Stone Soup to the CORE!

What : Stone Soup to the CORE 2012
When : July 20th, 21st & 22nd, 2012
Where : PermaBurn - north of Madeline, California - 60 miles north of Susanville

Purchase Ticket




Stone Soup Event List


Only two days to go but the projects list is still growing.  If you're joining us, make sure to click "Share" when you see Stone Soup FaceBook posts.  We have plenty of room.  :)

We also now have tentative plans for three music venues, a cafe, a pub, two chill spaces, a kids camp and maybe even a radio station!  Here are the details.  Please contact these people directly for info or just get your ticket and join us:

Art - Mindy Look will be hosting Burner movie night on Friday

Art - James Bahr of RedlightSF will be doing something with red light?

Music - Joe Wight and crew will raise a third dome for music - DJs invited - contact Joe directly on FaceBook

Club - Todd Shimkus will present Café Diem

Radio - We have a rumor of PermaBurn's first radio station.  Details to follow.


Gate - I (Rod Coleman) will be managing the gate - volunteers needed for two hour shifts

Placement - Keith Wheeler will manage art / project placement - see him at the gate as needed

Onsite - Mindy Look will handle PermaBurn Onsite Communications - FaceBook her for last minute project coordination.

Porta-potties - Greg Glover, you're the shit for "handling" this issue. :P

Music - Fresh from LunarBurn, Olen Eagler with be performing and managing the main music dome.  Coordinate your sets with him:

            http://soundcloud.com/oleneagler

Pub - Zeke Chaparral will again build and host PermaPub, where Burners can share drinks and good times - contributions needed - it's a gift economy!

Food - Intro to Polyamory Potluck - Saturday evening at 6:00 PM in the big kitchen dome - food and relationship discussion

Art & Chill - Harlan Emil will present Sapphire Portal Center transporting us to where our souls belong - http://www.transportals.org

Music - Open Mic Rock'en Blues Jam Session hosted by and featuring Kathy and JB - Fri & Sat evening - bring your instruments

Kids - Kids Camp is being organized by Michelle Leutzinger.  FaceBook her directly or contact me for her email

Lifestyle - Poly Puddle, join the cuddle - open 24/7 -  hosted by Polyamory Camp

Art - Lead sparkle pony - Kimberly of course!

We still need leads for Rangers and Leave No Trace.

If you have any other project plans, post to the PermaBurn FaceBook page or directly to me:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/182167450567/

Here's a song written about PermaBurn at LunarBurn:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ioVSPTQjNQ4&feature=share



Stone Soup to the CORE!


Summer's here and it's time to BURN!  Theme camps are planning their resources, artists are prepping their projects, and the weather's getting hot - it's time for our unofficial Reno / Tahoe Burner camp-out.

It's time for Stone Soup at PermaBurn!

What is Stone Soup?  Just like the story, that depends on you.  Stone Soup is what you bring to this old fashion Burner event (the Ten Principles Apply), with few restrictions.  Dirt bikes - fine.  Quads - fine.  Dogs - keep them under control.  Shooting Range - yep.  Music - as you like it.  Naked - optional.  Fire - per state regulations at the time.  Anything else - within state and federal law, but this is a private venue.  The event will not be patrolled except by PermaBurn Rangers.

Stone Soup is ALSO our opportunity to make sure the Reno CORE makes it to Burning Man.

What's CORE?  CORE stands for Circle Of Regional Effigies each of which come from around the world to be burned on Thursday night at Burning Man, creating the largest intentional burn on record.  And for the first time, Reno is fielding an entry.  With Stone Soup, you can help make this happen.

Also, some of you may have heard about the most recent event at PermaBurn.  Yes, over 700 showed up for LunarBurn, and we had an excellent weekend.  There were projects and Burners from all over California and Norther Nevada.  We had beautiful weather, lots of choices for music and one astounding laser show.

Here's a link to some more photos:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/182167450567/photos/

Yes, LunarBurn took resources.  Heavy equipment was brought in and the roads freshly graded.  You can now drive any vehicle to the site.  And yes, these things cost money.  LunarBurn charged up to $75 dollars to attend.

Fortunately, we won't need to charge that much for Stone Soup, and of course, PermaBurn members are free.  Yes, Greg has paid for power and potties in the past, but the scale of the event has grown.  We now need to be responsible and cover our own costs.  The good news is, if you commit early, it's less expensive.  We'll keep the on-line ticket price at $20 until July 18th at noon.  After that, pay $30, cash only at the gate.  These proceeds will first cover direct expenses.  What's left will be split between PermaBurn for improvements, and the Reno CORE Project.

So click through and get your tickets:

What : Stone Soup to the CORE 2012
When : July 20th, 21st & 22nd, 2012
Where : PermaBurn - north of Madeline, California - 60 miles north of Susanville



Purchase Ticket

Then email:

sudden.net@gmail.com

Or post your project plans to the FaceBook page so others can get involved:

PermaBurn Group on FaceBook



How to get to PermaBurn:


Thanks to CyberBiker for providing this Google Map link..

