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!

How to make a cloak or cape:
http://www.costumes.org/

Amazing uses for a baseball hat:
http://www.costumes.org/

Costume and make up links from the Burning Man site:
http://www.burningman.com/

Kitchen and food links:
Pump up sprayers for dishwashing, bathing, and cooling off.
http://www.chapinmfg.com/

Dry ice information:
http://www.dryiceinfo.com/

How to organize a communal kitchen from the Burning Man site:
http://www.burningman.com/

Playa necessities:
The ultimate dust protection for your entire face.
http://www.grainger.com/

Understanding electromagnetic radiation:
http://imagine.gsfc.nasa.gov/

Camp and Shelter fabrics:
Reflective bubblewrap with an aluminized surface on both side.
http://www.reflectixinc.com
http://www6.mailordercentral.com/

ALUMINET – Reflective knit shade cloth, 70% shade. (it also comes in 50% and 60% shade – look at the rest of the site):
http://www6.mailordercentral.com/

Here is another source for Aluminet at gothicarchgreenhouses.com. Scroll down to see the different kinds of shade cloth. They also have several great photos of Aluminet in use, anda recommendation from Burners.
http://gothicarchgreenhouses.com/

Polysack USA, Inc. (Manufacturers of the Aluminet
shade cloth. They also make blue, red, and gray shade cloth)
7590 Britannia Ct. Suite C Building D San Diego
California 92154
Tel : +1 619 6619601/2
Fax: +1 619 6619603
E-mail: usa@polysack.com

Shelter Accessories and Tools:
Grommets for the shade cloth. They might also work with other fabrics and maybe the bubblewrap stuff.
http://www6.mailordercentral.com/

Grommet repair hardware
http://cbcproducts.com/

Stake pullers
http://www.deeconcrete.com/

Outdoor Wilderness Fabric – a great resource for webbing, buckles, and fabric. Here is the link to hardware.http://www.owfinc.com/

How to tie a variety of useful knots,with animated knot graphics
http://www.geocities.com/

How to build a variety of shelters:
All about domes, including a strut-length calculator:
http://www.desertdomes.com

Sturdy geodesic dome. Lots of photos and helpful hints.
http://graphics.stanford.edu/~munzner/dome

Bucky ball dome plans from the Space Lounge crew.
http://www.spacelounge.com/dome_plans.html

For the minimalist, tarp tent! Amazing site with extensive directions for
creating a functional tent out of a tarp.
http://www.thru-hiker.com/workshop.asp?subcat=3&cid=4

Lightweight, portable domes, yurts, and other structures
http://www.shelter-systems.com/shelters.html

How to build a yurt. Well-written and with appropriate illustrations.
http://www.pbm.com/~lindahl/articles/yurt/

Parachute homes.
http://www.cieux.com/bm/argyre.html

Beautiful tension structures, check out the image gallery.
http://www.rudienos.com/

Sleeping bags, liners
Blankets, sheets
Pillows, pillow cases
Cots (great for naps or extra seating)
Pads, foam, air beds, etc.
Jammies, robe, slippers
Ear plugs, eye cover mask
Solar powered fan?

Light up the Night

Flashlights, headlamps
Batteries (rechargeable)
Solar panels, inverters , wire, etc
Wind generator and tower
Battery rechargers
Candle lanterns
Buy more candles
Solar path lights
Large clear plastic bags (to cover solar lights from the dust)
Other solar, battery lights
El wire projects, etc
Glow sticks

Shelter

Tarps, poles (electrical conduit works)
Aluminet Shade Cloth
Shade cloth grommets
Tents, yurts, domes, etc

Reflectix
(also great to protect autos and gear from the sun’s heat)

Old sheets and large fabric pieces

Old rugs, small pieces of carpet
Old tarps with holes and blown grommets (good to cover the dusty ground in camp)
Decoratively painted heavy canvas panels for ground covers
Flag, banners, and flagpole

Stakes, rebar with bent tops
Rope, variety of weights/sizes (bring lots)
Bungee cords
Adjustable webbing straps with buckles
Zip ties

Something to cover rebar and stake ends such as plastic soda bottles, tennis balls,

small stuffed animals

etc (protect our feet!)

