start Preparation Leaving S. F. On to Reno Reno Leaving Reno Playa-bound Black Rock City Camp Vermeer The Man Temple of Joy Dust Storm Playa Shabbos Bicycles Planes Art Cars Theme Camps People Panoramas Miscellaneous Leavetaking Leaving Ranger Shift Ranger Lefty Ranger Norman Ranger Mickey
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Burning Man 2002: Arrival at Black Rock City
This is our first glimpse of Black Rock City. We've just passed Gerlach, Nevada, and are looking north-east, across the playa. A semi-circle city his been planted by the DPW, our Department of Public Works. Fearsome and efficient; without this hard-working clan of pirates the city would be a mere promise of its glorious annual birth.
Finally! The first sign of civilization (as opposed to population). A pointer away from paved roads, with a reminder that money is evil. We're in a gift economy now; a barter economy if you must. Vending prohibited.
We turn off the highway, onto the watered-down playa surface. Dust is kept to a minimum. It's the middle of the week, and we're not burdened by commute traffic.
Many introductions to BRC appear before us, lovingly hand-painted. No firearms; a long cry from the glory days of the drive-by shooting range.
Things have slowed down somewhat, and now there is a line of cars. I get out and photograph the scene. That's Ranger Lefty you see peeking out of the cab of his truck. That's my shadow you see across his front wheel.
Signs, signs, everywhere, signs.
I think I might have some tokens left over from my last visit to the playa.
We're met by our own personal greeter, who regales us with tales of the dusty city. She gave us the daily paper, the welcome packet, and an encouraging send-off.
Now it's time to drive into Black Rock City, time to find a camping spot, time to resurrect Camp Vermeer yet again!
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