PermaBurn Location on Google Map

If you haven't been out, there is 5 miles of gravel road, some of it has dips that would challenge anything with a flat exit angle, such as a long over-hang RV.   But there have been trailers as long as 24 feet, a full-sized Greyhound bus and one fully loaded Geo Metro.  With the recent grading any normal car or truck will have no problem.

(click to expand)

How to get to PermaBurn...

Take 395 60 miles north of Susanville to Madeline, California

(the 395 junction is just east of Susanville).

Go 6 miles north of Madeline on 395 to the 134.92 mile marker at 41 7'43" 120 30'0".

Watch for the orange or pink or mylar tape from this point on.  If you go to Google map you won't find any names on any of these roads, but the mile marker is past Sage Hen and before South Fork Mountain Road.  On the ground, the key is the mile marker and tape at each junction.

You have five miles of gravel road to go.

Take a left onto the shortcut to a gravel road.

Take another left to go south on this gravel road.

Go 0.1 miles till you reach the green gate.  Open the gate and go through.  Please leave it open or closed as you found it.

Go 0.4 miles until you see a second green Gate on the right with orange tape.

Turn right through the green gate, again leaving it open or closed as you found it. 

Cross the yellow cattle guard about 30 feet beyond the gate.

Go 2.4 miles up some hills and across a flat.

You will see a sign for the reservoir to the right - stay to the left.

You will also see another yellow cattle guard and orange tape.

You are at 41 6'45" 120 32' 6".

Go just BEYOND the cattle guard, and take an immediate LEFT turn on the dirt road on the other side of the fence.  Turn left just AFTER the cattle guard, not before!

Climb 2.2 miles south on the newly graded dirt road.  Watch for rocks.

You will reach a couple of trees which is the entrance.

Welcome to Permaburn!

Welcome to Stone Soup!

Where to Camp

There are two ponds on the hill with some trees around them.  Unfortunately, this is also where some free range cattle come to drink and find shade,  AND leave their droppings.  There were only a few mosquitoes last year - not really a problem.  But to minimize all of these factors, we will be setting up Center Camp along main street a quarter mile back in the lower valley.  You can of course camp where ever you choose but we'd like the significant performance camps along main street if possible.

What : Stone Soup to the CORE 2012
When : July 20th, 21st & 22nd
Where : PermaBurn - north of Madeline, California - 60 miles north of Susanville

Purchase Ticket

Then email:


sudden.net@gmail.com


Or post your project plans to the FaceBook page so others can get involved:


PermaBurn Group on FaceBook

See ya at Stone Soup!

Stone Soup 2011 - June 10th, 11th & 12th

Stone Soup 2011 - June 10th, 11th & 12th - Canceled to to PermaBog on June 5th.

With the Temple under construction, and all the other Burner projects in development, it's going to be a busy summer in Reno.  So before things get TOO crazy, come out to Stone Soup at PermaBurn, do a brain-flush and get your head clear.

http://suddendisruption.blogspot.com/search/label/Stone%20Soup

For those who haven't been to PermaBurn,  It's literally a square mile of grass and sage not far off highway 395 in northern California.  It's owned by it's members - PermaBurn Collective LLC.  Once a year we host an unofficial Burner camp-out to provide a space to express yourself.

http://permaburn.org/

Stone Soup is an excellent opportunity to get out of your context and do some strategic planning for that big Burner project you have in mind.  Better yet, come out and stage your prototype in a tolerant environment instead of disturbing your neighbors.  Or just come out and enjoy the music and weekend with Burners.

This year we have a head start.  The two new domes set up last September are complete and in place just waiting for you to express yourself with covers and content.  One will house the music venue, the other food prep and chill space.  Come out an help us give them some character.

It's time to go camping!

What:  Stone Soup Burner Camp-out
When: June 10th, 11th and 12th, 2011
Where: PermaBurn - 60 miles north of Susanville just off highway 395
Cost: $0 - just RSVP so we can plan accordingly

Directions to PermaBurn:

http://suddendisruption.blogspot.com/search/label/PermaBurn%20Directions

Stone Soup, the Reno / Tahoe unauthorized Burner camp-out is being organized.  What morsel will you be in this yummy stew?

Email:

sudden.net at gmail.com

...or post your plans to the FaceBook page so we can coordinate resources:

https://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=group_182167450567

Rod Coleman
--
aka Yum!
aka Bonobo
aka Zen Heretic
aka Sudden Disruption
and Burning Man Regional Contact
Explore the Sudden-Centric Cyberverse...
http://www.sudden.net

"Explore and Express"

Stone Soup 2010 Set for the 18th, 19th and 20th of June!

