Hello from W. Kentucky

jross · Post by **jross** » Wed Jun 22, 2011 7:25 am

Hello, this will be our first burn, as a Virgo, I have been planing/precompressing over this trip since last summer. I have no expectation when I get there, I just want to be able to survive with some comfort. I have a couple of questions, I have not been able to get answers for. My wife lost her eye shortly after we ordered our tickets. I had decided to scrap the trip, she is a trooper. I have spent the last few weeks reworking the entire trip. Instead of driving out with a completely stocked vehicle, we are flying in, renting a cargo van, outfitting it, and heading up. My first question is, after we leave the interstate, from Reno,where is the last/best place to buy fuel, and how far is it from the fuel? Also, we have not been able to find anything on the affects of the Playa on a fake eye. We are trying to come up with a dust proof eye patch, with no luck. She will bring plenty of her daily care stuff. Could there be problems we do not foresee. If anyone has any info on either of these issues I would appreciate it. If you find a fake green eye out there, it's probable hers, let me know and I will send you a reward. They are not cheep. Thanks, See y'all there!

Post by **Elderberry** » Wed Jun 22, 2011 7:51 am

Hey there, welcome to eplaya!

Should I even say..."I'll keep an eye out for it"??? Glad to hear you're still coming and that your wife is such a trooper. The only thing I can come even close to relating to is maybe contact lenses and the playa.

My guess would be that as long as you can get into the van and out of the dust, she should be able to clean it.

Or, she could actually bandage the eye socket to keep dust out and then put an eye patch over that. She could decorate the patch with sequins or something! But truthfully, I know nothing about the care of a prosthetic eye.

theCryptofishist · Post by **theCryptofishist** » Wed Jun 22, 2011 9:30 am

You can contact the on-playa med folks, Emergency Services Department, with the email 911 at burningman dot com. They may or may not have had experience with this before. I haven't even thought of this, and I'm the one who tries to think these things through, at least on the board. (I'd love for the two of you to report back to that thread about your experiences.)

illy dilly · Post by **illy dilly** » Wed Jun 22, 2011 9:33 am

Jross welcome!
Tell you wife she is brave and amazing!!!
Reassure her that if at any point her eye starts to act up, the you will leave the event, and be excepting what has to happen.

I have a few thoughts that might help a little, or you might have already thought of all this.

I'd try to decide which side of the playa you plan to camp on. Then contact ESD and let them know that you will be there and what has been going on with your wife. That way they have some up front knowledge.

For the eye patch. I'd say, buy 2 pairs of goggles. Make sure each eye is an individual lens. For the first pair, pop out the lens for the eye that is intact, and seal the shit out of the side with the glass eye. For the second pair, just seal the shit out of the side with the glass eye. You will want to leave some ventilation on the seeing eye side so that the lens doesn't fog up really quick.

Then I'd paint a great big robot looking eye on the out side of lens with the glass eye! But that's just me. OR, draw one of the spirally white and black 'hypnotizing' things.

My GF's grandma has recently lost the 'plunger' for her glass eye. She hasn't cleaned it in a week. Its reeking havoc on her. She is also suffering from Alzheimer's. Doesn't help if you can't remember the last time you cleaned it.

For last gas, I really like the Loves on the North side of I-80 when you get off for Highway 427. But, 427 hits I80 in two places, East and West. If you're coming from Reno you'll hit the west I80/427. I have no idea what is on that side, as we always come from the east.

Post by **Savannah** » Wed Jun 22, 2011 11:52 am

Hi Jross. I really admire your wife's spirit.

Welcome!

In this thread, Fufa demonstrates how she adapted her goggles with fabric. Maybe an eye-patch could be made to conform in this way.

http://eplaya.burningman.org/viewtopic. ... &start=690

A military surplus store might have the best goggles (that can be tried on in person, anyway). I would look for a modern model, designed for the desert. I see good reviews--though only 8--for the following (they are dark, meant for daytime), but with mail order it's hard to know if they fit:

Having a pair of clear goggles for night dust storms is also very helpful. There aren't many storms at night, but there were two dusty nights last year.

