hi :) virgin la girl

theycallmemo · Post by **theycallmemo** » Fri Sep 18, 2009 2:48 pm

missed out on the burn for '09....but making BIG plans to attend 2010.
metropolis theme sounds AMAZING.
i'm excited to be attending the regional la burn event here in la in oct.
just wanted to introduce myself :)
any ideas about theme camps i should be looking into for 2010?
i know it's early but i'm really excited to start planning this out!
thank you in advance.

Post by **Elderberry** » Fri Sep 18, 2009 3:48 pm

Hey there, welcome to eplaya!

JK

Bounce530 · Post by **Bounce530** » Fri Sep 18, 2009 3:48 pm

Forget the theme camp and go on your own.
don't bring a bike that you will miss
zip tie your camera to your wrist
never set your backpack down
use a sippy cup
lock everything else up in your car
and poop in a bucket if you want to fall in love during lunch.

There I just broke down the last two weeks of this board for you, so you know what to expect after 2010.

Artemis · Post by **Artemis** » Fri Sep 18, 2009 3:51 pm

You got me rolling on the floor there Bounce, but you forgot the BJ.

Welcome to eplaya, mo. Read the Survival Guide, many, many times.

I camp alone and love it. You really don't need a theme camp to have fun. But if you're set on that, read the boards (here and eplaya) and see what you can find out about camps that you may like. I have no idea - don't know enough about you. When you go to the regional in October you'll have a chance to meet people in person. They might have better advice on what camp you'd like.

impboy · Post by **impboy** » Fri Sep 18, 2009 4:26 pm

By "regional," I assume you mean Decom, no? :-)

Well, I'd beg to differ about camping alone. That all depends on how many resources you have. I had a pretty good job in '99 and did it by myself, but that's the only year I have since.

I personally would recommend going with at least one or two other people, just to share the costs of driving up, renting an RV, building shade structures, etc. BM can get very expensive, so it helps to have others around that can lighten the financial load a little bit.

But now is a GREAT time to make connections. LA has a very strong burner community, and all you have to do really is find the people doing the sorts of things you like to do and you feel comfortable sweating out 100+ degree heatwaves with, and tell them you're ready, willing and able to contribute your skills, toil and mojo to the cause. Everyone is happy to help out a virgin - their enthusiasm and perspective helps a lot in keeping the experience vital for everyone involved.

There are parties and benefits thrown throughout the year by various camps, and that's a good place to meet established burners. There are also opportunities to volunteer for the Black Rock City Rangers, DPW, Center Camp, or a host of other BRC civil servant positions. Just ask yourself what you like to do or have always wanted to do, and you'll find it. And if not, feel free to make it happen.

Look forward to seeing you at Decom!

Elorrum · Post by **Elorrum** » Fri Sep 18, 2009 6:41 pm

Weeel, my first year camping alone, I had to purchase my own generator, shower, RV, 80,000 watt sound system, mutant articulated public transit bus, 50 foot dome structure, and laser lighting system. It would have been nice to have 1 or two others to share the cost with. I've simplified a bit since then... tent, shade, bike, couple of coolers, 10 gallons of water. It all fits in my focus hatchback.

gyre · Post by **gyre** » Fri Sep 18, 2009 7:15 pm

and poop in a bucket if you want to fall in love during lunch.

?????

impboy · Post by **impboy** » Fri Sep 18, 2009 8:41 pm

[quote="Elorrum"]Weeel, my first year camping alone, I had to purchase my own generator, shower, RV, 80,000 watt sound system, mutant articulated public transit bus, 50 foot dome structure, and laser lighting system. It would have been nice to have 1 or two others to share the cost with. I've simplified a bit since then... tent, shade, bike, couple of coolers, 10 gallons of water. It all fits in my focus hatchback.[/quote]

Well, first off, it's good to see that decorum thrives on ePlaya.

I for starters would never bring my car to BM unless my back was to the wall. The playa is tough on everything, cars included, and the dust and dryness will take its toll eventually on your system. Plus you're gonna have to get it cleaned and checked before you make the drive, as you're testing the suspension to the limits.

While I am SO amazed to see how resourceful and self-sufficient you are, Elorrum, in going it alone, I think you're a bit mistaken to think that everyone is going to bring the same things to the playa that you are. Some people are artists and need to haul material and tools to the playa. Others have gifts to bring that require more space than a Focus hatchback can provide. It all depends on the experience you want to have and give others, whether you're a virgin or not, and that may not be the one you've opted for, Elorrum. And yes, it may require a little help, depending on the person's individual situation. Finally, maybe some of us would rather not put the extra miles on our car, especially if we're coming all the way from LA, as this person is.

gyre · Post by **gyre** » Fri Sep 18, 2009 8:56 pm

Such a distance!!!

Elorrum · Post by **Elorrum** » Fri Sep 18, 2009 9:10 pm

ow ow ow!!! that's the last time I try sarcasm in this place.

I've made three trips to the playa, and three trips to Washington State, from the SF Bay Area in three years. In that car. It is paid for. It's clean and I maintain it. I have it serviced before I go on a long trip, and I get it cleaned and change the air filter when I get back. It works o.k. at 85,000 miles. I don't agree that driving on the playa test the suspension of a car to the limits. It's flat. and you drive 5mph or less.

I don't agree that the volume of what you bring indicates the value of it. I don't feel that my contributions don't count because they fit in a compact car. I helped on a large art vehicle that I didn't have to transport. I cannot afford to bring more, get rent a bigger car, truck, rv, to bring bigger more, and I thought your innitial argument was affordability as a reason to join up with others. I wanted to make the point that a lot of stuff isn't always necessary.

theCryptofishist · Post by **theCryptofishist** » Sat Sep 19, 2009 11:24 am

Elorrum wrote:ow ow ow!!! that's the last time I try sarcasm in this place. :wink:

I got it. It was so apparent to me that I thought no comment was necessary. Sorry.

I don't agree that the volume of what you bring indicates the value of it. I don't feel that my contributions don't count because they fit in a compact car.

Sometimes the smallest gifts are the best. Nobody's car is so crammed that they can't fit kindness in.