Arriving alone on the Playa in 2013 as a virgin Burner was quite daunting. I had planned to go with Colin and Caoimhe in 2014, but left a year early because I'd started dating the one and only Han Pan and couldn't wait another full year to experience Burning Man. Han Pan was already there, and I was traveling alone for work, so I couldn't arrive until Tuesday evening. Around 8 p.m., I was picked up from the airport in Reno, and then began the mysterious ride to Black Rock with a rather crazy taxi driver who told me ominous and crazy stories about what was happening in the desert. The scenery was so beautiful. I'd never experienced anything like it before, and I became more and more excited the closer we got to the Playa.
He spit me out at the gate on the main road and said he couldn't go any further without a ticket, so I stayed and hitchhiked in. A nice girl from Yorkshire, England, offered me a ride, and we had a great time waiting in line. It really felt like the magic had already begun. I got my ticket at the counter, as did she, and then she dropped me off around 6 p.m. It must have been around midnight, and I was wandering around, having no idea how to find the camp in the dark—trying to dodge all the fairy bikes and crazy creatures floating and flying around. Then I saw Han, like a mirage—just sitting there, by a relatively small campfire. I had arrived. 6 & F. At first, she just stared at me like I was a ghost. Neither she nor I could quite believe we were in this magical, mysterious world together. And so began the union of us as a couple, and PLATYBUS, and the FUCKING BAND. I had no idea that the characters I met that week would be a part of my life until the day I died. A joyful bunch of the most extraordinary people on this planet, all gathered together in one place, surrounded by school buses, tents, yurts, campers, and a whole lot of love. Fun, dancing, music, stories, fire, food, drinks, silliness, arguments, anger, compassion, courage, silliness, wisdom, and most of all, LOVE are there for all to see, take, use, teach, give, feel, and learn. Platybus and the Band has taught me (and Han) so much in the past 6 years we've been involved, and we love each and every one of you more than ever.
Such a great FAMILY. Spread the love, stay strong, ask for help when you're feeling weak, and most importantly, have fun, everyone. Don't stop. These are the good old days.
