Yes, I do realize that this post will have a million parts to it (in actuality I think there is only 2 or 3 left of the actual Burning Man series) and I’m sure you won’t mind too much.
There are two main tips that I thought I would bring up in this post before we jump into the picture series:
1. While Burning Man operates on a community “gifting” policy, it is still wise to ask the polite “gifter” what is in the cookie you were just handed.
This is one you will have to learn hard and fast – and not always in a positive way. One of my camp mates thought he was receiving a brownie in which it turned out to be a shroom brownie. Needless to say he was out for the rest of the day. Another time, another camp mate brought THC cookies and set them down on the community table in a nondescript looking container. While people were quite receptive to these goodies, eventually those around for the initial explanation of the cookies meandered off on their own adventures leaving the unexplained cookies behind for a random straggler to consume.
Just be aware.
2. ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS bring your goggles and mask with you.
We were told during one of the first days of Burning Man by a veteran burner that white outs don’t really happen at night. Taking this to heart, I left mine behind at camp one night while Shaun and I went exploring. We had not had a single white out during the week and it was Wednesday night. We just figured that the wind died down at night time and we had nothing to worry about.
We couldn’t have been more wrong.
We had all intentions to see the small wooden city (Metropolis) being set aflame/exploded that night, however, we had only made it to the Temple before the first extreme white out occurred. You can see the haziness in the air and the explosions in the background of the Temple from the art exhibit we missed being set on fire.
Shaun and I even got separated for a while even though we were only 10 feet apart. Visibility is almost zero and everyone is calling for other members of their parties.
Please note that I am asthmatic and dust to this extreme is terrifying to me.
After looking around in our backpack while I was undergoing a small panic attack we find 2 handkerchiefs and his goggles. Amazingly Shaun led us back to camp with one visible goggle eye (one of the tinted lenses would not come out), holding 2 bikes, and guiding me with my eyes closed while being able to see no more than 10 feet in front of him.
This is where Burning Man pushed my limits.
I really suggest doing things that take you out of you comfort zone. Not only do you learn your limits as a person but are able to push yourself harder than ever. I woke up that night in a full blown panic attack. Not only could I feel the dust settling on my face as I laid there, but my body was having issues breathing.
Did we leave that night? No. I wanted to stay. And I am so grateful that I did. I will never be able to replace the experiences I had in this rough, yet hospitable, place. The people were fantastic when the land was arid, dry, and unforgiving.
Please enjoy the following pictures. I know there are a million temple pictures but I can’t get over how phenomenal the energy was from that place. You can also see the dust kick up and the explosions from the Metropolis exhibit behind it.
View from the Man
More Temple Pictures
The White Out Starts at the Man
Back at Camp….
As you can see, I even have playa dust up my nose.
I had to take a deep breath while looking at the picture of yall covered in dust.
Stories like that from Burning man is what scares and intrigues me so much about attending myself. Been thinking about it for years now, and finally it looks like next year it is in the cards for us. You guys going to go again? Be awesome to meet up!
@Kris: It definitely took me to the limit!
@Dee: If we are in the country, we will be there! It really depends how long we can stay in Central/South America. Regardless, I plan on taking a completely different tent than last year. NO VENTILATION HOLES – Dust just creeps in.