Virgin from Olympia/Seattle!

[atinydream]

Hi Burning Beauties,

My name is Evan and I've never been to Burning Man, but it's been on my radar for a loooooooong time. I've known quite a few burners and have always gone back and forth on going. This year, I WILL be there! Not sure how, or with who, but I guess I have several months to figure that out!

Truthfully, I'm really scared, but that is a big part of why I need to go... My long-time boyfriend will not be coming with me, as Burning Man is not "his thing." I tried to convince him to go but he said, "No way. My skin would turn green and I would try to steal Christmas." hahaha! I appreciate his honesty, and he seems (outwardly) to be okay with my going solo.

I hope to get connected with a theme camp or a group from my area. Any tips or suggestions for doing so would be helpful!

Can't wait to see you all <3

[lucky420]

Hola and hello tiny dream...

[Elliot]

Welcome Evan! Being scared is a normal emotion, so no worries. At the same time, you may have a point in "needing" to go -- if that is how you feel.

But actually, I'm thinking it is more a matter of whether BM is a "right" activity for you. Heaven knows it is not for everyone. If you have been reading and hearing and developing a strong desire to participate over several years, then you may be ready.

Read The Survival Guide and other first-timer information on the main web site. At least twice. Sign up for the e-mail newsletter Jack Rabbit Speaks.

Chat with us here on the board. We have a vicious sense of humor, and we tend to come down hard on those who present themselves as fools. Otherwise we are actually nice people. Even if I keep correcting people's English.

[Elderberry]

Hey there, welcome to eplaya!

[Roark]

Hiya, TD! Birgin here, too, so you're in good company. Welcome!

[trilobyte]

Hi and welcome to ePlaya! If you haven't already done so give the Survival Guide & First-Timer's Guide a read, then you can peruse the Theme Camp board as well as a partial list of registered camps that will be published as summer approaches to try and find a camp to join up with. Good luck!

[knowmad]

Hia Tinydream!
I am also from the Soviet of Washington. And a the majority of our Burner clan is/was from Oly. I say is/was because a lot of them Graduated from Evergreen and have moved on. But things change. I will send you a PM with my Email address feel free to write any Questions.

[atinydream]

Thanks for the warm welcome! My excitement FAR outweighs my fear... I'd actually be concerned if I had no anxiety about Burning Man.

Can't wait!

[dragonpilot]

Get involved with the local NW Burner community, share ideas, attend Critical Massive (our week-long summer mini-Burn), read everything you can on this forum, the Survival Guide, First-Timers Guide...

Ensuring you have adequate water, shelter, and food will make your experience on the playa survivable.

[knowmad]

Thanks for the warm welcome! My excitement FAR outweighs my fear... I'd actually be concerned if I had no anxiety about Burning Man.

Can't wait!

DingDingDing!! That is what I feel every year. That's the compression.

[Savannah]

Hi Evan!

A little fear is healthy, normal and protective.

Welcome to the board.

[Milayna]

Hi Evan! Last year was my first burn, and I also went without my boyfriend who feels a lot like yours does Welcome to eplaya!!

[winebuff]

Welcome Evan! I went by myself in 2010 because I couldnt find one person who would go with me. It is amazing!!!! Seattle has a huge burner population as does Pdx where I am from. Go and meet the burners and dive in. Will see u on the playa! You drank the koolaid and now just enjoy the ride

[dragonpilot]

[quote="dragonpilot"]Get involved with the local NW Burner community, share ideas, attend Critical Massive (our week-long summer mini-Burn), read everything you can on this forum, the Survival Guide, First-Timers Guide...

Ensuring you have adequate water, shelter, and food will make your experience on the playa survivable.[/quote]

Just informed it's now called Critical Northwest

[inthecolumbiagorge]

Hello Evan! We also hail from the lovely state of WA and last year was our first year. Happy to share any info I have with you:-) We joined an established theme camp last year and brought our own MV to the playa even as virgins and had the time of our lives! This year we are forming our own NW based theme camp so we will be joined by a gaggle of Washingtonians. Message me if you have any questions or concerns and I will do my best to answer them for you!

Welcome:-)

[maryanimal]

Hello and welcome Evan!! I live on the east side of the state! Read read read!! Their are a gaggle of friendlies here! Snark runs rampant too! Living on the playa will be an experience you'll never forget, but be prepared, LOTS of water, food (your appetite could/will change, shade is important, and just have the time of your life! I've been driving alone, this'll be my third year. I like going alone, only because my li'l car is packed to the rafters and can't hold anybody else!

Drawingablank has a great list of things to bring to the playa. You can pick and choose what you may like to bring. Actually there are a bunch of good lists! In fact, read the threads under preparation! Great and helpful info!

So have a good time getting ready, don't stress,and I hope to meet you this year!

[maryanimal]

I came across this packing list, not sure where I got it!
http://burningtribe.com/html/BMpackinglist.html

[dragonpilot]

It's an excellent list, but some of the items on MA's list may be scary...like "a small generator." Don't sweat it...lots of folks who attend get along just fine with battery power...as in flashlight batteries. And a small propane fueled stove will take care of your cooking needs...