Well we’re about to head off to BRC for another year. This will probably be the last post.

So If you are exploring around here we have a lots of tips, info and useless stuff about the AEZ and being generator free on the playa.

If you want to camp in the AEZ, you should check in with us in BRC (but we may be full)

For everything else, just follow the links at the top of the page.

Hold out your arm with your hand at a 90 degree angle to your arm so that your hand is between the bottom of the sun and the top of the horizon. Be sure to squint (almost close your eyes), so that the sun doesn’t hurt your eyes.

How many of your fingers ‘fit’ in that space (bottom of sun-top of horizon)?

That is the time.

Four fingers is usually about 1 hour before sunset.

Q) I have short arms and stout fingers? Won’t my ‘finger time’ be different than someone with long arms and skinny fingers?

Okay, these directions are for the people who think they //really// need to know the answer:

Second answer for everybody else:

It doesn’t really matter. When you see the sun getting close to the horizon, go find the party!

What is the AEZ?

A Playa village for people who have an INTEREST in alternative energy AND ARE NOT BRINGING ANY GAS OR DIESEL GENERATORS.

What do I need to know about camping in the AEZ? Are there special rules?

Only 2 (at the moment)

1. You have to ask to be in the village

2. No Gas or Diesel generators

It’s not a RULE, but we do expect you to help clean up the village for a couple of hours before you leave.

Of course, you WILL clean up your own camp space: all of BRC is a Leave No Trace Zone. Please read the Participant Responsibilites for Black Rock City –> These rules apply to all of us.

I have reservations. How do I find my camp space?
Look on the map on the website and in the town hall. Your camp space has been marked and saved (Until Thursday at NOON; then space is available for last minute people [who ASK for a space])

I don’t have reservations. Can I camp in the AEZ this year anyway?
If we still have un-used space (and you have no gas/diesel gennies); then yes, WE will find a spot for you. NO, you can NOT just park somewhere.

I am having a problem with my alternative energy system. Is there someone here who can help me?

1. Ask ANY of your neighbors. (One of the joys of our village is that everyone either has answers, or is JUST as curious as you. By asking a neighbor, now there will be two of you going to ask for help from a third neighbor. And if she doesn’t have the answer, perhaps it has become drinky time instead.)

I want some friends of mine to find me, can I just tell them to “Ask for Fluffy at the AEZ ?

Um, Only if you don’t want them to find you. Our mayor and his cronies have limited brain capacity (often a result of sunstroke and information overload, but we can tell you where the cool Art Cars are). If you want your friends to find you tell them: 1. what camp you are in, 2. and add your name and camp to the village list.

I want to find a friend who is camping in the AEZ. Where can I find a list of people who are camped here? (or ”I’m looking for Fred, do you know where he is ?”)

Answer #0: Bwouhahahaha [ excuse me while I snort milk out my nose ]

Answer #1: Please see the previous question.

Answer #2: We are a village of more than 70 camps and 400 people, We know where all the CAMPS are but we don’t always know who is in each camp – If that camp didn’t give us a list of names we can’t easily help you.

Answer #3: Somewhere in the town hall will be a white pages. This will list who we think is in each camp. All the camps are listed (and numbered). If you know the camp your friend is in, then you are all set.

Answer #5: Feel free to walk around to each of the camps looking for your friend.

Answer #6: Feel free to leave a note, they make pretty montages:

Is it okay if I throw trash all over the AEZ and then don’t pick up after myself? It’s such a nice big village, surely the AEZ has garbage collection?

Is it OK if I bite off your ear and cook it? NO? I thought not. Perhaps you might reconsider leaving any mess here. (It is because of the few 1-eared folks in our village, that we ask you to help clean the village before you leave.)

I WANT to cleanup my camp-space, but I can’t get those damn candy canes out of the playa.

The Mayorites at the center of the village have SEVERAL special tools to make removal of stuff from the playa EASY. Go ask to borrow them.

What is this silver mesh fabric I see everywhere in the AEZ? Where can I get some? What are the advantages and disadvantages of this fabric?
The stuff is called Aluminet. It was designed as an agricultural shade cloth. It costs around $.32 per square foot. There are a number industrial gardening shops that carry it.

More information about Aluminet: Aluminet FAQs page.

Bob, in the camp next to me is (spitting on my tent, making too loud music, took my hotdog); I need someone to help me resolve this problem

Find a Mayorite (Carlos would be a good first choice), and ask for help.

How did you lay out the village ?

Marking those lines is a very dark art. Ask the mayorites, they will be HAPPY to explain.

What time is 4 fingers above the mountains ?

Time for the potluck.

Who moderates the AEZ listserve ?

default/playa name: Mike/Graphite

I’m done with changes. I love you all, but I need to get the final surveys organised.

The latest map has been posted to the camping section of the site. As well as PDF’s and a gridded version for layout.

If there is anything missing, I can make try to make changes, but won’t be posting any new maps. Any other changes will have to be sorted out on the playa.

We’ve basicly filled up all space in the AEZ at this time. We are still taking applications (No one turned away) but they will be waitlisted and you may have to take your chances when you get there on the playa.