Another Seattle Virgin!

lunasmiles · Post by **lunasmiles** » Fri Apr 22, 2011 9:20 am

Hi all!
I've been resisting the call to the Playa for several years, and finally decided to release all my fears and just go for it! This, my 61st year, is my Year of Yes, and what better rite of passage could there be than to challenge myself both physically and emotionally!

I bought tickets at the December pre-sale, so I've been reading and talking to people ever since. I've known a lot of local burners for years, but now that we're finally going, I've joined our regional Ignition Northwest, I go to the weekly potlucks (now on Mondays at a different house, btw), and study, study, study!

We're going with a small loosely (VERY loosely) organized group and are planning to camp with Poly Paradise. Looking forward to the Human Carcass Wash, for sure!

As a person who doesn't like heat, dust, isn't fond of crowds and noise, doesn't really care for the music - but loves the art and the spirit of openness and connection - I'm both excited and more than a little nervous about what the hell I'm jumping into!

But what the hell - you only live once, right? One VERY GOOD THING is that I've finally gotten serious about improving my physical well being, so that I'll be more able to fully participate.

Also, we're fortunate that the PNW has a great Burner community, with lots of great people, resources, events and support to tap into. Critical Massive regional burn in July will be our shakedown trip!

Now our biggest challenge is deciding what we're going to live in - hexayurt, Playadome, or tent!

I've been getting a ton of great information on ePlaya, and I hope to meet some of you great peeps in person!

Nancy

Post by **Elderberry** » Fri Apr 22, 2011 9:23 am

Hey there, welcome to eplaya!

Post by **Savannah** » Fri Apr 22, 2011 9:45 am

As a person who doesn't like heat, dust, isn't fond of crowds and noise, doesn't really care for the music - but loves the art and the spirit of openness and connection - I'm both excited and more than a little nervous about what the hell I'm jumping into!

Okay, this made me laugh, but it sounds like you've been to a lot of events, have a lot of experienced guidance, a good attitude, have read a lot, and are aware of what your possible issues are. I mean--I don't like being dirty, and I'm a light sleeper, but I prepare for these things and am still in love with the burn.

(Also, there is music there that isn't just techno or dubstep, but yes . . . there is a lot of rave-y music, and I recommend tearing a pair of silicone earplugs in half and practicing sleep with them once or twice before you arrive.)

If you're trying to decide between hexayurt, dome or tent, I would recommend to you (just based on your predilections) the hexayurt. These are fairly good at keeping the dust out. If you go with a tent, I'm told a canvas Springbar tent is somewhat dust resistant (more than standard tents).

lunasmiles · Post by **lunasmiles** » Fri Apr 22, 2011 10:23 am

Thanks Savannah! Yeah, I'm pretty sure I'll be fine. I've watched a lot of video, watched and read a lot of interviews, talked to a lot of the local Burners. I know there'll be people I can turn to for support.

I figure if I (and my marriage) could survive 3 weeks travelling in Japan last summer at the height of their worst heat wave ever - with heat stroke tossed in for good measure, plus my husband's 85 year old mother - I can probably handle a week in the desert! :lol:

I think I'll just go with the hexayurt idea, and start the project now so we can work out any bugs well in advance.

Thanks!

Nancy

Post by **Savannah** » Fri Apr 22, 2011 10:30 am

I figure if I (and my marriage) could survive 3 weeks travelling in Japan last summer at the height of their worst heat wave ever - with heat stroke tossed in for good measure, plus my husband's 85 year old mother - I can probably handle a week in the desert!

Agreed.

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dragonpilot · Post by **dragonpilot** » Fri Apr 22, 2011 1:50 pm

Hi lunasmiles...I started going at age 62...this w/b my 7th trip. Always tented...sewed blanket sections over the mesh to minimize the dust filtering in...but you'll never escape all of it.

Human Carcass Wash is a great way to get a refreshing mid-day cleansing...but you'll soon be dusty again...love it!

Look me up at Critical Massive! We'll share tips!

Cheers, Dragon Pilot

lunasmiles · Post by **lunasmiles** » Sat Apr 23, 2011 11:59 am

Hey DragonPilot! Thanks for the welcome and the info about the tent. I'm planning to do at least one greeter shift at Critical, but if you ever come to Monday potlucks, we might meet before then!

Nancy

Rice · Post by **Rice** » Sat Apr 23, 2011 12:15 pm

Hi & Welcome!!!

I use a 4-season tent. No issues with dust at all (but last year's burn was not as dusty as previous years)...

Heat is an issue for me. A simple way of dealing with the heat is to empty some of you cooler-water (thawed ice) into a wash-bin, add some vinegar and put your feet it. after a couple of minutes you will feel wonderful and cool. You can also try spraying cool water on yourself (a wet scarf around the neck also helps). If you have some sort of shade structure you can relax in the heat of the afternoon under it.

I rarely get to sleep in due to my tent turning into an easy-bake oven. Shade over it helps somewhat.

Bring good walking shoes. and a camel-pack for easy water access during your art explorations. (i keep a set of goggles, dust scarf, LED flashlight, meds, snacks, etc. in my camel-pack as well). That is just my way, there are many other options. After 5 burns I am still working on finding what works. (Every burn is different).

At night it might dip into the 30's and it can be stinking hot during the mid-afternoon sun.

Don't forget a headlamp for going to the porta-poties at night. (not an option).

The art is amazing and you will meet lots of interesting people.

Maybe I'll see ya on the playa.

Love Rice

Bob Bitchen · Post by **Bob Bitchen** » Sat Apr 23, 2011 8:50 pm

Welcome