You'll probably want a handwashing set-up, like a 2.5 gallon suitcase of water propped on something, a small bucket, the right soap, nail brush, towels or paper towels or whatever is best. A cargo van will fit the wood & plastic needed for an evaporation pond if you want to go whole hog, & have a shower. (PVC jointed together makes a good frame) Search "grey water" on the main site for an evap pond that works very well for just a few people. The pond is easy to make.

The Medical stations have a sink and eyewash and other things. Last year they were just off of the 3 o'clock and 9'oclock plazas, and the main tent was at 5:15 and Esplanade. There is patient transport between the plazas and Center Camp.

Emergency Services
http://www.brcesd.com/?pg=index

General Health and Safety
http://www.burningman.com/preparation/e ... afety.html

dragonpilot · Post by **dragonpilot** » Wed Jun 22, 2011 12:16 pm

jross wrote: My first question is, after we leave the interstate, from Reno,where is the last/best place to buy fuel, and how far is it from the fuel?

As far as the fuel question goes, I think Fernley, NV is the last best stop to top off...from there it's about 100 miles to the playa. I come down from Seattle so not exactly sure if there are any other closer gas stations, other than Gerlach...but that's not the best stop because about 3/4 of the Burner population has the same idea about stopping in Gerlach...that can translate to a 2-3 hour wait in line.

I'd add a 5-gallon gerry can of gas to my supply list...just in case.

C187 · Post by **C187** » Wed Jun 22, 2011 1:12 pm

Like others have said Fernley, NV is the last best stop for fuel after you leave Reno. The Love's on the north side of I-80 is great, but if you take that road south of I-80 you'll run into more gas stations. Also a Wal-Mart and a few other stores for any last moment needs.

burner von braun · Post by **burner von braun** » Wed Jun 22, 2011 3:40 pm

Hey jross!

Glad you two are going this year! I did the cross-country thing and topped off at the Loves station before heading in Sunday evening. Didn't have much wait. The place was full of excited burners so lots of high energy. Don't know about coming from the west.

Not sure about the glass eye care, but what has already been said sounds to me like very good advice.

Anyhow, welcome to both of you!

jross · Post by **jross** » Thu Jun 23, 2011 6:41 am

Thanks, everyone. I feel much better about these issues now. I was given solid advice, I like that. An email has been sent to brcesd and Fernley will be our last stop. I wished now we would be there longer so I could learn and help more.

Post by **AntiM** » Thu Jun 23, 2011 7:21 am

We top off at the Love's in Fernley. They know the burners are coming, and set out cases of water and such. LOL, stupid T-shirts too, although I've never bought one. The manager lets burners fill their water tanks from the hose out front, although given the natural arsenic levels in the local water, we never use that thoughtful feature.

Lots of friendly law enforcement filling up there also, don't begin the party until you are on the playa, This includes pants. Reeking of smoke at the Love's results in being pulled over in Wadsworth, I have indeed, seen it happen.

When the speed limit signs say 25 mph through the small towns, believe it. 24 mph is even better. Be sure you check all your lights and signals before starting out.

On the way out, Love's sets out a couple dumpsters for the burners. Awesome, although they are always full. We go to Reno when we leave BRC, but the next morning, Love's is the fuel stop headed west. (MyLarry is a trucker and has a Love's reward card, we use his points to buy drinks and snacks). They do have showers, $9, towel included. I think they do sell them to non-CDL holders. Pilot is also a good stop, but they are on the south side of I-80.

illy dilly · Post by **illy dilly** » Thu Jun 23, 2011 8:18 am

Yeah Loves really does kick ass!
Once we get to Love's I get this feeling deep down inside like
"OMG WE MADE IT! LOOK AT THE BURNERS! THEIR EVERYWHERE! THE HARD PART IS OVER!"
Then I panic, cause I think "shit I'm only a few hours away! Be very very careful. Dont wanna screw it up in the last stretch"

You really start to feel the love when you get to Love's. All the burner, all beaming with smiles! People hugging and being excited when they randomly meet old friends! Only people not feeling the love is the Love's employees. Its probably their busiest week of the year.

AntiM wrote:The manager lets burners fill their water tanks from the hose out front, although given the natural arsenic levels in the local water, we never use that thoughtful feature.

