The more I think about it and discuss it with my friends, it looks less and less likely that I’ll be hitting Burning Man 2009. I swear that one day I’ll be getting there and enjoying it. I’ve heard that there is something called ConFest here in Australia but quite some way from Sydney that could be a similar vibe but much much smaller.
If there are guys like these guys wandering around sharing the bohemian vibe, then it can’t be a bad place at all! Most of these photos are from Patrick Roddie. Nice work mate!
confest is a lot of fun.. v hot in christmas.. dry and dusty though – and it does not look quite like the burning man photos – more hippy/grungy! its on at easter too which is meant to be a bit easier to handle..as its not close to 50 degrees most days like christmas. that said – we ended up nekked the WHOLE time as it was too hot for clothes – as did most people – i think lots of them who normally would not have been quite as quick to disrobe though! all i wore was a hat with corks to keep the peshy flies at bay!! give it a go though – there is a great river to chill off in..
Owen
I have been going to Burning Man for many many years, 11 burns. The first year I went was heaven with 14,000 bohemians; everyone was friendly, respectful and shared. Nudity was everywhere.
Each year more and more people came, now near 50,000 people. The last few years have changed greatly, spectators out number participates. More people lead to more rules and restrictions. Nudity is still allowed however there is a lot less. Also, people do not share as much.
Theme camps have stopped returning; Bianca’s long gone, Piss Clear gone, Stiffy Lube gone and the Deep End has called it quits.
If you decide to go to Burning Man do while you’re young. You can always go to Vegas or New York but Black Rock City won’t always be there.