with their particulars. This place looks like a refugee camp met the Good Sam Club and had a baby while on acid. Better that you get a little redundant on your hook up plans than have only one or perhaps as in your case, none.

You are going to feel intoxicated whether or not you are (best wait to find said friends before having that martini), and the added stress of trying to find your friends will undoubtedly tarnish your first few hours (or days) there. It will probably be hard even if you do make plans. There is this concept called Playa Time: Mañana is far too urgent an expression in defining Playa Time.
Damn, I really wish I was going this year. Have fun!

[Dork]

7-8pm shouldn't be a problem. Like Boijoy says, there are computers in center camp where you can register your camp's location. Agree on a camp name and rough location - 4:00 and E, for example. When you arrive, park your car on the side of the road near there and walk to center camp. Look up the actual location, then walk around until you find your friends. Then, go get your car and set up your tent. Piece of cake! Okay not really, but it will all work out in the end. Be sure to keep a backpack handy with warm clothes, personal lighting, and water bottle so you don't have to unpack half your crap before you take off on foot to find the camp.

The road in will likely be very busy at that time so trying to predict exactly when you'll arrive will be difficult. Probably best to just work it out so you can find the camp on your own rather than meet them at a specific time.

[BitterDan]

Remember that you're friends will need to go to PlayaInfo and add their camp to the database. It doesn't happen automagically.

[yellowdog]

1) heed above advice
2)have a plan B: in case Playa Info computers are down, make a plan for your camp to post info AT A SPECIFIC PLACE on the Playa Info bulletin board i.e. farthest lower right corner as you look at the board (s). Those boards can get crowded.
3) Plan C: screw it. Find your own camping neighborhood. Make new life-long friends. *Probably the easiest option.*

[dragonpilot]

And don't be driving your vehicle in the dark if you're still looking for them...you could very easily run over someone...it HAS happened. If you haven't found your camp, just find an open spot to camp for the night, go out and have a good time, come back, get some sleep, wait for daybreak to start your search again.

[swampdog]

rumors have it that we may have cell phone service this year. It's worth a try, but don't count on it. If it doesn't work - follow all the above advice.

And please switch the damned thing off once you're found your camp. Nobody wants the default world to intrude on their burn.

[jhx]

Thanks everyone - the very fact so many people took the time to give thoughtful replies makes me feel more comfortable about arriving on my own, knowing the same spirit of community will prevail on the playa.

[phil]

rumors have it that we may have cell phone service this year. It's worth a try, but don't count on it.

Louise and I got a call last night from a friend on the playa. Some delay, so it's mildly difficult to have a conversation. He says there are 35 dial tones, so don't count in getting one when you need it.

[Dork]

Louise and I got a call last night from a friend on the playa. Some delay, so it's mildly difficult to have a conversation. He says there are 35 dial tones, so don't count in getting one when you need it.

Last year it was a piece of cake getting on the internet before the event. After Saturday or Sunday I couldn't get on once.

I wouldn't count on getting one of those 35 dial tones no matter how patiently you try. Don't make any plans whatsoever that involve calling or receiving a call.

[The Bee]

Last year my wife arrived on Monday and set up camp. I got a ride on Thursday. I knew she was planning on camping around 7 or 8 and E or F. Neither of us had been to Burning Man before. My ride dropped me off at the 3 O'Clock plaza around noon and I set off on foot. After much fun and adventure with random strangers, I chanced to run into two very good friends: we had stumbled on a camp that was serving Lemonade. (Thanks Lemonade Guys, whoever you are!) Then within a half and hour I happened to find my wife's van. Talk about serendipity!

But I wouldn't count on serendipity. Have a backup plan.

[Bob]

Staple picnic plates with directions to your camp to the nearest greeter.