Something to mark stakes and ropes at night such as reflective ribbon, flashers etc (people run into them otherwise)

Big sheet of plastic (for gray water catch basin)
Boards–2 by 4s etc, short and long, to form basin rim

Shower platform (small piece of sturdy plywood and a few short 2 by 4s–keeps your feet out of the scum)
Bath mat to prevent slipping and slivers?

Stake puller tool
Heavy duty construction magnet for picking up loose screws etc
Regular hammer
Small sledge hammer
Shovel, spade, rake

Ladders

step stool
Campsite clean up tools
Leather work gloves (important!)

Automobile

Check your license, registration, tags, insurance papers, and all lights, flashers etc (be legal!)
Give the auto a checkup a week before
Check your spare tire, jack, etc

Bring spare keys!

Extra oil, antifreeze, brake fluid, air filter, fuses, light bulbs
Tools, spare parts
Spare gas (many gas stations close early in small towns–don’t get stuck if you drive at night)
Chains (in case of muddy playa)
Fire extinguishers (always good to have one in your vehicle! check once a year to see if fully charged)

Bike

Give it a checkup and test ride the week before you go
Bike lights, front and back

bike lights are a must

Bike bell or ringer thingy
Extra padding for the seat (do you like to ride nekkid?)

Bike lock

(don’t be a statistic)
Bike trailer?
Baskets, milk crate, rack
Bike tool kit and repair book
Bike pump
Spare tires and tubes (another must)
Tire repair kit
Other spare parts

Bike decorations – Not things that shed like streamers, glitter, etc
Remember,

Leave No Trace

Multipurpose Repair Kit

Duct tape, baling wire
WD-40
Sandpaper, steel wool
Needles and heavy thread
Grommet repair kit
Shoe Goo or some such
Super Glue
Self Stick Nylon Fabric Repair Kit
Repair kit for your air bed/pad

Fun stuff

Tickets to Burning Man~~~!

Portable FM Radios (for listening to KAEZ and other radio stations)
Walky-talky radios (register your frequency at

BurnDir

Frisbee, football, softball and gloves etc.
Dice, cards, books
Toys and games
Gifts for all your new friends
Art project items
Scissors
Glue, paste, clear tape
Markers, pens, paper
Clear contact paper
Paints, body paints

Musical instruments, drums

An open mind

Mail box – don’t anger the Disgruntled Postal Workers!

Camera (disposable?)
Canned air (don’t leave in the sun!)

Personal Stuff

Solar shower
Towels and washcloths
Non-scented shampoo and bio-soap
Sunscreen, sunblock spf 50
Lotions, massage oil
Bag balm (great for feet!)
Vaseline
Nasal spray for cleaning out those playa boogers
Lip balm, chapstick

Kleenex, toilet paper
Moist towelettes like baby wipes, wet ones, handi-wipes, etc.
(great for quick clean ups!)

Sunglasses-

bring an extra pair too!

Contacts, extra contacts
Extra contact solution, etc
Prescription glasses (you will need a break from your contacts)

Toothbrush and toothpaste
Hair brush, comb
Hair ties and clips
Makeup and body glitter
Jewelry, body scents
Small mirror

Dust masks, goggles, respirator etc
Umbrella (for sun or rain)

Tampons, pads, grrrl supplies
NOTE: do not throw used tampons in the port-a-potties! Bring small ziploc bags and dispose in your own garbage. Burning Man will get shut down if we keep throwing these things in the potties..

Condoms, lubricants, solar power vibrators and other useful items you might want or need — or wish you needed .

Small day pack or tote

For carrying around when you go out
See the

Playa Survival Pack

External Hang Tag

with your name and camp location in case your pack gets separated from you.

First Aid Kit

Your prescription meds (bring extra)

Band-aids, butterfly bandages, elastic bandages

Athletic tape

(a must for drummers!)
Moleskin, blister packs
Tweezers, needle
Rubbing alcohol, witch hazel
Sunburn help (Aloe Vera)
Liquid Bandage
Aspirin, other pain killers
Eye drops (plain and “red out”)
Medications, herbs
Herbal teas (bring a selection for sore throat, sour stomach, anxiety, etc)

Clothing

Hankies (multipurpose item)
Dresses and skirts (unisex)
Big straw hat with chin strap
Old tennis shoes (bring extra comfy shoes)
Flip-flops, sandals
Undies and sox (

extra sox

Shorts, Tank tops
Tights and comfy sweat pants
Raincoat (yes, it can rain)
Warm clothes (brrrrr!)