FINALLY!  Summer is here and the weather looks great for Stone Soup.  Here's the latest :

NNPS is providing a center camp shelter, Greg Glover a music venue where Darkemeth will be playing house and psytrance.  Help Me BDSM camp will be giving demos.  The Poly camp will have an intro presentation and pot-luck on Saturday after noon. Diva Den will provide chill space.  Hib will be presenting Liquid Chess as well as a balloon with a mile of line. After Saturday will be Cari's birthday party!

There will be an update and PermaBurn meeting Sunday morning at 10:00 AM at center camp.  Be there if you're a PermaBurner or interested.

The RSVP list is growing.  Add your name with camp plans and head count by emailing :

sudden.net@gmail.com

What : Stone Soup Encore - 2010 - Burner Camp-out at PermaBurn

When : June 18th, 19th & 20th (early and late camping is fine)

Where : Madeline, California - 60 miles north of Susanville

Entrance Fee : $0.00, nada, FREE!

If you've never been to Stone Soup, here's a little background.  The Reno area has Burner events all year long.  Most are to raise money for theme camps or other causes.  Often they are limited by cost, small venues or city constraints.

Stone Soup is different.  It's not about raising money.  It's not held on public lands.  It's not limited in size.  There are few restrictions.  You can bring your dogs.  You can bring your kids.  You can bring your dirt bikes or ATVs.

Stone Soup is about whatever you wish to express, in the purest way possible.  It's the closest thing you'll find to an old-school Burner camp-out; or the early days on the playa.

So why's it called Stone Soup?

You may have heard of the Grimm Brother tale about three Napoleonic soldiers returning to a war-torn and starving village in hopes of a free meal.  As the villagers are at first unwilling to share any of their meager food supplies, these soldiers decide to get creative.   They set up a pot full of water and begin to boil a large stone, announcing a dinner of "stone soup" will be available for all, just as soon as it's cooked.

Then one of the villagers offers to add some salt - just to give it a little flavor.  Next, pepper is offered up by another.  Soon other villagers begin bring forth their modest vegetables and other contributions to create a wonderful soup.

In no time, they all eat well in spite of first intentions.  The point is, you won't need to bring much to PermaBurn, just what you need to survive, and what you wish to add to the experience.

For those who didn't join us last year (or didn't make it up the hill), PermaBurn is 640 acres of northern California now officially organized as The PermaBurn Collective.  In the spirit of Burning Man, PermaBurn has gifted this volcanic terrain for the weekend, with virtually no restrictions on how you wish to express yourself.

We'll use the PermaBurn site as our soup pot.  Greg Glover (founder) has thrown in port-a-potties as the stone for the soup.  (Am I pushing this metaphor too far?)  In any case, because of this wonderful gift, we don't need to charge an entrance fee.  So come on out and join us.  Express yourself!  Be free!  For free!

Just like on the playa, and as in the story Stone Soup, WE get to add all the rest.  What would you like to add to the soup?


Link back to this site for on-going updates.  More importantly, email me with YOUR plans so I can help you hook up with others and coordinate similar activities.  Let me know if I can post your name, email and or phone number here along with your camp plans.  Plus I'll need a head count for the potties, so...

RSVP your camp plans and head count to...

sudden.net@gmail.com

NNPS Hosting Center Camp - The center camp shade structure will be hosted this year by the Northern Nevada Polyamory Support group, who will also be presenting, "Introduction to Polyamory", on Saturday afternoon at 4:00 followed by a pot-luck for everyone at 6:00 PM followed by a birthday party for Cari.

Tunes - Greg Glover will be providing a music venue where Darkemeth will be playing house and psytrance.

Liquid Chess - BadAss (Hib) will be presenting his full-scale chess art project.

Helium - Hib will also be deploying a balloon with a mile of line.

Camp Quadzilla will provide transportation options.

Camp Help Me - A BSDM camp with be set up by Camp Help Me.  Stop by for a whack.

Diva Den Chill Space presented by Cari.

PermaBurn - There will be an update and PermaBurn meeting Sunday morning at 10:00 at center camp.  If you're a PermaBurner, or are interested, please join us.

What will YOU add to the flavor?

What : Stone Soup 2010 - Burner Camp-out at PermaBurn

When : June 18th, 19th & 20th (early and late camping is fine)

Where : Madeline, California - 60 miles north of Susanville

Entrance Fee : $0.00, nada, FREE!

RSVP your camp, art plans and head count to...

sudden.net@gmail.com

If you're not familiar with PermaBurn, here is a link to posts from the first two year's camp-outs...

AfterBurn, Reheat, Stone Soup and First Ashes


Thanks to CyberBiker for providing this Google Map link..

Stone Soup - PermaBurn Location on Google Map


If you haven't been out, there is 5 miles of gravel road, some of it has dips that would challenge anything with a flat exit angle, such as a long over-hang RV.   But there have been trailers as long as 24 feet, a full-sized Greyhound bus and one fully loaded Geo Metro, so any normal car will make it if you dodge a few rocks.  High clearance or trucks, no problem at all.



(click to expand)

How to get to PermaBurn...

Take 395 60 miles north of Susanville to Madeline, California
(the 395 junction is just east of Susanville).

