Firstly thank you so much to all the people that have said I can join their camps at burning man. As you can understand, the prospect of joining total strangers is a little odd but not out of the question at all as that’s what you do when you don’t know anyone.
My main issues with getting to and surviving BM are, how do I get into the middle of the desert without a vehicle? I will be travelling to other parts of the US if I make it over there so lugging a tent and other camping/survival items isn’t entirely plausible. I have not the first idea about what it will take to survive the week without starving. For seasoned Burners, I’d love to hear your advice, tips, tricks and if anyone has advice on transport etc, please leave your comments!
Hello
I totally understand! I know it’s daunting but it’s not too bad really… Best place to start is http://www.burningman.com/preparation/ it’s chock full of good stuff, including where you can pick up ride shares – for example at one of the ‘Burner-friendly’ shopping areas in Reno. Another place for ride shares is of course the ePlaya section of the website. And sign up for ‘The Jack Rabbit Speaks’ newsletter.
The first time I did it, I arrived in LA from Sydney with nothing but a rucksack. I had been emailing for a few months with a NYC group and shared a massive ten-man tent with one other guy (not ideal but it suited me then) in a NYC group camp (with communal cooking gear). I got a ride from Davis, CA and we got all our provisions in Reno. You need 1.5 gallons of water per person per day (essential) and you need food that will last all week in desert temperatures, ie tins!
This year, I’ll fly in from UK with a tent, hire a car and plan to camp with a group of UK guys. We’ll buy a camping stove, a coolbox and all provisions in Reno – although I’m investigating all the ‘recycle’ things on that preparation page…
There’s loads more to say, but that’s a start! :-D
Howdy,
If I were you, I’d start by trying to line things up with a group of people going. Here in Vegas, I have seen posting on Craigslist where people want to ride-share, to lesson the expense of the trip.
Maybe that would be where you could start?
Double T
Get to know a camp and dedicate yourself to joining them. Ship to them what you think you might need and don’t want to buy when you arrive. They can hold onto your stuff and you can join them when you land and ride in with them. Burning Man is all about sharing, trusting, and putting yourself out there. Of course I say that not having ever been, but I want to really badly, but haven’t been able to work it out with work. Some friends who have gone spread the gospel of the Burn.
Hey Brenton -
glad you’re coming to the Burn this year. I would echo the others in their comments – all good advice. A couple of things that I would add: 1) probably a good choice to get to the playa from the Bay Area – there will be tons of people going, and Craigslist is your best bet. Chris (comments above) is right. Dedicate yourself to a camp, and fully participate with them – you will have something that they will love, and they will help take care of you. 2) But – make sure you take everything that you will need: you can get supplies anywhere from SF to Reno, but I would strongly recommend you take more than the recommended amount of H2O – nothing like a good long shower (with a new friend or buddy – even better!) after a long day of riding, or night of playing!
(My experience is that clean, non-dusty parts get played with more…) :~)
Hope to see you on the Playa this year. ~ e