Do you think the water they sell at the 'regional improvements' place has high levels of arsenic? The lady selling the water made a point of telling us it is 99.9% uranium free

But didn't mention anything about Arsenic.
[/quote]

theCryptofishist · Post by **theCryptofishist** » Thu Jun 23, 2011 9:08 am

jross wrote:I wished now we would be there longer so I could learn and help more.

Well, if you like it and can afford it, there will be other years. No point in burning yourself out first time.

Foxfur · Post by **Foxfur** » Thu Jun 23, 2011 9:39 am

Welcome to ePlaya!
Waves of admiration goin out to your wife, amazing.

I don't have much to offer you but this:
My 7th grade english teacher had a glass eye. When we were taking tests he'd put his eye on a stick with playdoh on top and tell us "I'm keeping an eye on you."
He'd also poke his head out the door, spot a student walking around during classes, then hold the stick out the door and say "I'm watching you!"

Most kids didn't see the brilliant humor of the examples. You can have fun after losing an eye.

Years later I made a good friend. Went over to his house only to see my old teacher. His dad,

. I found out he had four other glass eyes including a shiny silver one, cool.

Your wife is AWESOME!
Ff

theCryptofishist · Post by **theCryptofishist** » Thu Jun 23, 2011 9:42 am

***THREAD DRIFT****

So, glass eyes aren't really round, are they? They're flat?
(Yeah, I just don't believe it. And wasn't it round in Loot? Oh well.)

jross · Post by **jross** » Thu Jun 23, 2011 12:11 pm

[quote="theCryptofishist"]***THREAD DRIFT****

So, glass eyes aren't really round, are they? They're flat?
(Yeah, I just don't believe it. And wasn't it round in Loot? Oh well.)[/quote]Its like a big contact lense.

Post by **Savannah** » Thu Jun 23, 2011 12:25 pm

Here's how to get quotes (and other tags) to work. Click "Profile" at the top center of the page, scroll down to "Preferences", enable BBCode, then save/submit at the bottom.

jross · Post by **jross** » Thu Jun 23, 2011 12:28 pm

theCryptofishist wrote:***THREAD DRIFT****

So, glass eyes aren't really round, are they? They're flat?
(Yeah, I just don't believe it. And wasn't it round in Loot? Oh well.)

Its like a big contact lens.

theCryptofishist · Post by **theCryptofishist** » Thu Jun 23, 2011 6:00 pm

jross wrote:
theCryptofishist wrote:***THREAD DRIFT****

So, glass eyes aren't really round, are they? They're flat?
(Yeah, I just don't believe it. And wasn't it round in Loot? Oh well.)
Its like a big contact lens.

Eeew!

I suppose I should reciprocate by saying wooden legs are just like trees.

jross · Post by **jross** » Thu Jun 23, 2011 8:24 pm

theCryptofishist wrote:
jross wrote:
theCryptofishist wrote:***THREAD DRIFT****

So, glass eyes aren't really round, are they? They're flat?
(Yeah, I just don't believe it. And wasn't it round in Loot? Oh well.)
Its like a big contact lens.
Eeew!

I suppose I should reciprocate by saying wooden legs are just like trees.

as much as a Louisville Slugger, I guess.

Jax Dee · Post by **Jax Dee** » Fri Jun 24, 2011 1:52 pm

And I thought I was badass for going my first year to BM with pneumonia! In regard to prep: once I explained what I was doing to my doctor he hooked me up with everything I could possibly need medically emergency-wise. It might be a good idea to consult your doctor, they may have some suggestions and work-arounds for your wife.

illy dilly · Post by **illy dilly** » Fri Jun 24, 2011 2:51 pm

Jax Dee wrote:And I thought I was badass for going my first year to BM with pneumonia! In regard to prep: once I explained what I was doing to my doctor he hooked me up with everything I could possibly need medically emergency-wise. It might be a good idea to consult your doctor, they may have some suggestions and work-arounds for your wife.

Thats a really good idea!
Or they might have some sorta little 'eye care kit' they can hook you up with.

Though, Jax Dee, why would you go to the desert with Pneumonia?

theCryptofishist · Post by **theCryptofishist** » Fri Jun 24, 2011 8:00 pm

illy dilly wrote:
Jax Dee wrote:And I thought I was badass for going my first year to BM with pneumonia! In regard to prep: once I explained what I was doing to my doctor he hooked me up with everything I could possibly need medically emergency-wise. It might be a good idea to consult your doctor, they may have some suggestions and work-arounds for your wife.
Thats a really good idea!
Or they might have some sorta little 'eye care kit' they can hook you up with.