Go 6 miles north of Madeline on 395 to the 134.92 mile marker at 41 7'43" 120 30'0".



Watch for the orange or pink or mylar tape from this point on.  If you go to Google map you won't find any names on any of these roads, but the mile marker is past Sage Hen and before South Fork Mountain Road.  On the ground, the key is the mile marker and tape at each junction.

You have five miles of gravel road to go.

Take a left onto the shortcut to a gravel road.

Take another left to go south on this gravel road.

Go 0.1 miles till you reach the green gate.  Open the gate and go through.  Please remember to close it back.

Go 0.4 miles until you see a second green Gate on the right with orange tape.

Open the green gate and take a right.  AND close it back.

Cross the yellow cattle guard about 30 feet beyond the gate.

Go 2.4 miles up some hills and across a flat.

You will see another yellow cattle guard and orange tape.

To the right, will be a sign for the reservoir.

You are at 41 6'45" 120 32' 6".




Go just BEYOND the cattle guard, and then take an immediate LEFT turn on the dirt road on the other side of the fence.  Turn left just AFTER the cattle guard, not before!

Climb 2.2 miles south on the dirt road.

At some points the road tilts pretty bad, and there are a few rocks protruding but a normal car can make it with care.



You will reach a small hill and then come down into the PermaBurn site.  The last hundred yards which was so bad last year has been newly worked and is in much better condition.

The best camping is in this first valley.

Welcome to Permaburn!

Welcome to Stone Soup!




Where to Camp

There are two ponds on the hill with some trees around them.  Unfortunately, this is also where some free range cattle come to drink and find shade,  AND leave their droppings.  There were only a few mosquitoes last year - not really a problem.  But to minimize all of these factors, we will be setting up Center Camp along main street a quarter mile back in the lower valley.  You can of course camp where ever you choose but we'd like the significant performance camps along main street if possible.

That's all I can think of right now.  Email  me your questions, camp, art plans and head count to...

sudden.net@gmail.com

Or just click on "Comments" below.  Either will work.  I will post the updates here from time to time.

What : Stone Soup 2010 Burner Camp-out at PermaBurn
When : June 18th, 19th & 20th (early and late camping is fine)

Where : Madeline, California - 60 miles north of Susanville
Entrance Fee : $0.00, nada, FREE!

See ya at Stone Soup 2010.

See ya at PermaBurn!

Finally... Enjoying the Soup

A Welcoming Double-Rainbow

It was noted, the weather called for 30% chance of rain, so some of you stayed home. Others were busy with Burning Man prep and couldn't make the trip. But for a few dedicated Burners, it was a very entertaining weekend.

Yes. It DID rain. Actually, the worst rain was driving out near Honey Lake. There it POURED. At PermaBurn the ground was dry and the little rain we DID get was light and short. Plus, it produced a nice double rainbow.



Fire over the ridge

The bigger problem was the wind and lightning. The wind blew down a couple of tents. And the lightning started a fire behind the ridge. Fortunately, it was about ten miles away. In spite of the weather, we got the camp settled, a fire going and had a great first evening.




Soon to be center camp

Saturday morning more people arrived and we got the center camp shade set up and then had some breakfast.



Kim making breakfast



Rita



Paula



Bike for 3



Greg and Kim



Some of the group

That afternoon, the Poly camp got a great discussion group going contrasting Poly to "normal" relationships with surprisingly candid conversation.

Later on, "Help Me" BSDM camp whipped up a storm (literally and figuratively) - red backs and thunderstorms (did anyone get pics?).

This time the storms were friendly and mostly stayed at a distance. It was more of a lightning show all night with a warm wind, and a sprinkles here and there - a truly magical evening.

On Sunday morning an owner's meeting was held. It was agreed to host an "AfterBurn" as a gift for those leaving the playa after Burning Man. Water will be brought in for showers and there's plenty of room to shake out the tarps. It should be a great way to continue the party, then decompress more slowly for those that have more time to get home. Stand by for details...

Stone Soup Reheated at PermaBurn!

I've been surprised by the number of requests to Reheat Stone Soup. I guess there IS need to express oneself in the solitude and privacy of a square mile the high desert sage!

Or else you guys just like to party!

Whatever the case, Stone Soup, the Reheat is ON!

By a clear majority, the camp-out is now set for Friday, July 31st, Saturday, August 1st and Sunday, August 2nd at PermaBurn, 60 miles north of Susanville. No need to RSVP. All you have to do is show up! We don't have time to get all the resources we had in June, so just bring what you have, and we'll do what we can. So far I've heard from the following camps. Stay tuned for updates...

Center Camp - Rose Palace Paula & Dave will be setting up a shade structure. Anyone have a table or two?

Camp Lazy Fucks - Returning from our mud bath, Blue and Brother as Camp Lazy Fucks will host the greeter camp at the very west end of the valley. I've heard Kathy is also returning to help them out again. Welcome to the greeters!