Oversized cotton or silk long-sleeved shirts for sun protection

Costumes (hit your local thrift shop — bring costumes you can *layer* to deal with the wide variety of temperatures)
Togas, loin cloths, sarongs, cloaks, capes
Large pieces of lightweight fabric (can be tied into a variety of costumes)
Long johns, tights (good under costumes on cold nights!)

Set of straight clothes for going home (pack these clothes in a big Ziploc bag and don’t get them out until you leave)

Laundry bag for dirty clothes

Kitchen

Camp cook stove
Propane (large and small for backup)
Small portable barbeque
Hot pads, trivets
Lighters (long one for stove)
Matches?

Pots, fry pans, and lids
Spatula, rubber scraper
Big spoon, slotted spoon
Knives, large and small
Cutting board

Plates and bowls
Coffee filters and cone
Cups and coffee mugs with lids
Cooking oil, salt and pepper etc
Silverware

Wash tub for dishes
Scrubby thing and bio-dish soap
Towels and rags

Pump up sprayer thing:

(buy a new one: don’t use one that has been used with toxins)
This sprayer is multipurpose for washing dishes, cooling off, or bathing

Buckets with lids

Paper towels, napkins
Tin foil, Ziploc bags in several sizes
Garbage bags (large and small)
Mesh bag like an old onion bag for wet garbage (dry it!)

Lawn chairs
Folding table, tablecloth
Small cheap hammock (makes a great place to put food, dishes to dry etc)

Water!

5 gallons a day per person is great if you can bring it! (showers, drinking, cooling, etc)

Personal water bottles (bring several)
Water jugs (5 gallons, etc)
Water barrels (15 gallons?)
Siphon set up for the barrels

Things to eat

Keep your food simple: easy to prepare and easy to digest (light)

The playa is not a good place to experiment with a whole new diet. The port-a-potties are not a good place to hang out.

Bring fewer perishables than you think you will eat: chances are, many perishables will go to waste.

Cold cereal, hot cereal
Soy milk (Some kinds don’t need refrigeration)
Coffee, Tea, herbal teas
Powered milk, coffee creamer
Sugar, honey
Fruit, canned and fresh
Veggies like carrot sticks (wash and cut up all vegetables at home)

Juice (canned juices like Kern’s freeze very well and can be used to help keep your cooler cold)

Tang, other powdered drink mixes (to help encourage you to drink enough fluid — believe it or not, this is a *real* problem on the playa)

Canned and dried soup
Cup a noodles, other instant meals
Bagels (more durable than regular bread)

Cream cheese, butter
Peanut butter and jam
Powerbars and such
Dried fruit, raisins, etc
Gorp, granola, soy nuts
Other quick snack foods
Beer (avoid glass bottles)
Other alcoholic beverages
(Remember, alcohol *is* a poison. It is also dehydrating. Drink in moderation and you will enjoy BM without a hangover!)
Mixers, fresh limes, olives

want to add to the camping list?

email anybody burns:
anybody<at>anybodyburns.com

Labeled frozen food is placed on one end near the dry ice. Fresh food (vegetables, eggs, butter, salami, and a little milk and cheese) are in assorted Tupperware in the end furthest away from the dry ice. Cans of soda and V-8 fill in the spaces. Very important to me is that everything is contained. – I dislike to have to deal with partially decomposing food floating in dirty cold water.

We don’t need to buy ice and the last two years I have returned home with some ice still intact.

Lemonade recipe: 1//2 to 1 cup fresh squeezed lemon juice to 1 liter bottle, with a pinch of salt and sweetened to taste (I have tried various sweeteners – sugar, honey, cactus juice, Stevia) Roger likes a little pomegranate juice added to some for variety.

Frozen meals: I usually prepare several for potlucks (I don’t like to cook on the playa): Chicken curry, Gyozas, Chili, rice medley, I have a Borsch for this year. Other food we take: Instant miso, nuts, dried figs and pears, the mayor’s chocolates – dark bars and coca almonds. And last but not least, Limes and Mangos for the Tuna Guys! I bring a bottle of olive oil, and one of soy sauce – salt and pepper. What more does one need? Egg cups and silver goblets, of course. So now you all know what you can come to borrow if you forgot.

