Aug 31, 2006 19:33
I'm dreaming today of a trip I promised myself--and my friends Crystal
and Claudia--that I'd make in a few years: Burning Man 2008.
Provided, of course, that Burning Man is still going on. It seems
every year I read about another hurdle to jump in order for the event to
continue. But that is another story.
Considering all else that I've got on my mind these days, this fantasy
trip is a low priority. It's captured my attention today, though,
because in catching up with my e-mail and livejournal a few days ago, I
realized that this is the weekend Burners are leaving on the pilgrimage to
the playa. Today is Friday and next weekend is Labor Day weekend,
culmination of Burning Man. Lately, I've found a lot of nostalgia creeping
into my thoughts: along the line of: "it's been 10 years since I did
this, or 5 years since I did that*" It's been 5 years since I left on my
own trek out to the Black Rock Desert. Despite many good intentions
over the years, I have not yet made it back out to Nevada.
The plan is for the three of us each to arrange for a month away from
our jobs and families, jump in some sort of vehicle, and drive
cross-country to the Burning Man festival. Now, 2 & 1/2 years after making the
pledge, I'm unsure how to make it happen. Even if I save up every
minute of my vacation time until August 2008, it's unlikely that I'll be
able to swing a month away from my current job. (Although I am working
for the State, so hey, you never know. Maybe something can be worked
out.) But more, how to arrange for care for a then 3-year-old Michael
while I'm away? Would Captain be resentful at me for leaving he and
Michael to "fend for themselves" for a month? It's a "girls trip," so
bringing Captain and Michael along is not an option. Crystal has three
kids: two will be teens by then, but her youngest daughter will be 5 or 6.
Her male partner, while generally a good guy, has also proven himself
randomly possessive. Will she be able to swing it? Claudia, the
eternal party star, has no such familial obligations to tie her down*at
least, not at the moment. Yet Claudia seems to never have extra cash
available; unpredictable finances may hobble her.
More on the controllable side of things, logistics. How to transport
us all comfortably and safely and yet inexpensively? When Crystal and I
conceived of this idea, I envisioned a rerun of my 2001 Grand Trip:
all of us traveling in my trusty camping-outfitted conversion van.
However, I'm not sure that my old van 'Moose' will still be a viable option
by then. Sure, I still own Moose, and he still runs pretty well. On
the other hand, lots of little things have broken on Moose over the
years: the speedo and odometer, the cruise control, the air conditioning;
lately the brakes are a bit spongy even after fixing and the front
suspension is getting bouncy. Moose's engine burns oil. After a few minor
accidents and years of living in upstate New York, Moose also requires
exterior work: new mirrors, replacement lens for a turn signal, patches
for the ever-expanding rust holes. I am concerned that taking Moose
out on an extended travel trip is a recipe for mechanical catastrophe.
Other options include: renting an RV or purchasing a light travel
trailer. I've been ogling online descriptions of hard-sided pop-up campers,
such as Trailmanors, Aliners, Chalets, and Hi-Los. There are a couple
of old Apache hard-side pop-ups for sale locally, each $1500, but I
don't think either has an air-conditioner. Plus, then you've got the
potential problem of depending on a 30 yr old piece of equipment*the same
issue as with Moose.
As much as I love my partner, my child, and my current life, I
sometimes long for a simpler, younger, less-fettered existence. . .