I received some good news from a new friend and I’m very lucky to have some really cool and thoughtful friends. While at the LaughingSquid Post-SXSW Drinkup on March 27th, I met a guy who was very involved in Burning Man. I’m not going to reveal his identity or what he does there but it’s pretty cool stuff.
Scott Beale introduces me to the coolest people. You want to meet some awesome people and you’re not a weirdo, hang out with Scott. Anyway, Scott introduced us and I told the guy how I had just moved to SF and that I was going to go to Burning Man one of these days. The tickets can get as expensive as $300 so I had been putting it off for a while. I wanted to go in 2008 but having just moved to San Francisco made it challenging to go on such short notice. This year, I’m just too busy but the $300 admission also kept it on the back burner.
The next day a friend messaged me and said that the guy I met wanted to give me a pass. A free pass to Burning Man 2009 and they needed my mailing address. Wow. I asked how I could thank them and they said, “just volunteer” and I agreed.
I’m going to Burning Man 2009 which takes place August 31st-September 7th. I’ll probably be going for 3-5 days due to work and the fact that 8 days in the desert might be too much for a 1st timer. I’m going to volunteer to be a ranger. Here is the description of a ranger:
The Black Rock Rangers are the core infrastructure for the community during the event. Their strength comes from the diversity of backgrounds and experiences; they are communicators, medics, firefighters and concerned citizens. Rangers are the mediators of public safety and providers of information.
I think this role will suit me just fine. I need some additional advice though. I’ve began reading the “First Timers Guide” and trying to learn all I can about the event. I want to team up with people. I’m not interested in doing an art piece or doing some massive operation. My goal is to agree to volunteer, ensure I have some friends who I’ll be camping with and then enjoy Burning Man with an open mind.
I won’t have a car so I’ll need a ride. Maybe we can all go in on a small camper / RV together? I guess I need to get some camping gear? All of this is a complete mystery to me so any advice you have please contact me and if you’re going and live in San Francisco, I’m ready to meet up to start planning things. Let’s keep it small, simple and cheap.
Hey Adam,
Scott is great. So are the people with BMan. Now I want to see the pics to see who was there. LOL
Anyway!
Last year was my first time. I camped with Alternative Energy Zone, enjoyed the hospitality of of Fandango and Burning Man Earth (as well as many others) but I fell in love with Burning Man Earth. @_gadget is part of Couch Surfing and for someone new that might be a great place to connect. There is also a group specifically for first time Burners.
I’d encourage a notebook (small pocket size) and a little pencil to make sure you can reconnect later. The guys are working on many things including the iPhone app that will make GPSing around the burn easier.
I found the handbook overwhelming despite being a knowledgeable camper. Best thing I do was take lots of easy to amke TJ foods and my comfy feather beds. I wish I had added a crate type basket to my bike – this year I will. So much stuff you need to have “with” most the time.
I am taking my son DAVe this year. And I think I’ll make the trailer decision.
http://www.playasource.com can give you some good ideas and if you want set everything up for you.
Whew! Okay scratched the surface!