Last year on the third day – we were going to have our honeymoon reception potluck for which I had prepared a large salmon loaf (about 2 feet long). Way after noon, I realized that I hadn’t even opened the big chest, let alone begun to defrost the fish. It was overcast so there was no help to be had from the weather. So we discovered a wonderful playa method for food defrosting under such conditions. The large foil wrapped loaf was folded in a large black trash bag and it was given to unsuspecting visitors. They could cool themselves off and help prepare the feast. Heidi proved to be the best at this work, she lay it on her body and invited others to lay on top. The proverbial hard work if you can get it. So if any of you enjoyed my salmon loaf, human warmth was one of the main and not so secret ingredients.
Love – Anna aka Mrs Jolly “keep the mayor happy” Roger
———————————————————————————-
Drink lots and lots of water.
Then, drink more water.
Then, drink more water.
Then, drink more water.
Then, drink more water.
Sound (and wet) advice from Lucia
———————————————————————————-

• Bandages: Band-Aids, gauze pads, Ace Bandages, butterfly bandages
• Athletic tape (good for securing bandages and protecting your fingers if you are a drummer)
• Antibiotic cream like Neosporin or polymyxin B
• Moleskin, “Second Skin”, and blister packs (look in the ‘foot section’ at the drug store)
• Rubbing alcohol and liquid antiseptic soap for wound cleansing
• Witch Hazel (great for general cleansing and hemorrhoids)
• Aspirin, ibuprofen, acetaminophen and other anti-inflammatory, pain relievers
• Dr. Bronner’s peppermint soap and/or vinegar to counteract the alkaline dust
• Vaseline, lotions, lip balm
• Sunscreen and sunblock
• Eye drops: “get the red out” and plain (the plain drops are less harsh on your eyes and better for cleansing)
• Nose spray (to help clean out those crusty playa boogers)
• Any prescription medications you are taking
• Sore throat lozenges (good for soothing playa throat irritation)
• Herbal teas (see note below)
• Moist towelettes (the non-scented ones are the best)
• Anti-diarrhea medicine like Imodium
• Anti-yeast infection medicine (don’t suffer on the playa)
• Clean handkerchiefs in a Ziploc baggy
• Tweezers, needle
• Safety pins of various sizes
• Latex gloves
• Thermometer
• Small scissors

Prevent blisters if you can. Pay attention to ‘hot spots’ on your feet: change your socks frequently. Apply moleskin on any place that is rubbing inside your shoes. A good page for blister prevention and treatment:
http://www.detnews.com/2002/healthcolumns/0210/22/health-619439.htm

Herbal teas can be ‘good medicine’ for a variety of ailments: sour stomach, digestive problems, headaches, anxiety, difficulty sleeping, etc. If you are wondering if a particular tea might be good for you on the playa, drink a ‘test’ cup at home and see how you like it: the playa is not a good place for a test drive a new herb.

A cold pack is good for bumps and bruises, and can also be soothing if you are feeling too hot.

Speaking of heat exhaustion, here are the warning signs: weakness, muscle cramps, quickening heartbeat, nausea, and sometimes vomiting. All are related to dehydration and the rise in internal body temperature. At this point, the situation is not an emergency, assuming you handle it correctly. Stop all exertion and lie down in the shade. Apply a damp cloth to the face and upper body, wetting clothes if possible. Drink water slowly but steadily. If improvement does not occur, go the medical center.

Don’t overdo the ‘plying your body with drugs’. A hangover can make you miserable the entire next day, especially in the heat of the playa. Be sensible about what you eat and drink. You can have plenty of fun without being ‘out of your gourd’.

Read the AEZ General Playa Advice section for more hints about to make Burning Man a safe and fun experience.

Burning Man is an alien environment for most humans; be aware of your surroundings. This isn’t an amusement park ride: be responsible for your own safety.

Of course you will want to take good care of yourself. You want to feel good so that you can have fun.

Your body and mind will get a work-out on the playa. Pause,  inhale deeply, stretch, and look around.

Appreciate who you are and where you are; stay healthy by eating well, getting enough rest and quiet time. Have a good time, explore, and always use good judgment.

A good attitude is the basic foundation of a healthy burning experience. Pick out your best attitude and install it before you get to the playa.

Eat healthy food that you know makes you ‘feel good’. The playa is not a good time to experiment with unfamiliar food.

