Hey there, fabulous Burners! I’m Burnie, the spirit embodiment of Burning Man. I’ll be posting a lot of notes from Black Rock between now and the end of the Big Week. I’m here to give you all the tips, tricks, info, and guides to great stuff you’ll need to get ready for and enjoy Burning Man!
First things first. Let me tell you a bit about myself. I’m all about living for the moment, embracing freedom, and cherishing the magic of Burning Man. As the Official Spirit of this mind-blowing event, my mission is simple: to make sure you have the time of your life while staying safe as can be.
After all, I’m here today, on fire tomorrow, and reinvented the next day, but you humans don’t have the same free and easy interaction with Reality. So safety first, folks. You’re coming to celebrate the awe-inspiring self-expression and jaw-dropping art at this epic gathering – and that’s a lot easier when you’re feeling good.
Staying Healthy at Burning Man
In just a few weeks the playa will transform into a bustling temporary metropolis, brimming with creativity, camaraderie, and the best beats you’ll ever dance to. But hey, my beloved Burners, this desert playground isn’t all art and energy. Desert environments can be challenging! We’re talking scorching daytime temperatures, epic dust storms, and the challenge of catching some z’s amidst all the exhilaration.
Keep Drinking Water!
So how can we keep you shining bright throughout the week? One BIG word is the key: hydration! Water, water, water! In the desert heat, you gotta chug those H2O blessings like there’s no tomorrow. Plan for at least a gallon a day – it’s the ultimate playa elixir. And, dear Burners, look out for signs of dehydration, like feeling dizzy, weak, or super sweaty.
One of the best ways to check for dehydration is to check out your pee. Yep, you gotta look – just think of it as your most important form of self-expression! I’m including a pic of the Pee Color Chart below. If your pee turns dark, yikes! Time to chug more water, pronto!
Your water stop on the way in is one of the most important ones you’ll make. If you’re coming through the Reno area, stock up on safe, clean, natural and great-tasting drinking water at one of my favorite places, Spring Water Depot! Bring your 1, 3, and 5 gallon containers to their 24-hour, self-serve water vending locations (shown here), and stock up before you hit the playa. They don’t sell bottles – they don’t want to litter the desert with plastic any more than you do – but check out their FAQ for advice on getting reusable containers.
Keep That Water With You!
While you’re wandering the playa, carry water with you. A CamelBak-type water reservoir is a great idea – it’s easy to use and always handy. Just fill it up with great-tasting natural Spring Water Depot water, and when it’s getting low head back to refill it! Whenever I’m “embodied” at Burning Man, I always have mine slung over my shoulder, ready to quench that thirst and keep me as hydrated as a succulent in an oasis. Don’t leave home (or your tent) without one!
Don’t Eat My Dust – and Save Your Feet!
Oh, and dust storms! Gotta love ’em – they’re amazing, even the little ones! But be prepared. Goggles and scarves help you keep the worst of the desert off your face. And bring several bottles of saline drops, because flushing your nose and irrigating your eyes with them will keep those peepers dazzlin’ in the dust!
Now, let’s talk Playa Foot. This desert dust can be a real troublemaker for your tootsies, so show our feet some love! Keep ’em covered and moisturized, because “Playa Foot” ain’t no fashion statement, my friends. Wash those feet daily and soak ’em if they’re cranky – I promise, they’ll thank you!
Know Who – and Where – Your Friends Are!
Next, let’s not forget the Buddy System, people! Stay with someone you know, and make sure someone knows where you’re staying! I’m all about making new friends at Burning Man, but keep track of your old friends too. You’re far more likely to have trouble with the elements than anything else, but use your brain, and make sure someone you trust knows where you are.
…and Get Ready to Celebrate!
When you’re prepared with plenty of water and all the supplies you need, get ready to unleash your wildest self! Express yourself, embrace the art, dance like nobody’s watching. Just remember to stop by one of Spring Water Depot’s water vending locations on your way out, stock up on plenty of natural spring water, and stay safe out there. Rock the playa like a pro!
So, let’s rally together, Burners, and let the desert skies witness the most epic yet celebration of creativity and community! Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate, keep an eye on your feet (AND your pee), play it cool in the dust, and use that Pee Color Chart!
Let’s make this year’s Burning Man an unforgettable dream. Watch this space for more helpful hints from your Burning Man spirit Burnie, and pretty soon I’ll see you in the dust, my extraordinary Burners!
