Hello There

DiveDogFLL · Post by **DiveDogFLL** » Thu Oct 08, 2009 9:58 am

Hey there, I'm a newbie, and from Fort Lauderdale. (1st post)

I'm thinking about attending in 2010, and have been reading the BM site, and am deep into this fourm.

maybe you can help direct me to some info...

I'm wondering about
1) logistics of attending.. mainly getting a lot of stuff from Florida. (and/or airport). -like drop shipping a honda 2000. or a few hundred pounds of supplies.

2) where to camp, and / or getting in with a theme camp. (I read the BM info on parking on the outside of the ring).

The theme camps seem like a great (better) way to participate, but not too much info on the BM index, some links, but not really too much about the folks or the vibe.

I'm a sailor and use to being self sufficent, but I also like to rough it easy... cold beer, showers, etc... so RV's seem like best bet. (renting locally)

the logistics are a bit overwelming... bike, water, power, coolers, food, clothes... not sure how to do all that when flying in and single.

Does anyone have ideas on how to meet possible camp mates, before I get out there? are there any folks from FLA heading to BM 2010?

-another question about the desert... would a electric leaf blower (high volume) be desirable to cool off? (it is here). I was thinking this might be a good idea for a theme... getting a few of these hooked up to cool folks down. (or is it just too damn hot out there). do you use fans?

I also tried to watch some youtube videos on the camps, but nothing really shows camp life, or what camps are (areas) all about...

also how to I not come off as a tourist...

TIA!

Post by **Elderberry** » Thu Oct 08, 2009 10:06 am

Hey there, welcome to eplaya!

JK

(leaf-blower is NOT a good idea)

theCryptofishist · Post by **theCryptofishist** » Thu Oct 08, 2009 10:10 am

DiveDogFLL wrote:2) where to camp, and / or getting in with a theme camp.

Regional, or with this and other boards. Be polite if you are refused. Chances are, unless you're really odd, you'll find people willing to camp with you.

DiveDogFLL wrote:The theme camps seem like a great (better) way to participate, but not too much info on the BM index, some links, but not really too much about the folks or the vibe.

From the Main Web Page go find the On the Playa section and find the theme camps link and keep looking until you have the list of this year's (2009) list. Scan the list until you find one or more that look interesting. There should be an associated email address. Compose a polite yet friendly email in an "informational interview" style. Don't ask if you can join, just ask what they look for, what the "vibe" is, and whatever else you find is important with you. Our camp is one that offers space by invitation only. Others might only have room for friends. Understand that, and don't seem too needy.

DiveDogFLL wrote:I'm a sailor and use to being self sufficent, but I also like to rough it easy... cold beer, showers, etc... so RV's seem like best bet. (renting locally)

the logistics are a bit overwelming... bike, water, power, coolers, food, clothes... not sure how to do all that when flying in and single.

There's lots written about both these subjects in threads on this board. Go through the first page or two on "Tips and Tricks" sub-forum and see what's been written on this already. Or use the search function.

DiveDogFLL · Post by **DiveDogFLL** » Thu Oct 08, 2009 10:30 am

Great, yes I've seen the theme camp index, and hit a few of the websites... unless its the boobie bar, or similar, the description is not really that...

but I like the email intro, and will try that.

Since I'm over 50, I'm probably looking for a lower key camp, yet would like to contribute.... (hushville? I'm guessing they have less noise at night)

-Ok, here's another idea..
have you seen the silica gel neck wraps? basically its silica gel crystals, wrapped in cotton tubes, that when are immersed in water, expand about 20x, and hold water. (its also used in non-dirt pots for plants) we dunk them in a cooler and wear them around the neck... keeps the neck veins and arteries cool.

if I were to make these up as gifts, how many do I need to make? would 1000 be too small a quanity?

I have ZERO desert experience... heat + humidity is our main issue down here... I guess you don't really sweat. LOL!

CornStar · Post by **CornStar** » Thu Oct 08, 2009 11:45 am

1000 sounds like way more than you need. You don't have to provide a gift for every person on the playa. Tho it wouldn't be unheard of. You don't need an RV, get a solar shower and use dry ice to keep your beer cold. Dunno about the leaf blower what with all the alkali dust everywhere. I would invest your time and money into finding a great shade set up. you're gonna want to be outside all day and shade is very necessary. spray bottles with mini battery powered fans are usually sufficient for cooling off on the playa.

