Today we drove out to the Black Rock Desert, where Burning Man is held every year in September. Carr and I have both been to Burning Man several times, and have had many fun, meaningful and transformative experiences there over the years. I've been there 7 times, the first in 2001 and the last in 2014. As I've mentioned elsewhere, I doubt I will be back - the event is still amazing but it has become much bigger/popular over the years (+/- 16,000 people in 2001 compared to 80,000 in 2014) and it feels like it is "over" (for me at least). We're planning to go to Afrikaburn next year, a much smaller burn in South Africa which we've heard retains much of the original magic.
Today we had the desert completely to ourselves, and it was glorious. Being out there made us both quite nostalgic for Burning Man and was also very cool on its own. The playa (as it is called) was mostly flooded due to the recent rains, but we were able to walk out on a wide peninsula of dry (and super cool cracked) earth to complete our pilgrimage and do a fun little photoshoot (the product of which you can see below). On our way back out we discovered that the water had actually surrounded us (!) - evidently the desert did not want us to leave. So we trudged through water in the slippery mud and got back covered in playa dust, as usual.
On the drive back to Reno we were elated, grooving on some very funky music and taking in the panoramic views. Sadly we saw a beautiful tortoise run over by a truck - rest in peace, amigo.
For a video, click HERE.
Today we had the desert completely to ourselves, and it was glorious. Being out there made us both quite nostalgic for Burning Man and was also very cool on its own. The playa (as it is called) was mostly flooded due to the recent rains, but we were able to walk out on a wide peninsula of dry (and super cool cracked) earth to complete our pilgrimage and do a fun little photoshoot (the product of which you can see below). On our way back out we discovered that the water had actually surrounded us (!) - evidently the desert did not want us to leave. So we trudged through water in the slippery mud and got back covered in playa dust, as usual.
On the drive back to Reno we were elated, grooving on some very funky music and taking in the panoramic views. Sadly we saw a beautiful tortoise run over by a truck - rest in peace, amigo.
For a video, click HERE.