Hello! Emily from Michigan

[bluemiragemi]

Hey there! I drooled and became a totally ridiculous fangirl during Burning Man 2013 when I watched the (finally up, eventually) live stream and read every damn thing I could about Burning Man. I was planning on caravanning it out there this year, from Michigan, with my husband and a group of friends. But, life happens and I am sans-husband (yay!) and planning to go out there solo this year.

I know people that know people and am connecting to my regional burn crews in March.

I am volunteering with the Temple Guardians and have gotten some kickass advice on what not to do and tips on how to be prepared.

Biggest issue? How the f&ck do I get there and back, efficiently because this girl's gotta job to get back to, and get my gear out there?? I bought a backpacking tent so I can easily carry it. AND, then how do I get my water bought and out to BRC? Hrm. I've heard I can pay for space on someone's container and they can haul it with them? Hralp, please, with ideas?

I am/do - Human resources, people skills/communication, teach and practice yoga, reiki/energy healing and thai bodywork and tarot. I can cook, clean and be awesome. I love people. Fourth chakra autistic, at your service.

Much love,
Em

[FIGJAM]

Ship all your gear to a hotel in Reno.

Fly in and rent a vehicle.

Spend the night in the hotel and shop for food and water.

Then head for the playa!

[bluemiragemi]

Oh, darn good plan, THANK YOU very much!

[bluemiragemi]

However, that's a lot of added cost...is there a cheaper way to do it?

[remi]

Hey! That's how I was hooked.. watching the 2011 live feed.

I've flown to festivals before (not the burn, so this might not work because you need so much extra for the burn,) but I was able to bring my clothes, costumes, tent, bedding with me on my flight, and when I got to Arkansas (for Wakarusa,) I just stopped at a Walmart to buy all my booze and food and cheap/heavy/big things you can't fly with, such as air mattress, cooler (will need something better then the shit white foam one I got,) pegs, camping chairs, water.

Where there is a will, there is a way! See you on the playa!

[theCryptofishist]

Join a camp; have someone in the camp do the shopping and stuff for you, including haul in/out; take Burner Express.

There might be dues involved, there's the bus ticket, and you will, of course, pay your way for the shopping and possibly a bit extra on gas.

If you go this route, join a camp that sounds fun and interesting to you, and work your butt off for it--on and off playa. Otherwise, you're a leech and a hippie, and those things are not respected at the burn.

In fact, I kinda hate myself for even suggesting it. We've seen some crappy behavior on the board.

[AntiM]

A village is also good for support, although you need to bring your own gear there. Just easier if you forget something, you have folks at and who probably do. As Fishy suggested, joining a camp is an option, but yes, there are dues. Start looking through last year's camps, and the theme camp thread, make some connections. You may find support that way, although it may cost a penny or two. If the camp falls through? Well, you;ll make it work somehow.

Some years we take in stragglers, provide loaner gear if they camp with us. I got burned lending out gear once, so it stays where we can pack it up when we need to do so. Usually overseas burners. This year it looks like we're full at seven souls. We are not a very big theme camp.

[Savannah]

Hi Emily!

First, make Burner friends in Michigan:
http://regionals.burningman.com/regiona ... /michigan/

And maybe the neighboring states. You might be able to find a rideshare, including someone in a nearby state to whom you might take a train (Amtrak has a decent luggage allowance).

Driving in with all your gear is easier than flying in and shopping (certainly your first time).

If you rideshare with another virgin, avoid a sedan. It's very difficult to fit all the gear and water. A pickup truck, SUV or cargo van is a lot better.

This will not be a cheap adventure no matter how you look at it. The cheapest I've ever done it was for somewhere between $1,000 and $1,200 (ridesharing from the West Coast).

[bluemiragemi]

Thanks so much everyone! I think I'll go with the camp/meet people from Michigan suggestion and plan to fly in and take the burner express. I know it's easy to say "I'm not a leech or a hippie", but in all seriousness I cannot/willnot ever be a leech or hippie, but I do appreciate the warning and knowledge that some asshats have burned people. That blows. Absolutely, it's about what can I do for the whole, not what can the camp do for me.

Going to some regional burner events in March and hoping to connect with more folks then!