DiveDogFLL · Post by **DiveDogFLL** » Thu Oct 08, 2009 11:58 am

As you can see, I'm not sure what to expect, and wouldn't want to run out, and piss off the crowd. sounds like you can just start and stop the giving at any time.

I joined a few news groups for Florida burners... we'll see how that goes... but might be a little early down here...

-Let me clarify the leaf blower idea.. is not for the ground! its just a very high powered fan, for people. like using compressed air to blow the dust off you when working on cars and stuff. (like a squirrle house/ bird cage (wheel) fan)

I used one (leaf blower) last night when cleaning out the garage, then turned it on my face to blow off sweat and dry me. felt great...

I was thinking a few of these aimed at waist or chest might help cool folks off. like a wind tunnel.

then again, it might just be hot air blowing on you.

-on the shade, I was thinking of using a car garage and tent under it... dealing w/ dust, no so sure about.

anyway, thanks again, I'm reading.

theCryptofishist · Post by **theCryptofishist** » Thu Oct 08, 2009 7:58 pm

The carport is a widely used shade structure. Just be sure it's well connected to rebar or some other stake to hold it in.
50 is not an issue. The event skews older than the press and other stories would have you believe. Average age might be mid/late 30s with plenty of people in their 40s and on up. We have some retirees dispensing their wisdom on the board.
Heat is something--but humidity is not an issue. It's less than 10% out there, as I recall.

DiveDogFLL · Post by **DiveDogFLL** » Fri Oct 09, 2009 8:04 am

Thanks again for the replys!

I've been doing some reading. -quite a bit...

Terminal city is pretty impressive. as are the free bars.

I can see it will be quite a challenge to get all the crap I'd WANT, to the playa... water alone could fill up a trunk of a rental car... LOL. not to mention bikes, a small gen set, fuel, food, coolers, etc. etc...

let me ask another question.

The bars/camps are funded HOW? out of the campers pockets? I'm guessing a few grand per person just to fund them... plus the manpower to run them...

What I'm starting to think is I might want to try to 'donate' my way into a better equiped camp, so I wouldn't need to bring a huge amount of junk 2000 miles. plus having the campers help look after my stuff. (I did read some of the threads on theft...)

So my real question is, is there a 'membership fee, er, donation' of some kind expected by each camper?
-It sure would be a lot easier (for me) to share expenses with some local veterans, than for me to do it solo, from 2000 miles away.

As much as I'd like to experience the event, I'm not so crazy about Not showering for 4-5 days...

I can see the playa vetrans do it right, and come prepared, which is how I'd want to go...

-don't get me wrong, I'm not looking for a room for rent, I'm a worker and contribuitor... but when I do finally crash, I really don't want to sleep in mud & dirt, and eat dusty food.

Assuming I present myself properly, do campers look for other well funded campers?

-btw, I'm also looking into the west palm beach burner news group... seems they do a caravan, that may take my stuff. -for a price.

Post by **AntiM** » Fri Oct 09, 2009 8:39 am

Different theme camps have dues or fees. It can vary wildly. Go through the theme camps listings on the main site, most will have a link to their own homepage. Money should be discussed there if you are interested. Volunteering and contributing works for smaller camps, possibly, but as I said, it will vary. Big camps do require more in the way of camp dues.

However, you can do this thing solo. We camp in Hushville (a village) and the four or five of us have a nice little camp. I give away art, I call for donations of art and wonderful folk come through. I don't even want to think about what I actually spend.

theCryptofishist · Post by **theCryptofishist** » Fri Oct 09, 2009 9:49 am

Dues at the Booby Bar consist of a certain amount of liquor, food for the camp for one night (divided by the several people cooking that night,) ice tax of ~40, JotS tax of 25 and maybe something for the gennies. A lot of our boos comes from donations of random burners. Oddly enough almost everyone brings too much.

