Date: Sat, 9 Sep 2000 14:12:29 -0700
Reply-To: Ken Wyatt <kokopellis@ATT.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Ken Wyatt <kokopellis@ATT.NET>
Subject: Vanagons At Burning Man 2000 (Long ramblings)
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
Hi all,
PRE TRIP PREPPING
I actually managed to get all my fuel lines, injector seals, vacuum
leaks, replaced stabilizer links and bushings and other miscellaneous
items fixed or replaced on the 521bus in time to make the trek to the
burn. Thanks to TBD and Camelback most critical parts arrived in time.
I ended up using two old stabilizer link bushings on the bottom of each
side. Now the new ones are here so I plan to install soon.
Of note on VACUUM SYSTEMS, When I was working on my engine prior to our
trip, While replacing the fuel lines, injector seals, throttle valve and
a tune up, valve cover leak and generally cleaning the engine, I pulled
off most of the vacuum lines. I found a 90 degree rubber vacuum boot on
the aux. air regulator had a significant crack in it on the bottom side
of the elbow. (You can't see it from casual inspection) It was allowing
dust and unfiltered air into the system and losing vacuum. No wonder I
was having acceleration problems. I sealed it temporarily with high
temp silicon. The same type of cracks were observed forming on the air
intake boot. I've since ordered both new. When you do your fuel lines,
don't forget the vacuum lines and connections. These hoses & boots on
our vans are old, cracked and brittle also just like the fuel lines. I
figure mine are close to 20 years old.
TRAVEL TO THE MAN
We left Salt Lake City Tuesday (8/29) night about 10:00 PM and drove
late (3 AM) into the night finally sleeping along I-80 near Winnemucca,
NV. (it was a rest area, but we had 2 vehicles and 3 people, and it was
only from 3 AM - 6 AM) No gun, no dogs, no problem.
We made the final leg of the journey into Black Rock City uneventfully
on Weds morning, meeting a fellow vanagonaut at the gate at exactly 1:30
PM as planned. She was almost late as she had to stop and buy her westy
new 6 ply tires in Reno. (I told her about the wrong tires a long time
ago when she bought the van.) The mountains in California had worn out
her other ones.
BLACK ROCK CITY
For those who don't know, Black Rock City is a temporary city that forms
each year prior to Labor Day when thousands of fun seeking people come
to Burningman. It is located in the Black Rock Desert, Nevada (place of
land speed records) about 100 miles N-NE of Reno. Essentially it is dry
lake bed. Absolutely flat for miles & miles, vegetation density is zero
(No vegetation), and alkali salts exude from the soil. There is no
vending here, noting for sale except coffee, tea, ice, maybe a few other
little edibles or liquids. No advertisements, no commercial crap. You
are supposed to bring everything you need to survive.
Why would one venture to such a desolate dusty place? For the
Burningman, TO SEE THE MAN BURN of course, and a myriad of other amazing
talents, music and art, art cars, you name it. Historically almost
anything goes as long as you don't infringe on others. This year there
was a change with a significant police presence. They were cracking
down on drugs and sex other public infringements. I think 50 people out
of almost 26,000 were arrested Less than 0.2%. It was a peaceful crowd
except for the fire toys.
CAMP
Our camp was set up along the NW side of the city on Knee and about
7:45. Black Rock City's streets were named after body parts since the
body was a central theme to this years major art installations.
Circular streets are concentric from the center of the city with names
like Head Way (inner most street), Brain Boulevard, Throat Road, Avenue
of the Heart, Gut Alley, Sex Drive, Anal Avenue, Knee Lane, and Feet
Street (outer most street). Radial streets are named after time on a
clock. 4:00, 4:30. Makes perfect sense and you can't get lost.
Yes the dust storms were intense. I've since washed the 521bus twice
and still it shines of white alkali talc. The inside is quite dusty.
(Who says western vans don't get used and abused by salts) Time for a
thorough wash, polish and wax. There were hundreds of vanagons camped
everywhere you looked. I saw a double vanagon stretch westfalia, NOW
WHO OWNS THAT ONE?? It didn't look like Ottmar's from previous years
but maybe it was painted. It was awesome.
We constructed a parachute PVC pipe dome structure for shade which ended
up serving as shelter from the dust and wind storms. The vans were
parked circling the dome. It held up nice in very high winds although
the dust eventually wins so don't fight it.
GETTING AROUND
If you were there maybe you saw us. We had the bike towing an olive
green collapsible medical gurney with a table fastened on top and chairs
attached to the table. We cruised all over the playa pulled by one
peddler with one or two people on the cart and a cooler of our favorite
brewskis to stay cool which wasn't difficult this year. A great way to
see it all and not get worn out. I pedaled my share. Next year I think
we'll install trap doors to the table which open to ice and a liquor
cabinet. We'll be the rolling bar, Margaritaville.
The burn was fun. The weather was not hot as in previous years. Much
more winds and unstable weather throughout the week. Days were pleasant
and nights were cool-cold. A great time had by all. There was some
incredible things to see, and some gross things. Most of the fire
activities occur in the dark of night for full effect. It helps if you
can stay awake all night or at least into the wee hours.
I particularly liked the copper HEART when it was stoked full of wood
and burned. Flames were shooting out of all of the arteries and veins.
it was alive.
The FACE was nice when liquid flame rolled out of the eyes tear ducts,
crying liquid fire.
Did anyone catch the PROPANE FLUTE, it was out late on Sunday. It was
mounted on a silver art car, the flute was tilted skyward and the artist
played a remote keyboard which opened closed valves on the flute, each
shooting flames and carrying a different note as propane was being
burned in the night sky.
HUMAN FOOSEBALL was fun and the 100 yard long BATIK BANNER was
beautiful.
DR. MEGAVOLT was there, the human tesla coil. That is pretty amazing
also. Two 10 foot tesla coils mounted a on top of a moving van. Sparks
fly all around and Dr. Megavolt interacts as he wears his steel suit.
Don't believe, checkout: http://www.drmegavolt.com There's even a video
stream.
The huge SMOKE RINGS were cool to watch. We watched those for an hour
one day. Napalm was injected into a flame which sent huge circular smoke
rings hundreds of feet into the air before dissipating.
The homeward journey took 12 hours, leaving Labor Day morning and
arriving safely in SLC late that evening. It was an arduous drive
across Nevada with high cross winds. Total trip round-trip was about
1150 miles. Didn't track MPG but each fill was slightly under 20 MPG.
We drove mostly 60 - 65 MPH, watching oil temps all the way. The van
ran flawlessly which is good as I had had much the engine torn apart the
week prior. Remember to check your vacuum fittings.
Have a good one.
Ken
82 westy