Reno Poly Camp - Actually, it's the Northern Nevada Polyamory Support group, and they will hold their August meeting at Stone Soup's Center Camp as well as hosting a Saturday evening pack-it-in, pack-it-out, lick-your-plate pot-luck at 6:00 PM. This will be preceded by, "An Introduction to Polyamory", at 4:00 PM. They will also lead discussions on alternate lifestyles during the weekend. Contact Teresa Werner with any question or contribution at... terwer42@yahoo.com

Help Me - "Help Me" BSDM camp will be back to give late night demonstrations. Prepare to be punished.

Finally, if you were at the event in June, you'll remember Marshall. He was the master of the fire, and kept it going in SPITE of the rain. Well, Sunday, August 2nd is his BIRTHDAY! If we convince him to return, we'll get a chance to thank him for all his effort by starting his birthday party at midnight on Saturday! So come and join the camp-out. It will be an excellent excuse to celebrate an excellent Burner! And get your vibe in tune for the playa!

What : Stone Soup Reheat 2009 Camp-out at PermaBurn
When : July 31st, Aug 1st & 2nd (early and late camping is fine)
Where : Madeline, California - 60 miles north of Susanville
Entrance Fee : 0.00, nada, FREE!

If you don't know what I'm talking about, click the "Stone Soup" label for this blog to read all the details and history.

Thanks to CyberBiker for providing this Google Map link..

Stone Soup 2009 - PermaBurn Location on Google Map


If you haven't been out, there is 5 miles of gravel road, some of it has dips that would challenge anything with a flat exit angle, such as a long over-hang RV. Last year there were trailers as long as 24 feet and one fully loaded Geo Metro, so any normal car will make it if you dodge a few rocks. High clearance or trucks, no problem at all. (05-1-20-09 much of the road has been graded since last year and virtually ANY vehicle can make it out by dodging a few rocks).



(click to expand)

How to get to PermaBurn...

Take 395 60 miles north of Susanville to Madeline, California
(the 395 junction is just east of Susanville).

Go 6 miles north of Madeline on 395 to the 134.92 mile marker at 41 7'43" 120 30'0".



Watch for the orange tape from this point on. If you go to Google map you won't find any names on any of these roads, but the mile marker is past Sage Hen and before South Fork Mountain Road. On the ground, the key is the mile marker and orange tape at each junction.

This is where the five miles of dirt road starts...

Take an immediate left at mile marker 134.92, onto the shortcut to a gravel road.

Take another left to go south on this gravel road.

Go 0.1 miles till you reach the green gate. Open the gate if you have to and go through. Please remember to close it back.

Go 0.4 miles until you see a second green Gate on the right with orange tape.

Open the green gate and take a right. AND close it back, please. Thar BE cattle.

Cross the yellow cattle guard about 30 feet beyond the gate.

Go 2.4 miles. (05-20-09 this section has been graded since last year).

You will see another yellow cattle guard and orange tape.

To the right, will be a sign for the reservoir.

You are at 41 6'45" 120 32' 6".




Go just BEYOND the cattle guard, and then take an immediate LEFT turn on the dirt road on the other side of the fence. Turn left just AFTER the cattle guard, not before!

Go 2.2 miles south and up the hill on this smaller dirt road.

At some points the road tilts pretty bad, and there are a few rocks protruding but a normal car can make it with care.



You will reach the top of the hill with three trees on the left, and then come down into the PermaBurn site. The last hundred yards (which was so bad last year) has been newly worked and is in much better condition.

The best camping is in this first valley.

Welcome to Permaburn!

Welcome to Stone Soup Reheated!

Stone Soup at Permabog

Cindy's art project grew nicely in the rain...




OK. PermaBog is a bit overstated, but at the very least Stone Soup was watered down. And before you say it, yes, I'm guilty of being an optimist. I didn't think the rain we'd had all week would continue, let alone get worse. As we drove up, the closer we got to PermanBurn, the harder it rained. But then it almost stopped when we arrived. Was that a good sign? Who knows.

As we pulled up to the gate, cowboys were herding about a hundred head of cattle up the gravel road. We stopped and talked. A guy named Shane (I'm serious - he looked like someone out of a Marlboro commercial). Anyway, he said, "You'll need four wheel drive to get up that road", so we parked at the gate to assess the situation. Shane said we could camp down at the gate as long as we cleaned up before we left. Tim thought that was a good idea. But I wasn't ready to give up just yet. I had most of Club Verboten and Center Camp in my RV's hall-way. I wanted to deliver it.

An, Kathy and I hiked up the road to take a look at the conditions. It started to rain again. Going up that first grade, it didn't look that bad. After a couple of miles, I went back for my RV while An and Kathy continued on up to PermaBurn - a five mile walk in total. My walk that day was a bit longer.