DiveDogFLL · Post by **DiveDogFLL** » Fri Oct 09, 2009 3:16 pm

The more I know about BM, the more impressed I am with the planning and organization.

We have some big Halloween parties down here, w/ large art, stages, performers, but this is really off the chart. (if you're in the area: Viscaya in coconut grove, very nice! )

is there a final map available? One with themes and villages listed?

I think that would help a lot.... see who camps near who...

I saw a good .pdf map, that had the major areas, potties, street names and clock#'s -But not the placement of camps.

I figure its like going to jazzfest (or beach) certain groups go the the same place every year... grouped somewhat by music tastes, or lifestyles...

Post by **Sham** » Fri Oct 09, 2009 3:53 pm

Let me try to offer some helpful hints to you and other first timers.
As far as gifts, you really don't have to bring any. this is not a swap thing nor is it like Halloween where people are asking for things. I work around the number 30 for things that I give away. I brought 40 bike locks, 50 laser cut necklaces, 20 flashlights etc. Again, don't feel like you need to barter anything.
Try to pack all you need in a few big suit cases. try to keep them to 50 lbs. each and use a carry-on for the extra weight. Instead of a generator, bring a small power inverter to plug into the power port of your rental. You will not need power for for anything unless you are running a theme camp.
Buy a small, light tent with heavy duty stakes, and light 10x10 shade structure with heavy lines and stakes. Food, water, and other neccessities can be purchased in Reno, as can all your camping gear.
As far as a shower, you can get a portable shower stall tent at Walmart for $40 and a shower bag for $6. Water comes in 2 1/2 gallon jugs and you can figure 2 gallons a day for showering. I bring a plastic salad bowl for dunking my wash cloth and sudsing up.
You will probably want a bike to get around the 7 square miles of playa, but you could walk and catch rides on art cars. Don't forget the bike lock!
Bring lots of funky, colorful playa wear and let your craziest imagination come out.
The first year, come with an open mind and don't try to go too crazy trying to bring everything you will think you will need. Bring things and buy things wisely.

Oh, and WELCOME!

FrankA · Post by **FrankA** » Fri Oct 09, 2009 4:41 pm

I attended this year solo from AL. I took a minimalist approach and it worked out great for me, I am easy and had some wonderful neighbors. I flew in to Sacremento, CA (saved me a few dollars) and rented a car to drive in (it was an awesome drive in, I-80 is a nice drive if you're not used to mountains). I took as much as I could cram into one suitcase; mostly clothes, tent and, some other gear. I bought food, toiletries, and water in reno and, picked up an extra at the ride share since I had room. In hind sight I should have paid the extra fee to take an extra piece of luggage on the plane as it would have been cheaper than buying the remaining camping stuff in reno (it was alot more there than here). While this worked for me it may not for you.

I did not have a "shower" but, baby wipes and washing off with a wet towel were sufficient. In reality expect to be covered in dust regardless. I did also use my neighbors shower one day, there is also a human carcass wash.
I did not have any way to cook, not even boil water. All of my food I could eat without cooking and, one of my neighbors fed me a few times.
I did not have a bike but, I don't mind walking even though I had blisters after the first day; bring comfy shoes.
The one thing that I did not have that I would have really like to have had is a shade structure. Again, my neighbors were generous enough to let me chill in theirs.

What I did take I took way too much of. This was my first year so I was not real sure what to expect but, I read over as much as I could in the six weeks I used to plan this trip. Even then, everything that I had planned seems to have fallen apart in reno and it was awesome.

Read all of the first timer info, lurk these forums and, take in all the information you can. I understand your difficulty with logistics so feel free to pm if you have any questions you think I can help you with.

theCryptofishist · Post by **theCryptofishist** » Fri Oct 09, 2009 6:28 pm

DiveDogFLL wrote:is there a final map available? One with themes and villages listed?

I think that would help a lot.... see who camps near who...

I saw a good .pdf map, that had the major areas, potties, street names and clock#'s -But not the placement of camps.

I figure its like going to jazzfest (or beach) certain groups go the the same place every year... grouped somewhat by music tastes, or lifestyles...

