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“Getting Ready” by N&J
Vancouver, BC (aug 13/13) – The journey N&J are about to embark on is no small feat when you consider the task of readying two VW Westfalia van’s for the ‘road trip’. Yes only taking one van on the trip, but irregardless both must be ready in case the ‘odd van out’ is chosen in a last minute decision to take the leading role. Everything must be checked… twice. Fridges (nothing sucks more than luke-warm beer), stoves, batteries, engines, tires, water tanks, camp gear, dishes, cookery, etc… it is a long list, but must be done. Packing & cleaning both vans (although only taking one) can be a long drawn…
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“Last Minute” by N&J
Vancouver, BC (aug 19/13) – Last minute prep today. Gizmo (N’s Westfalia camper van) is the chosen one to start off on this journey. He (he is a guy? right N?) has been poked & prodded, cleaned & polished, de-cluttered & re-cluttered (is that a word?). Today last chance adjustments to ensure all the bases covered. Anything forgotten will have to obtained once on the road, no turning back. Anything extra will be jettisoned to make room. Fire up the fridge, get it cold, load it up. Mount the bikes, lock ’em up. Place the luggage carrier in that ‘only found on a Westfalia’ luggage area (the depression above the…
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“Sand Trap” by N&J
Woodland, WA (aug 20/13) – Ok, this ship has finally sailed. After much preparation & ballyhoo, N&J were able to disembark on this ‘epic’ voyage (epic? ….well, ok their intention, expectation is this will be epic, all things turning out as they envision). The boat reference fits. Getting everything to fit that N&J need to take with them is no different. Packing Gizmo is just like prepping a sailboat; limited space, anything that can’t fit drops into the sea… um, er… onto the road. Of course carrying a lot of extra stuff normally not usually brought along. Stuff that would seem completely weird to the average traveler (stuff denotes anything…
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“We Are the Eggman!” by N&J
Eugene, OR (aug 22/13) – The reality of this journey is taking shape as N&J head off into the unknown, curiosity and excitement keeps the focus on the road ahead. The I-5 to Eugene is pretty uneventful other than the dusty billowing clouds emanating from the busy farmers bringing in their crops. Upon seeing this N&J look at each other in astonishment realizing that they will be living in those dust clouds once on the playa at Burning Man (BM)… “What have they done”?! A good laugh about this and they carry on. The day getting sticky and hot, N&J find a private spot along the Willamette River to take a…
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“Beer Cough” by N&J
Eugene, OR (aug 23/13) – Muscles aching and dry coughs due to ‘lack of beer’, N&J are ready to hit the road. It has been a very long day for both. Trucks have been loaded up with 5+ tons of live music gear, food and an entire kitchen rig. Went out on our last minute shopping (more like last 5 hours of shopping)… more tarps, lemons, water, gas, propane, liquor, etc… and a new GoPro Hero HD Cam for N (perfect for capturing the sights & sounds at BM!!!). Whatever needs we have, need to get it now; there are no ‘corner stores’ on the playa at Burning Man (BM).…
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“Dangly Bits” by N&J
Black Rock City (BRC), NV (aug 26/13) – Regarding the departure from Eugene… Left 5 hours late after the scheduled time (5pm). The 5 ton truck tasked to drive had been packed & repacked and was ready to leave. Problem was our fellow BM travelers had not completed loading the kitchen trailer (giant ice maker, convection oven, etc); and ‘Bucket’ (who’s truck would be towing that trailer) did not arrive until very late. Finally had enough hanging around, and pushed off to rendezvous with the others at the schedule stop. Drove to Summer Lake Hot Springs, arriving around 3am: greeted by a chap loosely dressed in a bath robe with…
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“Welcome Home” by N&J
BRC, Nevada (aug 26/13) – Finally after what seemed like eternity, traveling from Eugene OR to Black Rock City NV… N waiting in the line-up to get their Burning Man passes. The initiation by the ‘playa greeter’… dust angels in the sand and the ringing of the bell to enter into Utopia… N&J are now officially burners! click on pic to enlarge – right/left arrow to scroll thru the gallery The life of comfort and cleanliness are left behind, but that doesn’t seem to matter… there is something very unique, almost magical happening here. Only after a few minutes on the playa there is a difference felt in the mind…
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“Camp Life” by N&J
BRC, Nevada (aug 26/13) – ‘Leave No Trace’ a term we often hear back home; but here it is for real, everyone lives it. Nothing… will be left behind. Whether it be waste water, garbage, recycling, or a ‘dry leaf’ that hitchhiked in the propane tanks, everything must be removed when leaving. It’s called MOOP (matter out of place). Wherever you go in Burning Man (BM) you will find no litter… none. And yet there are no trash bins anywhere to be found… you take back to your camp refuse bag what you bring along. click on pic to enlarge – right/left arrow to scroll thru the gallery In the…
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“Re-balancing” by N&J
BRC, Nevada (aug 29/13) – N&J spent most of the past 3 days exploring the ‘Burn’. Thankfully they have bikes, it is huge & widespread. Aura (N) says it’s like ‘Disneyland on steroids’… except it is all for real. Everything you could possibly imagine, is here (Oh yeah… everything!!!). In the last few days have attended numerous ‘house’ parties and ‘nightclub’ venues. Kind of like back home except don’t know who the people who are hosting the party at their camp… but within minutes of being welcomed to their place as you ride past, they offer drink or food, everyone greets each other with warm hugs like they known each…
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“The Rhino, and the Meerkat” by N&J
BRC, Nevada (aug 30/13) – N&J attended a couple of presentations at TEDx ‘Black Rock City’ to hear what changes (or what could be changed) with the current status quo of our planet Earth. Some incredible presenters discussed the possibilities of extending human lifespan, shape shifting, embracing environmental challenges, inter-planetary travel, etc… along with an amazing outlook on what the common person can do to bring about change. Be the visionary or be the doer, the spokes of the wheel working as one. click on pic to enlarge – right/left arrow to scroll thru the gallery Off to explore more events, cycle over to the “Shamandome”. N&J are greeted with…
The Westfalia Journal
Travels of a VW Westfalia Camper Van