My plan was to take my RV up to the second cattle guard then hike back and get Tim's RV up too. Rita decided to go with me. I had my foot to the floor and going about 20 MPH all the way up the hill. Rita was laughing and shrieking, as I looked for gravel patches to give me traction. My 30 foot motor-home was bouncing from one side of the road to the other. It's a good thing I didn't slow down. We were spinning and grinding just as we topped out on the flats. It was a "barely made it" kind of arrival.

I parked in a nice flat spot at the second cattle guard to check for damage. My tail pipe bracket had broken lose, but that was about it. Well there was a LOT of mud everywhere. But mud washes off. Next, I needed to do some more scouting.



Rita and I hiked two miles up the next grade to check it out before I tried to drive it. It didn't take me long to figure out the weekend wouldn't turn out the way we had planned. There was no way I could get up this next section, let alone the convoy of two-wheeled drive vehicles I knew were coming behind me.

We were soaked to the bone by the time we got to PermaBurn. Rick in his Greyhound were there. He had come up Wednesday when it was dry. Greg (the founder of PermaBurn) had set up camp but was taking a nap. Mark and Marge had set up the Stone Soup Saloon and were wrapped up in blankets to stay warm. Blue and Bro were greeting at Camp Lazy Fucks with something called "Apple Pie", made from ever-clear and other good stuff. Even served cold, it warmed us up.

But Rick's bus with it's heater running helped a lot more. Everyone collected there for a meeting. After reviewing conditions, Rick sent out the 4 WD email alert to the Reno list (Sprint has good signal at PermaBurn). Maybe the rain would stop. If it did, the sun this time of year would dry it out in a few hours. But I knew the sun had to break before 2:00 PM at the latest, or most would have to stop back at the highway. Some were coming from Portland, LA and SF. It was best to let as many as possible know about the road conditions before they drove all the way out here. We hoped the email alert would get to them in time.

After an hour's break, we got a ride back to my RV and had lunch. I was tired. We nodded off, then awoke to the sound of talking. Marshal had come up and built us a camp fire. Others stopped to warm up at the fire as we stood in the rain. We had maybe a dozen at this mid-camp for a while. Some turned around and headed back to base camp. Other with 4 WD went on up to PermaBurn. We waited for the fire to die out, which didn't take long in the increasing rain. Then we went back down to base camp ourselves. The ride down was even more slippery than the ride up. At the bottom I noticed a rock had torn off my outside water valve and the tank was emptying on the ground. Oh well, there was no shortage of water.

By the time we got back, Tim (Club Verboten) had gone home, but many others had arrived. At one point we probably had 30 people at base camp and as many as 20 up at PermaBurn. Thomas had tried to follow me up the hill in his 40 foot motor-home but got stuck only 100 yards in. Blue helped pull him out with his 4 WD. Thomas and Adela then camped at the gate base camp too.



The rain continued. Everything dripped. My feet were freezing. It was about 40 degrees, but you could already see your breath. More people arrived. Marshal started building another big fire for base camp. After comparing notes with everyone and guessing at the odds the rain would stop, I started relaxing and realized we'd just have to wait and see. I was tired. I got my wet clothes off and had some dinner then fell asleep before 10 PM.

During the night, lots of others arrived. Troy put up a shelter which helped a lot. Unfortunately, he had to leave most of his gear on a trailer about a half a mile back where he had tuned off at the wrong turn and gotten stuck in a bog.

Also in the night, one of the other PermaBurn owners tried the hill in an excellent 4 WD rig but got stuck the same place as Thomas's RV. He had to cut lose his 10,000 pound loaded trailer in order to go on up.

At sunrise the cowboys (and cowgirls) were back to move the herd on up the dirt road. Shane said it was the most rain they had seen in a long time - maybe ever for June. It had rained all night. And the rain continued for breakfast as well. Thanks to Sharon for the bacon and eggs, and a dry place to eat them.

My cousin Dave had a 4WD but only with road tires. He was with us at base camp, but we figured it was good enough to pull Troy's stuck trailer out. When we got there a BLM Ranger had stopped to check on it, and was now chewing up the road trying to get out of the same mud hole himself. Even with knarly tires and bad-assed 4 WD it took several tries.

Dave couldn't drive back into that mess, so instead we used 200 feet of rope to pull the trailer to better ground. I hung on the back of the trailer to get the tongue off the ground while Troy tried to steer and Dave drove the truck. Troy and I were soaked in mud, and we broke the rope twice, but we finally got the trailer to drier ground.



Back at base camp, the kids were playing in the mud, and the rain continued. There was no way things would dry out before Monday or Tuesday. After lunch, I wired up my tail pipe with a clothes hanger, and we packed up the RV and headed home about noon. That was the end of Stone Soup for us.



This is the worst Burner experience I've ever had, but even so, nobody freaked out. Nobody had a bad attitude. Marshal did and amazing job with the fire and campfire cheese sandwiches for lunch. The kids of course enjoyed the mud more than we did. Burners are wonderful people. And that fact becomes more apparent as the conditions get worse.

Sorry about the weather guys. I guess that's how it is with adventure.