If you are tired, rest. Have you been drinking enough water? Grouchiness is a sign of dehydration.

Encourage responsible behavior in others by setting a good example. Be alert. It’s much better to pay attention than to pick up the pieces later.

Get a good, bright bike light so you can see where you are going. Wear goggles that allow peripheral vision. Always, always wear lights on your body at night: this will help to avoid collisions with bikes and art cars.

Be prepared to care for your own minor medical needs. Bring a small first aid kit. Give prompt attention to any cuts, blisters, scrapes or slivers. A minor injury can turn into a big problem if it gets infected.

Wear heavy work gloves when unloading lumber and erecting your shelter. The alkaline dust is hard on your skin.

Use the medical facilities at Burning Man for problems that need professional attention.

Take your Playa Survival Pack with you wherever you go. Be prepared for fun!

Unfortunately, another consideration at Burning Man is prevention of crime. Protect yourself and your belongings. Keep valuables locked up in your vehicle and out of sight.

Thieves target bikes, cameras, etc, and have been known to raid empty camps while everyone is out watching the burns. Consider leaving someone in camp on ‘patrol’ on the nights of the larger burns.

Relationships can get a workout on the playa. Be patient with yourself and others. Forgive harsh words. Offer understanding and affection to those around you. If you are feeling grouchy, give yourself a ‘time out’: rest, drink some water. It’s hard to ‘take back’ mean-spirited words, and we all know how much words can hurt. Spread good energy instead. Remember what’s important.

• Makes you *feel good*
• Keeps you warm on cold days and nights
• Protects you from the sun and heat
• Is comfortable enough to wear and move around in
• Feels good against your bare skin
• Helps to make you visible at night – light colored and/or reflective clothing can enhance your visibility
• Not be something you would be devastated to lose or have ruined
• Not get caught in bike chains or hung up on passing art cars
• Not shed or shred or leave parts and pieces all over the playa

Skirts, dresses and kilts are the perfect playawear, no matter your gender. If you have never worn a skirt before, there is no better time than Burning Man. Skirts are comfortable and convenient in the port-a-potties. Thrift shops usually have lots of ‘one size fits all’ skirts. Note: long skirts can be a problem on a bike. Plan some way to keep the skirt out of the spokes and chain.

Togas, sarongs, and other ‘large pieces of fabric’ are wonderful, fun clothes on the playa. Togas require 4 to 6 yards of fabric…a sarong about 2 yards or so. Uh, a loincloth takes only half a yard, maybe? Do a Google search on “how to tie a toga” (or sarong) for ideas…or just bring your fabric to the playa and have someone help you!

Cleaning your clothes after the playa is not too difficult. Playa dust comes right out in the washer. Costumes like elaborate belly dancing outfits that can’t be washed are a problem…and if you bring them to Burning Man, they will get dusty!

A sun hat is a necessity. Get something with a broad brim and a chin strap. Add a handkerchief to the back with small safety pins to protect the back of your neck. Straw hats are nice but sorta fragile. Some outdoor wear companies make foldable, non-crushable fabric hats with broad brims. An umbrella can be good for personal mobile shade, but don’t take it out in a windstorm!

Don’t forget your sunglasses. And don’t forget your *extra* sunglasses. Bring at least two pairs. Really. Don’t bring your $150 Zingispendos…get some comfortable cheap ones with fun frames and good eye coverage.

Love your feet. Bring lots of good fluffy sox. Bring some brand new sox. Pair them up with comfy shoes. Bring at least two pairs of comfy walking shoes or boots. You can bring uncomfortable shoes too. Just make sure those aren’t the only shoes you brought. Some people really like flip-flops and sandals on the playa. Others go barefoot all week. Be very careful about this: your feet can dry out and end up with painful cracks. Or the tops of your feet may get sunburned.