That map you saw is probably as good as it gets. I guess someone could scan the one that we get at the gate, and that wll have the placed theme camps and villages on it. Just know that that map is incomplete. Most people and camps aren't placed on the playa. They come in and find space and plonk themselves down. And while who's camped next to whom isn't completely random, it's not necessarily pertinent.

"The map is not the territory;" it wasn't coined by burners, but a lot of us find it useful.

DiveDogFLL · Post by **DiveDogFLL** » Fri Oct 09, 2009 8:21 pm

This is what I was looking at.

http://earth.burningman.com/brc/2009/

-actually, zooming in now <max zoom>, I do see a lot of names of camps... didn't remember seeing that before...

The one you get when you drive in is all filled in? yes?

Anyone have one scanned?

its pretty much the same layout year to year?

also, can anyone tell me about the mailcenter / bulletin board?

A good place to exchange / meet? or low percentage chance of getting msgs?

-no phones or wi-fi this year... right?

FrankA · Post by **FrankA** » Fri Oct 09, 2009 10:33 pm

the layout stays basically the same. the maps for 10 will be released a few weeks before the burn. they don't place camps till laet

bigbluedoggy · Post by **bigbluedoggy** » Fri Oct 09, 2009 10:48 pm

The full accurate placement map of theme camps is not distributed to attendees. This is for a number of reasons, but the main reason is that the placers often have to fudge some borders a bit to make things work out between neighbors... some need a bit more space, some have way too much for their camp size. The map you have found is the most accurate one you are likely to find and as you may note it still doesn't list all of the placed camps by name. And next year, the camps will have changed, the placement will have adjusted and you can't be sure of who will be near whom until about 3 weeks out, and even then only vaguely. Bottom line here is: don't worry about the map. I don't believe that map you have was available before the event. The first place you can see an accurate map showing placed camps is at Playa Info near Center Camp once you have already arrived on the playa. As a virgin, it's going to be far more important to find a group that you like the vibe of than worry about where they are camped.

DiveDogFLL · Post by **DiveDogFLL** » Sat Oct 10, 2009 5:35 am

good info again. Thank you!

I see I'll need to meet some like minded burners, way before I get there... which might be a challenge living in FL.

The thing is I have pretty much everything I'd need to camp comfortably here at my place. honda 2000, inverters, dome tents, car garage, big 5 day coolers, solar shower, cots, bikes, etc...

The logistics will be a real challenge, and maybe a limiting constraint...

So, I guess my best bet is to try and meet up with some folks on line, that need some funding, or find enough people down here willing to drive.

any other msg boards I could look into?

I'm also guessing the msg traffic will slow way down here, in another month, until early summer, when people start thinking about this again...

OR?

-whats the best way to meet folks when you are on the east coast?

phish shows? lol.

Edit: what about the mail / bulletin board? how effective?

if I gave all my stuff to someone driving out, and flew in after they were parked, will I find them?

cell phones or wi-fi worked this year?
anyone use frs radios?

pinemom · Post by **pinemom** » Sat Oct 10, 2009 6:56 am

Howdy and welcome DiveDogFLL!

Yes it slows down....a little.Alot of people Hybernate from around Nov.1st to around Ticket time...(seems to get earlier every year?)
Then there is us 365 day'ers! Live Breath and eat the burn.

I get busy with family around the holidays...but I still try to have my morning coffee with Ygmir!

Wow I hadnt seen that eplaya earth map..
Interesting.

Booby Bar is NOT out on the Portal of 3:00 and A st. So you cant really take that map all the way to the bank...so to speak.
We are in the middle of that big plot (kinda rectangle in further from the portal ON A st. more 3:30 ish And they dont have the name Terminal City on it????

I often wondered about the logistics of getting your stuff from far location to BRC.

Seems almost a hard call:
$ for driving it all out(trailer pull on the engine)
vs. Buying it all out here and paying for a storage unit all yr.
Man. Quandary!

We really gotta get a Burner warehouse going in Sparks or Reno!

~another day another dream of mine.~

anyways Welcome to e-playa.

And I will have to tell ya...and dont let this go to your head(just read other peoples Virgin introduction threads) That everyone must instantly have liked ya...cause usually ya get a snark sandwhich at some point of the Hello!

