Burning Man

Just got back from 4 days at Burning Man, 120 miles north of Reno in the Black Rock Desert. For those of you not familiar, it's a huge festival with incredible artwork spread over 5 square miles on what's called the "playa". For 1 week of the year, about 35000 people congregate here and build Black Rock City, making it the 7th largest city in Nevada. You must be self-sufficient-bringing housing, water, and food. Only ice is available for purchase. Port-a-lets are also available-and are kept surprisingly clean-partially because of the company servicing them and mainly because it's probably the largest congregation of well-intentioned and considerate people you'd find in 1 place.

RV's would be the ideal living arrangement however they are booked well over a year in advance and are prohibitvely expensive to rent. All the companies know they are going to Burning Man this time of year and charge a hefty premium. They can take a real beating as when the wind kicks up, playa dust gets in everything. We rented a U-Haul and had a nice 1 bedroom condo, with a couple air mattresses and a little table and chair. Very comfy. However, a regular shower would've been nicer than the sun showers that campers use.

Just because we're in the middle of the desert doesn't mean we need to eat trail mix and dehydrated meals. We brought a little grill and did chicken our 1st night, duck breasts our 2nd night, and tri-tip our 3rd. Of course we served that with some excellent wine. You meet other people and oftentimes get dinner invitations, so by pooling your resources, you can have quite a feast.

Because the area is quite large, a bicycle is a must. Many of the people bring "art cars" and drive them around. They are sort of like a cross between Mad Max and Mardi Gras. It's fun riding around the city seeing all the intricate theme camps that people build. There's always activities going on -24/7. Even more interesting is riding around the wide open playa and seeing this amazing artwork built for 1 week. The city and much of the artwork is pretty well lit up at night. Lots of generators.

I'm posting a few pictures to give a very general view of the event. I have many more and if there's an interest in seeing them, let me know and I'll try to figure out how to display them or make them available. I just got a digital camera so I'm new to all this. Also, check out the website. Of course, this has to be seen to be believed. No amount of words or pictures can truly describe this experience.

http://www.burningman.com/

He be the man. This gets burned on Saturday night.
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This is the view from the man towards Black Rock City-population approx. 35000 for 1 week, making it the 7th largest city in Nevada, in the middle of Black Rock desert
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One of the many elaborate art cars driving around the desert-this one shaped like a pirate ship. Also a view of the Thunderdome, which at night hosts fights(nothing too serious).
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One of the streets in Black Rock City

Great sculpture

Our home away from home, courtesy of U-Haul, with some friends
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Where're all the naked mud people?

Burning Man participant '98

Unfortunately, most of the naked people weren't photogenic.

I have spent a lot of time in the northern portion of Washoe County, NV. it is a great place to visit ... especially when you are the *ONLY* person around for miles - like most of the year.

The food options are very limited. My recommendation is to bring your own. Currently, there are no restaurants on the Pyramid Lake Indian Restaurant (make sure to buy a permit before entering the reservation).

The one place that is open is Bruno's Country Club. Don't let the name fool you. The place is pretty much of a dive located in Gerlach, NV. In general, the food is at best average. The worst item on the menu is their specialty the homemade ravioli. The raviolis are large but the plate comes with a 1/4" of grease on the top. The sandwiches are a better choice.

The one "must see" is Planet X Pottery which is located about two miles northeast of the city.

Most vehicle rental plaes do not like their equipment being driven on the playa. The playa is generally very easy to drive on as it is a hard clay-like surface. However, even the slightest rain will result in the vehicle being stuck ... and help is what ... a hundred miles away. (g)


Bruno's Country Club and Motel Restaurant
445 Main St
Gerlach, NV, 89412
(Phone) 775.557.2220

RevrendAndy wrote:Just got back from 4 days at Burning Man, 120 miles north of Reno in the Black Rock Desert.

Rev,

Sounds a wonderful time, interesting art, incredible environment, good food, wine and naked mud people!

Thanks for posting the pics and interesting account of Burning Man.

Enjoy,
Gary

Rev

Burning man sounds like fun. Another fest out that way is the annual Desert Blast.

http://www.unitednuclear.com/mag.htm

JSM

I bet Hunter S. Thompson woulda had a blast. 'wonder if SRL are involved(they were at Burning Man the year I attended).