Just before we left, Greg and others came off the hill to say hi and suggested we do a Stone Soup Reheat at some point. PermaBurn really IS a beautiful piece of ground. And with a dry road like last year, it's an easy drive.

Maybe when my feet get warm.










The Man ready to be burned...




Dave, expressing himself...



And Paula taking a dare...



Cindy and her art...

Stone Soup 2009 Camp-out at PermaBurn

What : Stone Soup 2009 Camp-out at PermaBurn
When : June 5th, 6th & 7th (early and late camping is fine)
Where : Madeline, California - 60 miles north of Susanville
Entrance Fee : 0.00, nada, FREE!

RSVP your camp, art plans and head count to... - don't bother to RSVP now - just join us!

sudden.net@gmail.com

Soup's On!

Great news in a down year - the second UNofficial Reno Regional Burn and camp-out is now official! (We're not officially part of Burning Man, but Stone Soup 2009 is now officially in production!)

Considering our Burned out economy, some may not even make it to the playa this year. Others have asked for a spring camp-out for Burners. So we're headed back to PermaBurn! And to keep it totally FREE, we're using the Stone Soup approach.

Come on, you remember the Grimm Brother tale about three Napoleonic soldiers returning to a war-torn and starving village in hopes of a free meal. As the villagers are at first unwilling to share any of their meager food stores with these strangers, they decide to get creative. The soldiers set up a pot and begin to boil a large stone announcing a dinner of "stone soup" will be ready soon.

Then someone offers to add some salt - just to give it a little flavor. Next pepper is offered up. Soon other villagers begin bring forth their modest vegitables and other contributions to create a wonderful soup. In no time, they all eat very well in spite of first intentions. The point is, you won't need to bring much to PermaBurn, just what you need to survive and what you wish to add to the experience.

For those who didn't join us last year, PermaBurn is 640 acres of northern California being organized as permanent art installations by a Burner named Greg Glover from the east coast. In the spirit of Burning Man, Greg has gifted this volcanic caldera for the weekend with virtually no restrictions on how we wish to express ourselves.

We'll use the PermaBurn site as our soup pot. Greg's also thrown in port-a-potties as the stone for the soup. Am I pushing this metaphor too far? In any case, because of his wonderful gift, we don't need to charge an entrance fee. So come on out and join us. Express yourself! Be free! For free!

Just like on the playa, and as in the story Stone Soup, WE get to add all the rest. Here's what we have so far. The soup is gaining some excellent flavor...

Breaking News!

"Help Me" BSDM Camp will be doing late evening demonstrations.

Camp Playa Magic will be part of Stone Soup this year! Direct from Harrah's Lake Tahoe and the Carson Valley Inn, the renown, "Thomas", will be performing his close up magic show at Center Camp Saturday evening after the pot-luck - now we're GUARANTEED to have a magical weekend. Camp Play Magic is also organizing a sunset drum circle. Bring your bongo!

Camp Lazy Fucks - Returning from last year, Blue and Brother as Camp Lazy Fucks will host the greeter camp at the very west end of the valley. I've heard Kathy is also returning to help them out this year. Welcome to the greeters!





Club Verboten Comes to PermaBurn!

Yep. The very same tent you saw at the 4:30 plaza last year; the club known for stopping traffic and plugging up the streets of Black Rock City will be erected in the center camp area at PermaBurn Friday afternoon, June 5th.





Omar and Action Jack

Tim Hunter himself (aka Omar Suarez) will be spinning the music as well as providing a venue for other DJs. So far we have offers from DJ Reality of Camp Ellipsis, BabebyBay(Betsy) from the bay area and D6 from Reno. You guys need to check in with Tim (thunter885@aol.com) unless you plan to set up your own venues. Whatever your taste, we'll have some excellent music coming out of this volcano, and at least one fully enclosed club in which to enjoy it.

From Omar...

We look forward to setting up,for the first time ever outside BRC,at this years Stone Soup.Thanks to Comrade Sudden for the leadership in getting it together,Our club is known for retro techno based dance parties.Can't change formula here but hopefully we can incorporate all the dj talent we have coming.What we have in mind is a weekend program...."Evolution of Techno Beats".

Friday 1966-1984........ Garage/Psych to UK glam to Disco to CBGBS

Saturday-1984- 2009....... 80's syntho pop,90's dance, late 90's House classics,present day electronica and current techno pop. all times to be determined We hope all djs will find something they like and let me know as soon as they can. peace Omar

Center Camp - If you've been to local Reno events, you know you've found the party once you spot Rick Brown's Greyhound conversion bus on the property. Yep. He's determine to arrive with the biggest piece of equipment ever driven to PermaBurn and then turn it into part of Center Camp.

We plan to arrange Rick's Greyhound conversion, along with Cutter's school bus and my motor-home into a "C" shaped wind break and then cover it with one of my large shade structures. Rose Palace Paula and Dave will be adding some Astro-truf for ground cover. There will also be tables and chairs for Saturday's Lick-your-plate pot-luck.

