First timer flying solo

[Kelz]

Hi all

I am a burning newbie coming home for the first time. I am 31yr female flying solo... I am couple of months in to an extended adventure around the world so come only with my little backpack and via SF on greyhound, I am hoping to pick up some camping gear/shelter etc in Vancouver or San Francisco but am still trying to figure out how I am going to get it all there... especially enough water! I have been trawling through the threads but any tips or pointers that will help calm the nerves a little would be great

Very excited to join you all on the playa soon!!

[Elderberry]

Hey there, welcome to eplaya!

[some seeing eye]

Welcome to ePlaya. Sometimes it is useful.

Another solo first year backpacker just asked the same in the main threads. You are guaranteed a lot of snark and hostility, but offered snarkily in the spirit of protecting participants and the event. If you can stick through that you can get good interactive advice on specific questions.

Have an excellent experience

[Kelz]

Thanks for the welcome jkisha and the words of warning Some Seeing Eye. I was a little hesitant to post after reading through some of the boards but I have thick skin (I think ) and promise to search the threads before asking questions

I read the survival guide back to front while waiting for ticket a to come my way, which it did a week or so ago... YAY! Just didn't want to organize rides, etc, until I got my hands on a ticket. Now that I have one in my hot little hands I will be looking more closely at the transport, joining camps boards and such

I do intend to participate fully in BM and all that it stands for, not be just a spectator. I live my life with an open mind, full heart and free spirit and I hope that I will be able to enrich at least one other persons time at Blackrock City. I have reached a new chapter in my life and through solo travel to far off places I am hoping to have a better understanding of who I am and what things I want to put out into the universe, and I thought that experiencing a week on the with you all on the playa would fit in perfectly with that.

Maybe I could have introduced myself a bit better but was a little forum shy and didn't know what to say... first time burning man, first time forum participant

[Savannah]

Hey Kelz!

You might be a good candidate for the Green Tortoise's Burning Man trip; they leave from SF. Google 'em. I have no experience with them or personal knowledge of them, but I do know it's food, water, bus ride and group shade. Not a luxury camp; they don't have showers--so you'd still get that first Burn experience. You'd still need to arrive in SF a day or two before they leave and shop for a tent, a squirt bottle, baby wipes . . .

Buy the resealable bag, not a box.

Some Seeing Eye is referencing another poster who's throwing himself on the mercy of ePlaya. There's nothing wrong with traveling light, ridesharing or seeking a mutually beneficial relationship with a camp, but the poster in question has a rather perfect storm of helplessness--no skills, no camp dues or gas money, no confidence in anything he might have to offer a camp. That's always scary to a seasoned Burner.

So just don't be that, and you'll probably be fine.

[Kelz]

Thanks Savannah

I am definitely not a princess when it comes to camping and am already on the lookout though friends in Vancouver for a tent/shade.. hopefully will find something second hand a little further from action. And am more than happy to get in and help/participate/throw in gas money! Have been thinking about signing up to volunteer at the event just haven't quite got that far yet.. so much to read and plan! Couldn't be more excited though

I have planned min of a week in San Fran before and the same after so will definitely check out Green Tortoise.. could be a good fit

Thanks for the tips!! Can't wait to for August!!