Burning Man: The Good, the Bad, and the Dusty
A somewhat inaccurate title as the source of the "bad" was mostly related to the "dusty".
Anyway, I just came back from my first Burning Man and I'd have to say that the experience was a mixed bag. elarbee asked me to sum up my experience in one word, excluding "dusty", and I just couldn't. Instead I will list it out.
The Good
The folks: Lot's of nice people ( Read more... )
let me share a few tips that will definitely make your life easier the next time around.
1. read the damn Survival Guide. they told you about bikes and dusk masks for a reason. they also tell about a lot of other things which may have not bitten you in the ass yet -- so make sure you read it as you prep for your next year. srsly.
2. you should've asked your neighbors for a dust mask. this is what you do when you don't have something @ BM, you ask. I brought about two dozen dusk masks this year, distributed them all (I had a bandanna, so didn't even use one myself), a lot of others do the same.
3. being prissy as far as shithouses are concerned: can be helped with careful planning. portapotties are cleaned out and sanitized on a regular basis, more or less on schedule (every six hours during the day, if my observations serve me right). once you set up camp, take note of when the nearest outhouse row is getting a visit from that blue tank truck, then just be there in time: your ass will thank you, and so will your nose and your eyes; it's actually not gross at all after it's been cleaned out.
4. clean sheet problem: solved with 1.5 gallon ZipLoc bags, or some such. every single piece of clothing/equipment/what-have-you that you need dust-free can be packed in a bag beforehand, can be taken out as needed and stashed back between uses. sealable plastic bins can work, too. even your car trunk can work. my entire set of gear was packed this way, and if I didn't hide my sleeping bag and my PJs from the dust this way, it's only because I'm lazy and don't mind the dust that much.
5. tent turning into an oven: can be addressed in many different ways. RV (expensive and too touristy, but that's just me); additional outer layers made from reflective blankets (make sure you don't use the shitty mylar "blankets" that turn into shreds of MOOP in a first gust of wind, use a $15 armored reflective blanket from REI instead); additional overhead structure (I used a 14' event shade structure this year -- works like a charm, but can be pricey if you don't find a bargain AND you have to haul it in your car, too bad if you have to fly to the event); you can also research HexaYurt (http://hexayurt.com/) if you feel like hugging your inner builder. always pay attention to your surroundings: even pitching a tent just west of your neighbors' truck can give you a couple hours of morning sleep for free.
6. your feet: treat them well, and they'll love you back. light shoes are best. in fact, I've been wearing the same pair of Crocs to three or four burns. I know of a lot of people preaching heavy boots, but, personally, I think they're misguided: more weight, less ventilation can't be a good thing. they'll usually mention the dreaded "Playa Foot" -- and it's real, don't get me wrong -- but it's easy to avoid, just don't forget to wipe your feet with vinegar once a day or a couple of days, and you'll be a happy bunny.
It's going to be my sixth burn in 2010 (hopefully), and I learned a lot from BM over the years. Ask questions if you have any, I'll be glad to answer.
Keep on coming!
Reply
Reply
Leave a comment