Preparing For The Man
Members of Nevada Humanities staff and board are preparing a voyage out to Burning Man this week, and asked UNR student and Nevada Humanities intern Josh Berry for some playa advice. At the end of Burning Man in 2009, Josh and a friend were given a surprising gift by a stranger they met on the street in Reno and were commanded to attend Burning Man in 2010 and pass the gift on. This is the first installment of Josh’s Burning Man story.
Preparing For The Man
By Josh Berry
I’ve been told stories from friends, strangers, co-workers, classmates; even my own father has indulged in tales of “The Man.” However, it wasn’t until after last year’s Burning Man that my interest turned to intrigue and my intrigue rapidly evolved into infatuation. It was a Thursday night, as most great college stories tend to start, and my friends and I were making our way to downtown Reno to partake in some local festivities. What festivities you ask? Well, it was a Thursday night.
“Ya know where any bars are?” I heard as I turned to find two young men my age waiting for a reply. “You’re in luck, we’re headed to some.” I gestured to them to join our bunch. After some trade of pleasantries, I discovered that my two new friends, Mick and Fennel, were Irishmen in town for the night on their way home from Burning Man. These two travelers would become the catalyst for my infatuation with The Man. Though, it wouldn’t be through the telling of their accounts, nor would it be through the numerous drinking songs they would teach us, but instead, it would be through their generosity.
After awakening the following morning I came to two conclusions: 1) that even if my father tells me I’m Irish, I shouldn’t try to drink like an Irishman; and 2) there was a very important conversation that had taken place that night that I could only recall fragments of. “We’ll be headin’ out tomorra, got an RV we be leavin’ if ya want it,” were the only words I could recall. All was made clear later in the day when my friend told me the keys are in the tire, and the RV is waiting at the Ramada.
The idea to pay it forward, whether Kevin Spacey is present or not, moved me. My friends and I had literally been given a vehicle for our dreams. We would go to Burning Man, and when we were done, we would pop out of an alley and ask strangers if they knew where any “barrs arre?” And of course, we would pass along our RV, incepting into their minds that Burning Man is a must.
Now here we are, just days before The Man begins, our preparation underway. Most of the time, the excitement outweighs the panic of not being prepared. My reassurance at being a former Boy Scout settles nothing more than the worry of what knot to use when tying the tarps for shade and shelter. I had the great fortune of receiving a scholarship ticket at a reduced price, which meant my budget would allow me to double my glow stick stock. I was also lucky enough to have veteran Burners to turn to for critical advice on my preparation process, which I’ve broken down into four stages: camp, comida (food), costume, and chivalry.
CAMP: I’ve been told that there are three crucial essentials for camp: water, shade, and more water. The Burning Man Survival Guide suggests one and a half gallons of water per person, per day. To eliminate waste, I’ve packed three, five-gallon jugs of water instead of having boxes of bottled water. The ‘leave no trace behind’ motto each year at Burning Man is more than just a suggestion, it is a way of life. Keeping this in mind, I have two plastic cups to reuse throughout the week. One of which could rival the Holy Grail, and I plan to refer to it as such. Water, though a necessity for hydration, will be used for bathing (portable solar showers are very convenient) and cooking, so I’ll be bringing more than I plan to drink. A little tip, use some lemon juice on your hands and feet to neutralize the alkalinity of the playa dust. If you’ve never seen playa foot, ask a fellow Burner. Their stories will horrify you.
As for supplies, you may not have the luxury of raiding your best friend’s parent’s garage as I did. However, all this means is that your camp will resemble the forty-thousand other camps that are seemingly sponsored by large chain department stores. You’ll find that a flag or landmark will be your saving grace for rediscovering your camp. Having protection from the endless sandstorms and wind is beyond a necessity. Having two tents, one for your supplies and one to sleep and/or lounge in was a tip I received. A six-man and a three-man tent will be the mecca of my survival this year, and tying up tarps for extra shade and shelter will serve as an appropriate upgrade. A Frisbee, hacky-sac, croquet set, soccer ball, deck of cards, musical instruments, etc., are all fantastic upgrades and activities for your camp.
To avoid the noise and worry of a generator, most of our lighting comes by way of solar powered lamps ($15 for a pack of six) and flashlights. A table and chairs is a must for eating and leisure time. For the inevitable dust, I lucked upon an old living room rug from Savers to lay down underneath the primary area of my personal camp. I even have a broom for upkeep. My mother will be proud.
The most important, and ironically small, detail for your camp will be rebar for your structures. Twelve- to eighteen-inch stakes of rebar to hold down your tents, tarps, flags, so on and so forth will be a must in keeping your structures grounded. The wind is brutal on the Black Rock desert, with dust storms lasting hours at a time. To alleviate the stress of the winds, I’ve purchased a simple kite and attached glow sticks. The joke is on you, wind.
Lastly, a bike is the staple of a good camp. The playa is large and walking isn’t always easy. I’ve purchased an old cruiser bike, loaded with tassels, paint, and a giant stuffed crocodile I’ve named Lyle. (If you see us, don’t pet Lyle please. He bites.) Decorating your bike not only expresses your artistic side, but it helps in identifying which bike is yours. Be sure to bring a lock!
COMIDA: Food supply varies between individuals. I can get by with bare essentials and vast amounts of Clif Bars. When considering food, take into account preparation as well as nutrients. The hot climate alone will take a toll on my body, not to mention the hours (days even) of dancing I plan to do. Communal kitchens are common. If you’re in a larger camp a great system is to assign dinner nights to different people. And don’t be surprised if you’re offered food. Hospitality, I’m told, is superbly admirable amongst Burners. A small stove or grill is what I’ve chosen as my main source of cooking. Canned foods, hot dogs, hamburgers, soup are all easy and sufficient dinner items. Also, consider precooked meals to store and save for later in the week. I’ve prepared two separate coolers, one for immediate food and one for later in the week that is sealed with dry ice. We’ll see how long I can hold off.
COSTUME: Have you ever been the person at the party who’s underdressed? The person that says, “I must have missed the memo about the green tights”? Burning Man is a splendid event of expression and the costumes are a large part of that. Take a couple of minutes for research, just Google it. Don’t be afraid to look like a fool because that’s near impossible on the playa. Bright colors, fur, body paint, large hats, tights, stripper boots, a dashiki, and even birthday suits are common dress code. Live a little. Buy that kilt. A note: the nights run just as cold as the days run hot. Be sure to have warm clothing.
CHIVALRY: Remember you are about to join a community, a full city of thousands of people just as excited to be on the playa as you are. Hospitality is more than just yours to receive, but to provide as well. Gifts are commonly exchanged and given. Whether it be a cup of coffee a stranger provides, a lighter, or a glow in the dark whistle, think of gifts to provide to your fellow citizens of Black Rock City. I’ve purchased a box of Otter Pops and I plan to ride around with Lyle handing them out, with a bag for the plastic tops of course. Which brings me back to the motto “leave no trace behind.” Be just as generous, if not more so, to your environment as you are to other Burners.
Preparations may differ, but the ground rules and necessities remain constant. You can never be fully prepared for the unexpected, so be sure to bring the most important things: an open mind, heart, and expectations.