On the cusp

[Sic Pup]

... of make the commitment. I'm not sure what is compelling me to do this or why I'm drawn to the notion but I do feel an irresistible and inexplicable pull to BRC. It's always been on the back of my mind and now seems like as good a time as any.

I am well aware there is scant time to get it all together, particularly since I don't own a tent, shade paraphernalia, a sleeping bag or even an adequate cooler. I haven't camped in well, probably longer than most of you have been breathing (if you call camping jumping on a bus with a knapsack, sleeping bag, some cans of food and no destination in mind.)

But still I am drawn.

I'll be driving from NYC in a small but fuel efficient VW wagon solo, no camp "reservation", and no expectations other than to glow with the flow. I put together a list of essentials last night and it's daunting, not only in acquiring that which I do not have (via eBay, CL and thrift stores hopefully) but also in how I'm going to cram the bare essentials into the car. There are two other larger vehicles I can utilize but I'm not inclined to when I've gotten 51.1 mpg hwy with the TDI from an economic as well as carbon footprint perspective. No prima donna, I, my gear does not include a stove, nor a shower, nor any food other than canned, bagged stuff that won't require heating, no stoves, air conditioners, sectional sofas, recliners or four poster beds. Somehow I'm sure I'll get it in but probably at the expense of not having room for much other than maybe another burner in need of a ride with limited gear (it would be nice to share the driving chores).

I've been through much of the info online and have a healthy amount of respect for the challenge this will be (particularly with short prep time) but still I'm drawn.

Just out of curiosity, as I'm coming from the east and don't really see the point in driving 30 miles west to Reno only to drive it back the next morning, particularly after having driven 2700+miles (and having every intent to continue west after BM). Is there any particular reason I should not consider a pre-opening eve stay in Fernley?

Anyway, I'll be making my decision and finalizing plans in the next 24 hours and welcome any suggestions, tips, warnings, admonitions or obligatory snarkiness.



P.S. – is the New York Regional email list still functioning? My blank email got rejected as spam or some such nonsense.

[oneeyeddick]

you don't need to come to Reno, there is a Walmart in Fernley for all of your last minute needs.

A motel with a vacancy that night is a whole nuther story.

[theCryptofishist]

Two people in our camp were able to bring what they needed in a Westphalian. A VW van should be more than adequate for one person and basic minimum stuff.

[C.f.M.]

"no expectations other than to glow with the flow."

You can't do that out there.

You must come prepared to take care of yourself for the duration of your stay. Not just show up and hope somebody has some water or a sandwich for you.

And one person in a van has more than enough room for everything necessary, not to mention superfluous.

[Boijoy]

she said VW wagon. Is this the one?? Might be cramped.

[Sic Pup]

Sorry, should have been more specific,




....but if any of you know of a van that gets 50+ mpg I'm all ears.

I'll be lugging 2-3 gal of water per day and don't expect relying on anyone for anything other than sharing the experience.

Oh, and as much as I am in touch with my feminine side I'm sporting schlong (hey you play the cards your dealt).

[Boijoy]

Chicks with Dicks !!! LOVE THEM !!

[Lucian]

As it's getting pretty close, get your hands on a ticket. If you get a ticket you will find yourself taking care of the rest pretty quickly.

Bread molds super fast there so I suggest not bringing it. Instead, bring nuts, dried fruit, and I buy lots of those instant noodle dishes. A backpacker stove boild water super fast and is super small. I also LOVE the boxes of vanilla and chocolate rice milk. It does not need to be cooled and is fortified.

You can buy ice and coffe there in case you do bring a cooler.

I know you are tight for space, but bring at least a chair and buy a silver tarp to make some kind of shade with.

You can also consider joining someone who has shade.

Lucian -

[stevieG]

Read the survival guide and make sure you've got all the essentials down, and a ticket in hand, and go. If you've got a positive attitude and are reasonably friendly, a solo burner can usually find cool neighbors all around you where you can hang out, share some food and drinks, etc. Or, meet fellow Burners in NY and see if you can join up with them on the way, or out there. The survival guide says that if you arrive at the event late at night you can spend the night at the greeters station instead of driving around in the dark trying to figure out where to camp. I assume that means they have a parking area where folks can sleep in their cars or RV's, or pitch a tent just for the night. Oh, and don't forget to bring a bike. You've got to have a bike out there. Just make sure it's locked to your rack and car on the drive out. It's going to be an adventure, for sure.

[Token]

A Jetta or Passatt wagon is plenty big. Lots of room for all kinds of luxury.

Heck, at 50 mpg, you X-country trip will cost less than my 600 mile run at 8 mpg (RV).

The survival guide has a great list of must and good to have items. Follow that and you are in good shape.

Get the bulk of your water in Fernely. No need to bring down that great mpg.

Buy the ticket, take the ride.

C'mmon in, the dust is fine.

[Sic Pup]

Chicks with Dicks !!! LOVE THEM !! :)

That's cool, personally I'm fond of flat-chested country girls with missing teeth and right-handed tremors wearing Daisy Dukes wielding farm implements and dastardly snarls. Nice to meet you.

At least in your case there's probably no shortage of moobage on display to fantasize in case the c/w/d faction is busy (body hair aside).

you don't need to come to Reno, there is a Walmart in Fernley for all of your last minute needs.

A motel with a vacancy that night is a whole nuther story.

Thanks for the warning (and the confirmation BTW). See below.

C'mmon in, the dust is fine.

Well since I last posted I picked up a tent on eBay, priced shade cloth and PVC (Monkey hut) and booked the 29th and 6th at the Best Western in Fernley so I'm just one ticket shy of being commited (pun intended).

As it's getting pretty close, get your hands on a ticket. If you get a ticket you will find yourself taking care of the rest pretty quickly.

Thanks, appreciate the input. If I can impose on the collective wisdom with one more question:

I see online tickets with Will Call p/u is available until 8/27.

Is it that big of an impostion to stay to the right upon entry as opposed to having a ticket in hand?

I plan to spend the night in Fernley and get an early start on the 30th to arrive at sunrise, I'm in no rush to setup and I'm thinking I'd rather buy from the website than from some snarky burner with unknown intentions.

It's not that I'm not trusting it's just that I'm unemployed (the oyster farm gig, although interesting, just wasn't a good fit for an old man)

[curiousgnate]

if you can afford it buy from the website there are scams out there!

[Elderberry]

Hey there, welcome to eplaya!

JK