Burning Man 2007
From crispyneurons
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[edit] Introduction
I'll start with the background. The Purple Turtle had imploded, and Heather and I considered camping alone. But then we went to the Red Light District (RLD) fundraising event, Fool's Paradise, in Anza Borrego last June. We reconnected with a few Turtle refugees there and made some new friends too, and they wanted us to camp with them in RLD. So we did. RLD was at 4:30 and Coral Reef. (Not to be confused with the separate region of Black Rock City at 9:00 known as the red light district.)
[edit] Preparation and Loading
Our preparations for this year's burn kicked into gear over the August 25-26 weekend.
Hisham had made arrangements to borrow a 70,000 watt diesel generator to electrify the entire camp for the week. Since I had the means, I offered to deliver it to the playa and bring it back to its owner in San Bernadino. Hisham was super helpful in coordinating it, even making sure it was repaired at the last minute and bringing it to my door before I took it up to BRC.
[edit] Drive to Black Rock City
On Sunday morning, 8/26, we pulled out from The Pineapple and began our journey to Black Rock City. We anticipated gate arrival at just after midnight, when it officially opened. We stopped at Ralph's to pick up a few last things and check out Logos and the trailer once more.
On our way now. Our route took us from San Diego up the 15 through San Bernadino and connecting to the 395.
I had expected trouble getting the fully-laden van and generator through the Sierra Nevadas as we approached Reno, but it was no problem. Slow going at points, that's about it.
We took the 80 from Reno east and the 447 north to Gerlach. We arrived in BRC in the wee hours of Monday, just as expected. Claiming our tickets at Will Call was a chaotic mess; traffic was tied in knots and the process took us over two hours. Other than that, the entire trip was as smooth as silk. With the giant fucking generator in tow, the greeters didn't even ask if we were virgins.
By the way, Monday morning marked the official termination of Project Swirl, which has exceeded all expectations. We brought a bunch of CFLs and Official Project Swirl LED Dog Tags to hand out as playa gifts.
After reaching RLD, we unhitched the generator, got greeted enthusiastically by everyone for an hour or so, parked and reparked the van a few times, then dumped out all the junk and fell asleep for a few hours.
[edit] Setting up Camp
Next morning: We set up our little camp in RLD, named "The Treehouse" by Heather, right next to Nadia's tipi. Jefferson's tent was next to us too. These and other camps were in the area of the RLD called "The Rez," as in reservation. Why?
- It was mostly trailers and a tipi
- It was on worthless land
- Several of us had Indian blood
The Treehouse is basically the tail gate of Logos sticking out into a 2/3 constructed Costco shade structure secured to the playa by tie-downs and rebar. A fake Persian rug makes the floor. Bins on both sides.
Rope lights, tea lanterns and leaf garlands decorate the edges and tie-downs. We brought a new propane stove, banquet table, camp chairs and interior van decoration. It's the nicest camp we've ever done.
Then I worked with Turo to get the genny positioned. This was annoying. Every time we placed it, someone popped out of a tent saying "You're putting it HERE? That's right next to my tent!" Whole lotta NIMBY. And it was understandable, but we had to place it somewhere. After three tries, Turo was getting justifiably aggro, and I announced "The subject is closed." No more moving.
Hard work, hot sun and little sleep left us irritable, but we got through it. Found out Jonah's situation and didn't feel so bad. His RV broke down, and he and his passengers were stranded in Empire. To break down so close--damn. A lot of burners have breakdown stores on the way in or out of Black Rock--I've heard a bunch over the years. Our trip was completely painless in comparison.
Back on the playa after two years! We rested in camp until after lunch, then decided to take a look around. Not much had changed much as far as I could tell this early on. I don't see much art yet, but it's all still coming online. The city is larger, consuming more of the pentagon of BLM land. I heard the population would break 40k. There are more RVs than ever--it was a convoy when we entered the city. Most girls have braids, more than I remember years back anyway. The level of immaturity is more striking to me. They seem like kids to me. When did I start feeling older than the random burner? (Later I learned the median age is 36. Whew. Not an old-timer just yet.)
