Anyone from florida?

[Electroman85]

Hello to all fellow burners, was curious to see if there was anyone from Florida. More specifically around Orlando, I am from lake wales Florida awas wanting to connect with fellow burners to talk about BM, or regional burns etc. I am a virgin to the playa but me and my fiancee will be attending the 2014 burn, and would like insight and ideas about what to expect. More importantly I would like to build friendships to keep myself on a path of self exploration. Enough of my ramblings, if your a season veteran or virgin to the playa get in touch with me.

[adamabaum]

I'm also from Florida (miami) and would love info on regional events!

[blueflame111]

I am in Jacksonville and would love to talk to burners in the area. I am a virgin and considering going to BM in 2014.

[trilobyte]

There does appear to be a regional group, you may care to check that out.

[Kairielise]

Fellow virgin in Orlando here, on for the very same reason. I also hope to attend in 2014. Are you guys by any chance considering a ride share to split gas? The cost of travel out there is the biggest blockade for me.

[theCryptofishist]

I know we have two regulars from Florida. One is Junglesmacks. I've forgotten the other. JS may have moved, but might have some pertinent information.

[Swope904]

Hey everyone, Im from Florida as well and plan on making my first trip to the playa this year in 2014. I live in jacksonville and would love to connect with some people in the the state/area!

[Captain Goddammit]

Clocks and Mirrors was the other "regular" from Florida but he recently moved west.

I don't know how you guys do it. If Burning Man was in Florida I wouldn't go.

[Swope904]

what do you mean buddy? I don't get what your saying?

[Captain Goddammit]

Too far to haul my gear.
But now that you got me thinking, I also wouldn't go because of the humidity and the insane amounts of crawling and flying bugs!

[Swope904]

Yeah its a far drive and cost alot of money which has been a big factor on me going and im sure alot of others who have thought about going or who do go.

And bugs aren't a big deal here in the bigger citys. but the father outside of an urban city the bugs do get it worse. Florida is a swamp and below sea level. what can ya expect ya know?

[FALaholic]

South Floriduh virgin here.

[Swope904]

hey falaholic, hows it going?

You planning on making the drive for 2014?

[FALaholic]

I've done enough road trips to satisfy my lifetime.
My current plan is to fly in, rent an RV. Just need to get more people on board.
If it all falls though, then I'm looking at carpooling. I don't want to drive, again done it too many time to appreciate the drive anymore.

[Swope904]

I can understand that completely. I have looked into renting an RV. But I lack certain things needed like a major credit card.
Also for the price of renting I could almost with a little more money buy a used RV and use it. Which is something I am thinking of doing in a year or two.
But yes I am all about the experience of the entire trip myself to and from cause its just my time away from everything at home.

[FALaholic]

Buying a used RV? Never thought of doing that. BTW The prices that I have seen are way off on the spectrum. Some are outrageous, while another I found to be pretty fucking affordable.
What you're gonna have to factor into is gas, and gas ain't what it used to be pre-'00 ($0.91 a gallon) . At 2,700 miles (Whorelando to BR, NV), and an RV doing 10 MPG, you're looking at 270 gallons, at $3.50, $945 just in gas. Don't forget it is going to take a min of 3 days, so thats 3 days out of school/work, and 9 meals. You're looking at an easy $1000 just to get there. Oh and the what if, what if you blow a tyre, RV won't start, etc.
There are so many what ifs, and cost prohibitive factors that it makes it illogical.
Did I forget to mention the cost of the RV, and what you are going to do with it once you arrive back from BM?

$1K per person, 4 people, should be enough for airfare, BM tickets, RV rental, supplies, and food.
Haven't confirmed it yet, but this is what I'm working with at the moment.

[Swope904]

Yeah I have seen RVs on craigslist between 2000-5000. Their not brand new or super nice, but If your a contractor like myself I can rip out the walls and carpet and re-frame and rebuild the cabin the way I would like it.
Yes I would also have to factor in fixing up the engine, generator, wheels, breaks, and anything else.
Yes they are horrible on gas but coming from Florida you already know your probably gonna spend over 2000 in gas with an RV. Plus grey water and black water removal.
I have been planning my trip to the playa for years so I have went over every what if about 20 times.
An RV is something that if I do Im going to take a year or two away from the playa for the overhaul and cost.
This year I am just focusing on making it their and experiencing the trip. Over the next few years after I plan on perfecting my trip on the annual basis.

But your plan with the RV sounds like a solid on. Especially with the vehicle pass deal so as long as one person bought one or everyone threw down on one you would be good.
Just have to find people that want to share an RV and that are gonna respect it with you and have tickets.

[FALaholic]

The $2000 that you mention, I factored that in. I'm not renting here and driving there. I'm renting there, and driving from there.
Unless you're planning on going on semi-annual trips with the fam, I do not see the cost benefits of purchasing an RV. Regardless if it is a fixer upp\per.
Just get with 3 others to split the cost of renting one (from there). Then after your not a BM virgin anymore, you can then make a wiser decision if buying an RV is the right decision for you. From the looks of things, BM is what got you on the path of purchasing one. Which leads me to believe that you don't have any other aspects in your life that would necessitate the purpose of owning one.

[Swope904]

The only problem with renting is finding responsible people that actually have the money and the want to go to burning man. Thats my biggest problem. Let alone you have to be comfortable enough to be around them for a week.
I do plan on making annual trips. I also plan on maybe moving out west one day. An RV would definitely be a lot easier to do. Basically If I have it I will use it a a lot once I have fixed it up.
But I wouldn't do that for anther few years. So im not really worried about it. Just thoughts and plans of one day having one.

But yeah my biggest problem was finding people to get an RV when renting. Which is what led me to the whole buying one. Especially when cost is factored in. Have you found people to go with yet?

[FALaholic]

If you're contemplating buying one, regardless of used, then you shouldn't be worrying about renting one. Psssh, what's $5K vs $15K to buy and fix it up. Dood, I'm all for the dreamer, but you shouldn't be looking that far ahead, if you are, then you should be focusing more on your 401K than an RV.
Focus more on acquiring friends and renting an RV.

[Swope904]

Well since I plan on driving for at least the first few years that's good advice. I look into developing a 401k. Thanks buddy

[FALaholic]

The whole purpose is to get you to BM, this year. Rent now, worry about buying later.

[Swope904]

Yeah that's the goal hopefully lol

[Darren]

Hello, I live in Jacksonville fl, connect on Facebook Jacksonville burners, also Orlando has a big burner community. Preheat is in April and afterburn is in November located in Lakeland on Maddox ranch. If you have any questions feel free to ask

[Captain Goddammit]

I was just reading this old thread and something occurred to me: what general contractor hasn't got a truck?
Don't buy a motorhome, just get a truck camper or a trailer! Way way cheaper, plus you already know what shape your truck is in, and if you're a contractor I'm assuming it's reliable.
That's why I haven't had a motorhome in years. I use my existing truck for the trip, with a camper on it and towing a flatbed trailer.