Welcome ALMOST home!

People are only snarky on here 'cause you get to see them everyday here...and not everyone wakes up in a songbird gonna paint the sky rainbow colors everyday!

LOL

ygmir · Post by **ygmir** » Sat Oct 10, 2009 7:11 am

I'd say the best camp for a "newbie" to join is "reacharound camp"......

it's a good way to meet folks, and, get a grip on things..........

Simon of the Playa · Post by **Simon of the Playa** » Sat Oct 10, 2009 7:39 am

Chances are, unless you're really odd, you'll find people willing to camp with you.

actually, i have found that being really odd is a plus with some camps.

it works for me.

ygmir · Post by **ygmir** » Sat Oct 10, 2009 7:53 am

see, to me, "odd" is so relative..........

I'm odd, very odd......but, when with others of "like mind" then, not so odd............so, to be odd then, one must morph outside the dominant paradigm, of that group, at that time, which could mean anything, and, once morphed, one may find a group, that, again, fits.....and, as such, one must return to the chrysalis to again "step out" of the ethereal self........

ad infinitum........

*ok, I'm not drinking this coffee again*

Simon of the Playa · Post by **Simon of the Playa** » Sat Oct 10, 2009 8:20 am

what a bunch of odd fellows...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oddfellows

ygmir · Post by **ygmir** » Sat Oct 10, 2009 8:22 am

symbolised by 3 chain links..........

I've carved many a tombstone with said insignia.........

nice bunch of fellows.......like the Masons..........

Simon of the Playa · Post by **Simon of the Playa** » Sat Oct 10, 2009 8:23 am

Simon of the Playa · Post by **Simon of the Playa** » Sat Oct 10, 2009 8:27 am

[youtube][/youtube]

ygmir · Post by **ygmir** » Sat Oct 10, 2009 8:41 am

I thought that video had been redacted..........

(watch for Ricin man, he'll have the umbrella)

Simon of the Playa · Post by **Simon of the Playa** » Sat Oct 10, 2009 8:58 am

ah yes, poor Georgi Markov...

i actually know one of his relatives who lives here in rochester...

this is why i dont go to london anymore, the place is filled with bolsheviks.

ygmir · Post by **ygmir** » Sat Oct 10, 2009 9:07 am

yes, they had such panache, back in the day...........

pre-"Ft. Marcy Park".............

Elorrum · Post by **Elorrum** » Sat Oct 10, 2009 9:13 am

Have a good time, and then have a good time. Enjoy the planning, but consider it a holiday like no other. The information you want the most right now, you may find is not so important, even laughable perhaps. You'll understand when you get there. What you need for survival is essential, but everything else is for your fun, expression, and gift to community. Go big, go small, it's up to you. Many many folks have a fine time, and devise ingenious comforts without an R.V. To be honest, the things I've labored over the most have been of little consequence once I got there, digital music, and stereo set-ups in a solo camp never got listened to. Many lighting things, turned off when I wandered around, and maybe looked at by me for a half hour with the last cup of tea before turning in. Mass and volume: relative to each individual, and not an indication of quality. It all gets dirty, it has to be transported too and fro. Going minimal in dust accumulating profile is a direction I would consider. It changes for me, and I always bring too much stuff, even if I think I'm going to reduce. The last grocery bags of maybe I'll need this, proves what a bad packer I am. If I need it, I don't remember what bag it is in, and then I manage fine without it.

I was gifted one of those neck coolers, and when dry, they are quite small, so you've got a very transportable item there. Still, 1000 is a lot. Gifting for me is an extension of meeting people, and wanting to share a souvenir, or something I have that they might need... a string and cordlock for a hat, an extra light, a postcard to send to themselves. I liked the postcards with stamps, next year I wil bring more. These were small, flat, and if you don't have it with you, you won't be able to give it. There was a karma box out in the playa, put something in it that might be just what somebody needs when they open it up. A neck cooler might be a nice thing to find in a box like that.

Phil, has a very good website
http://www.cieux.com/bm/bmtoc.html#abodes
also I like the AEZ information as well.
http://www.ae-zone.org/

Hello There

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