Although we'd had our tickets since the day they went on sale, Daphne (errr.... "Pancakes" ;-) and I were convinced we weren't going to be able to make it home to Black Rock City this year, with all that we've had going on.

As the date approached, we started talking to our friends Queen Tangerine and Mig, and learned that they were part of a theme camp this year. Then, a few calls, and serendipity presented a last-minute available RV. We were off-again, on-again based on dog sitting schedules and other obligations - but finally, about a month before the event - we joined the community of Expansion Mansion, and never looked back.

The weeks leading up to our departure were hectic, with regularly scheduled work parties: the crew had some ambitious plans and a LOT of infrastructure to build. Everyone had a task, and each member contributed their special skills, as well as plenty of plain ol' sweat equity. Before we knew it, it was time to tear down, pack the trucks... and the first away teams were off to stake our claim. Two (frenzied) days later, Daphne and I loaded up the Tahoe, drove to Sacramento, picked up the RV (which meant unpacking the Tahoe, and re-packing the RV), and headed for the Playa.

It was a LONG day, but a fairly uneventful drive (with the exception of discovering the refrigerator in the RV didn't work): Auburn, Truckee, Reno, Fernley - then finally Gerlach, and then...

Home Sweet Home.

We arrived on the Playa just a bit after midnight - and since I had BRC maps already loaded into my GPSr, and we knew where our theme camp had been placed - we were able to drive right to it. We didn't see any of our camp mates at the time - so we unloaded our bikes, and decided to take a ride around the Playa, see the sites, and make our first pilgrimage to The Man...



More photos at the link above, and more details below the fold...

Eventually, we ran into our camp mates, and got settled for the evening. The next day, we went about getting our position finalized, and our limited personal infrastructure deployed and anchored.

Then it was time to focus our attention on camp: there was still PLENTY of building to be done, although the main tower/scaffolding was already assembled. From construction to electrical, lighting to sound - there was a LOT of work getting done. We also managed to put up the dome, and proceeded to hang hammocks, swings, scarves and carpets to make it a very groovy chill spot - even if it got a little hot in the peak of the day.

The week flew by: We had a party (Billtron is an amazing DJ, and can really draw a crowd), generator troubles (don't ask about the RV wiring: whaddya MEAN you can't run an entire night club off a single outlet in the bathroom?), met tons of great people, and got to know our fellow Expanders even better.

One of the highlights, for me, was our experience(s) with our friends from neighboring Camp Fiasco, who had a great art car ("I'm on a BOAT!"): we were honored to be invited by Cap'n Jerry to view the Temple burn from the luxury, comfort and elevation of the art car. Thanks again, Cap'n!

From making new friends, to strengthening bonds with existing ones - the single word that sums up the entire experience is...

CONNECT!