BM2K7

Playa ROM

Decompression

Playa Prologue

First Day

A Busy Day

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2007

Burning Man 2007: Playa ROM (Ranger Orientation Meeting)

Friday 6 July 2007
	Ranger Lefty and I are heading up to the playa for the 2007 ROM (Ranger Orientation Meeting). In the trusty Ford Explorer that we've used for so many years, the tunes are playing, my feet are hanging out the window, the road races by. We're a happy bunch of guys. I check out the Gerlach weather on my brand new iPhone, it having become available only a week earlier. This late in the afternoon it's still 99° F (37° C) up there. (The weather was unseasonably hot and dry, as you'll shortly discover.) Last year, when Domo and I did the 2006 ROM, we arrived very early morning, to a rain-, wind-, and lightning-storm. This year we saw lightning far off, thankfully. On-playa, Ranger Lefty chats with some of the other Rangers at their camp. Moments after this photo was taken a monster gust of wind blew across the playa, demolishing the flimsy shade structure under which we're sitting. Ranger Fuzzy and his new bride. What a great couple! It's Ranger Painless - a dentist - and his son Thomas, aka Little Painless. There is no sound like Little's laugh, save perhaps the mirth of angels.
Saturday 7 July 2007
	After midnight, the arrivals slow, and the merriment and reunions begin. One of the joys denied to us during the event is the bearing of arms. (Yeah, what worked at 1,000 people somehow doesn't scale up at 50,000; who knew?) Here some of our BANGSTIX gun enthusiasts fire away. Their brass scatters among the heaping piles left by the locals. The reports ring out against the hills. The smell of cordite smells like victory. Little Painless holds court, the wee charmer. There was an issue with Painless' vehicle, so it comes to pass that some of his gear got left behind. Missing are warm blankets, so Little Painless spends the night in my Ranger Jacket, first on his dad's lap and then safely tucked into their sleeping space. Ranger Crow (left) enjoying the early hours of the morning. The next morning Ranger Sir Bill (at left) provides us with a truly perfect moment: copious amounts of hot crispy bacon and hotter coffee! Sir Bill, there aren't words enough to convey our gratitude (despite our cheers and hugs). The ROM start time nearing for the first-timers, chairs are pulled from camps to the central shade structure. Our host of last evening - the maker of margaritas extraordinary - appears refreshed, with clean hat and pep in his step. Nothing makes the playa feel more civilized, save bacon and coffee, than the presence of clean porta-potties. Thank you, Ranger Crow. Ranger Vichy Lobo (at left) and Ranger Lefty (at right) at Bruno's restaurant, in near-by Gerlach. Good omelettes, and better conversation. Ranger Crow's ride. Ranger Dirtwitch, aka Dirty, our experienced trainer par excellance, begins the ROM. So much to share, so little time in which to share it.
Sunday 8 July 2007

1994

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1997

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1999

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2003

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2006

2007