Though, Jax Dee, why would you go to the desert with Pneumonia?

A strong yes for having some sort of kit. I usually said that people needed an escape plan, but I have a hard time seeing that it would necessary. However, I know nothing about this.
There are basic emergency medical stations on the playa, you might want to go to the medical outpost nearest your camp and introduce yourself.

Edited to add: To dry out her lungs, of course!

Post by **Savannah** » Fri Jun 24, 2011 8:32 pm

Bring everything you think you're going to need, eye-wise, just to be safe; medical will happily fill-in if there is any problem. They don't have ready-made eye kits, per se, but Medical stations 9 and 3 have (among other things) saline eyewash for dry eyes, eyepatch-shaped gauze, and a sink--if there is an issue with simply getting hands clean enough to handle one's eyes, it's worth knowing.

If there is an emergency (or similar) and transport is needed:

Stations 3 or 9 transport to Center Camp ESD
Center Camp ESD transports to Reno

So while any location could result in transport out, if: equally spaced between a station and Center Camp, head for Center Camp. It's (slightly) more direct by the 5 or 10 min it would take for the transport vehicle to then go from a station outpost to the main ESD.

Jax Dee · Post by **Jax Dee** » Sat Jun 25, 2011 7:12 am

illy dilly wrote:
Jax Dee wrote:And I thought I was badass for going my first year to BM with pneumonia! In regard to prep: once I explained what I was doing to my doctor he hooked me up with everything I could possibly need medically emergency-wise. It might be a good idea to consult your doctor, they may have some suggestions and work-arounds for your wife.
Thats a really good idea!
Or they might have some sorta little 'eye care kit' they can hook you up with.

Though, Jax Dee, why would you go to the desert with Pneumonia?

Well after planning for 8 years and finally having everything and my ticket and plane tickets too, I was not going to cancel my trip for anything. My doctor gave me the go ahead and said that dry air is actually really good for pneumonia. So it was to dry out my lungs! I ended up feeling better by day three on the playa and never needed any emergency med attention even though I came prepared. I don't recommend it though

Post by **AntiM** » Sat Jun 25, 2011 8:58 am

I went to the playa on the Sunday after they removed the radiation catheters from my breast on the Friday afternoon before (cancer). Sure, I was hopped up on pain killers the whole week and had to keep the area bandaged, but I was fine. Much better than sitting at home. It helped that a friend had a camp with a swamp cooler going, I spent my afternoons there.

You can do this with proper preparation!

jross · Post by **jross** » Wed Sep 07, 2011 9:29 pm

Hello again, we had a great burn! I think all the work on the front end made our first visit very nice. As for the eye during the day, it had to be wiped as needed because of the dust, which we expected. What we didn't expect was the night time problems. I assumed that because the wind died down at night there would be less problems, I was wrong, I didn't realize that all the traffic going to and leaving the big burns would kick up so much dust. Without the wind it is a lingering dust. With the loss of peripheral and night vision plus the added dust bike traveling was more difficult than planned. We couldn't keep her goggles clean enough. We had plenty of pairs of spoggles, thanks to my work. We could only carry so many clean pairs for swapping out. Cleaning them on the fly, was trial and error. DO NOT USE WATER OR BABY WIPES! We learned to carry plenty of pre-torn paper towels at night. It was almost impossible to travel with groups at night. Which was fine, we got to have are own adventures. The dust from the man burn caused a little blood on Sunday morning. The Playa did not help the scars, dried them out fast. We missed that also. Next year she will have a custom fit, leather patch. We loved it all, learned a few things, and got some ideas. We already started getting ready for next year.

Post by **Savannah** » Wed Sep 07, 2011 9:37 pm

Glad you guys were okay!

No doubt your wife's experience will help someone else. I'll bookmark and/or take a note of it. Someone will ask in the next 5 years, guaranteed . . .

The design possibilities for a custom fit leather eyepatch seem tremendous. It could get really artistic, very quickly.

Hello from W. Kentucky

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