Dust protection for your face
Goggles and dust masks are handy to have on hand, bring several. Some people are sensitive to the blowing playa dust while others aren’t bothered. Be prepared: white out dust storms do occur. It’s essential to have face protection if you are caught out on the open playa. Be leery of goggles that restrict your vision, especially when riding your bike. Bring some cheap goggles and dust masks, or go all out and get the ultimate playa face protection:
http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/productdetail.jsp?xi=xi&ItemId=1611763136

A dust protecting scarf is an essential part of your playa clothing. This is a light-weight, thin, “see through” piece of fabric that can wrapped around your entire head during a dust storm, protecting your eyes, mouth and hair. Any fabric store will have something suitable. Between dust storms, a dust scarf can be used as a shawl, see-through skirt, cape, or belly dancing veil

Dust scarf requirements – what to look for at the fabric store

• Thinly woven enough to see through – hold it up to the light and look
• Tightly woven enough to keep out that fine playa dust
• Soft enough to be wrapped around your head or wadded into a small Ziploc when you don’t need it
• Stiff enough to “stand away” from your face a little – don’t get super limp fabric
• A color *you* love
• Fabric that doesn’t ravel too badly – if it does, you’ll need to hem the raw edges (don’t shed threads on the playa)
• Get about one and a half to two yards

The playa is desert, so it makes sense to wear the same clothing that desert dwellers have worn for thousands of years. Do a search on turban, shemagh, caftan, sirwal, dishdasha, abaya or nisqab to see a variety of clothing that has been ‘desert tested’.

Day or night, lingerie is delicious fun. Don’t you just love the feel of silky smooth satin against your skin? This is another ‘easy find’ at the thrift shop: you should be able to find lots of colors and styles. Seems like every Burning Man includes an impromptu gathering of burners in red lingerie. Be prepared to play “Red Rover”!

You will want your bathrobe, jammies and slippers. Burning Man is sorta like one big slumber party. Enjoy your mornings…stroll about in your robe and slippers with a cup of coffee. Go visit the neighbors. You’ll be glad you did.

It’s cold at night. And some years, it’s cold in the day time too. Bring warm clothes. Long underwear and tights will fit under almost any outfit to keep you warm on the inside, while you are fashionable on the outside. Ear warmers, hats and gloves are good to have with you, even if you never wear them. Bring a raincoat so it doesn’t rain.

Putting on makeup can be fun! It’s Halloween every day at Burning Man. Be aware that some types of make up are *very* difficult to wash off: this can be a real problem on the water-impaired playa. Put a layer of lotion on first, under your make up: this will help prevent the make up from soaking into your skin.

Accessories: jewelry, hats, gloves, veils, etc. Your local thrift shop probably has lots of interesting items in this category. Get out the glue gun and create your own playa accessories. Lighted accessories are wonderful, if not essential, at night. Handkerchiefs are handy for all sorts of things: bring several.

Bring a pair of sturdy work gloves. The playa dust is hard on your hands, especially when you are working unpacking or erecting shelter.

Isn’t it amazing what people will wear when they can wear anything they want? The humans at Burning Man are artwork in motion.

The playa is your opportunity to experiment with clothing. Get out of your closet and into someone else’s. Dressing up can be fun! Go to the thrift shop and see what catches your eye.

Have fun with colors, accessories and makeup. We all have a little clown/dancer/gypsy/alien in us waiting to come out.

Remember: Leave No Trace. Don’t even bring clothing with sequins or feather boas. These are a serious problem on the playa. Inspect your clothing for small parts that might shed or shred on the playa.

Preventing litter is *much* easier than picking it up later.

Being nekkid is one way to ‘dress up’ for the playa, but be very careful about sunburn. It’s hard to have fun if you hurt.

No matter what you wear on the rest of your body, your feet deserve comfortable sox and shoes.  Dress up from your ankles up, or decorate your comfortable shoes…but never wear shoes that give you blisters or hurt your feet! Your feet will work hard at Burning Man: be good to them

Comfortable, cotton clothing like loose shirts and skirts can actually help keep you cool. Sweaty damp clothing is a *good* thing in the desert. Spritz with water for extra cooling.

The weather and temperatures vary widely on the playa: hot, cold, hot, cold. Be prepared with layers of clothing. Bring light-weight long underwear or tights to wear under your costumes. A cape in another easy way to add warmth to any outfit.

Try on your playa wear at home. Can you move in it? How about ride a bike? Long flowing clothing like skirts, baggy pants and capes can get caught in the chain and spokes: be prepared with some method to ‘tie up’ loose clothing before riding your bike.

Caution: wrong thinking — dressing up *is* a form of participation, but don’t get caught into thinking that burners who *aren’t* dressed up aren’t participating. Dressing up is not required at Burning Man.