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“Freestyling” by N&J
Fort Collins, CO (Sep 12/13) – The first stop after leaving Moab was Vail, Colorado. Arriving later in the evening and seeing that there is ‘no parking allowed’ on the streets drove around the residential area. Being it’s the ski resort off-season, discovered that there are a fair number of homes unattended, soon find a suitable driveway to set up camp. N&J feeling rather proud of themselves for their ingenious ways of ‘Freestyling’ their way across the States are quite chipper until a nosy neighbour decides to drop by to check N&J out. J quickly puts on his friendly charm and soothes the man’s inquisitive concern… something about ‘their friends’ have…
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“River Rats” by N&J
Moab, UT (Sep 9/13) – Waking up to a deluge of rain N&J thought for sure the whitewater river rafting would be cancelled… Nope, they were stuck and had to go. A two hour drive getting to know the ‘very funny’ river guides for Canyon Voyages – Richard, Sarah and Scott. They lightened up to the idea of getting drenched while maneuvering down the class 3 or 4 rapids of the Colorado River. The rain subsided a bit and they were ready to embark on the adventure. The safety talk put them on edge a bit but soon discovered that they had a great (international) rafting team and all worked…
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“Outdoor Playground” by N&J
Moab, UT (Sep 6-8/13) – After leaving Salt Lake City UT, and a 5 hour drive N&J came down into the red rock canyon of Moab UT. Absolutely stunning, over the top beautiful, they have found a little piece of heaven! Finding a campsite along the Colorado River they are able to take a dip in the very reddish/muddy water. J decides the clay must have healing properties and decides to spread it all over himself. click on pic to enlarge – right/left arrow to scroll thru the gallery Despite the colour of the water it was inviting and refreshing due to the scorching 38 degree celsius under the sunshine.…
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“On the Road Again” by N&J
Nevada/Utah (Sep 2-5/13) – N&J’s first day away from Burning Man was spent mostly on cleaning the dust from Gizmo & themselves…. it has found its way into every nook & cranny. The only thing that neutralizes the dust is vinegar… Costco size! Traveling south from Black Rock Desert NV found ‘Indian Tacos’ and a car wash for $10… a bargain for sure, Giz looks great… Ended up at Pyramid Lake on the Paiute Tribe Reservation. The cost to stay the night was only $9!!! The most beautiful salt lake in the world, dove in and thought they had died, it was so nice to be able to swim. Exhausted,…
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“Goodbyes” by N&J
BRC, Nevada (Sep 2/13) – After spending most of yesterday hanging out with ‘old friends’ around camp and saying goodbyes; it is time to tear down the Reverbia Camp and the camp around Gizmo… in preparation for the ‘great exodus’ (60,000+ leaving at the same time). The exit line-ups can be 8-10 hours!!! The Burning Man (BM) officials issued a warning that a substantial rain storm was to happen on Monday around noon. If that happened, nobody would be allowed to drive anywhere in Black Rock City… the water would make it a greasy, slippery quagmire. So the race was on to get the encampment down as soon as possible……
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“The Man Burns – WTF?” by N&J
BRC, Nevada (aug 31/13) – As the week wore on, some conditions in the camp deteriorated. On Saturday morning, awoken to no electricity to run Gizmo’s fridge (warm beer!?!); J (being part of the electrical team) investigated and found that the massive 85 kilowatt diesel generator which provided power to the Reverbia Camp and an adjacent camp had stopped… it was out of fuel. After scrounging up some extra diesel, the generator was restarted on a limited basis. Sufficient enough to quench the playa ‘beer cough’. The large water tank used to supply the kitchen, drinking & shower supply had also run dry… awaiting water delivery that never happened. This…
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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…
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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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“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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“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…