Stone Soup Saloon - Along side will be the new Stone Soup Saloon and Chill Dome, hosted by Marj and Mark. In some bars you get what you order. Here they'll serve up whatever shows up. It's the place to mix your left-over playa drinks with everyone else's left-over playa drinks to see what happens. Bring it on!

Beaverton Queer Ladies - Kinnari Kreme from Nevada City will be hosting a camp to represent Beaverton Queer Ladies at our event. Email her at kinnarikreme@gmail.com if you'd like to join, or just compare plans.

Randy's Ribs - Want ribs with that soup? Some of you may remember Randy Miller (Sprocket) from last year. He was camped by the big swing and his boys were riding their ATVs. After last year's camp-out he joined PermaBurn permanently and this year wants to welcome us back with BBQed ribs. So follow your nose to his PermaCamp.

Reno Poly Camp - Actually, it's the Northern Nevada Polyamory Support group, and they will hold their June meeting at Stone Soup's Center Camp as well as hosting a Saturday evening pack-it-in, pack-it-out, lick-your-plate pot-luck at 6:00 PM. This will be preceded by, "An Introduction to Polyamory", at 4:00 PM. They will also lead discussions on alternate lifestyles during the weekend. Contact Teresa Werner with any question or contribution at... terwer42@yahoo.com

Kid's Camp - Marie Gilbert will host a place for, "interactive family fun... kite's, kid's with hammers, rock stacking etc." Contact her at... amariegilbert@gmail.com if you wish to join the other three families also hosting this camp.

Fire Camp - Mac (Debbie McMullin and husband Dave) from Controlled Burn has volunteered to coordinate the fire arts in an attempt to cut down on duplication of safety equipment, supplies etc. Let her know about your fire spinning plans and how you can help at... ruby_holly@yahoo.com


Timeless Sculptures - Matt Welter of Timeless Sculptures will try to bring one of his pieces out as well as have information on the Tea Party. Check out his site if you're interested in Libertarian politics...

http://www.timelesssculptures.com/cover/cover.htm


Stone Soup Prep Meeting - We've had requests for an actual prep meeting before the event, so now that is in the plans as well. We'll do it at my place in south Reno on May 27th at 7:00 PM. This meeting is not a requirement for the camp-out. If you just plan to attend Soup Soup and participate in you own way, this meeting is not critical. But if you can help with any of the other projects or you need some face time on any of the other organizers, please join us...

Link back here for on-going updates as the details come in. More importantly, email me with YOUR plans so I can help you hook up with others and coordinate similar activities. Let me know if I can post your name, email and or phone number here along with your camp plans. Plus I'll need a head count for the potties, so...

RSVP plans and head count to...

sudden.net@gmail.com





If you're not familiar with PermaBurn, here is a link to last year's camp-out posts...

First Ashes at PermaBurn 2008


Thanks to CyberBiker for providing this Google Map link..

Stone Soup 2009 - PermaBurn Location on Google Map


If you haven't been out, there is 5 miles of gravel road, some of it has dips that would challenge anything with a flat exit angle, such as a long over-hang RV. Last year there were trailers as long as 24 feet and one fully loaded Geo Metro, so any normal car will make it if you dodge a few rocks. High clearance or trucks, no problem at all. (05-1-20-09 much of the road has been graded since last year and virtually ANY vehicle can make it out by dodging a few rocks.



(click to expand)

How to get to PermaBurn...

Take 395 60 miles north of Susanville to Madeline, California
(the 395 junction is just east of Susanville).

Go 6 miles north of Madeline on 395 to the 134.92 mile marker at 41 7'43" 120 30'0".



Watch for the orange tape from this point on. If you go to Google map you won't find any names on any of these roads, but the mile marker is past Sage Hen and before South Fork Mountain Road. On the ground, the key is the mile marker and orange tape at each junction.

You have five miles to go.

Take a left onto the shortcut to a gravel road.

Take another left to go south on this gravel road.

Go 0.1 miles till you reach the green gate. Open the gate if you have to and go through. Please remember to close it back.

Go 0.4 miles until you see a second green Gate on the right with orange tape.

Open the green gate and take a right. AND close it back.

Cross the yellow cattle guard about 30 feet beyond the gate.

Go 2.4 miles. (05-20-09 this section has been graded since last year).

You will see another yellow cattle guard and orange tape.

To the right, will be a sign for the reservoir.

You are at 41 6'45" 120 32' 6".




Go just BEYOND the cattle guard, and then take an immediate LEFT turn on the dirt road on the other side of the fence. Turn left just AFTER the cattle guard, not before!

Go 2.2 miles south on the dirt road.

At some points the road tilts pretty bad, and there are a few rocks protruding but a normal car can make it with care.



You will reach a small hill and then come down into the PermaBurn site. The last hundred yards which was so bad last year has been newly worked and is in much better condition.

The best camping is in this first valley.

Welcome to Permaburn!

Welcome to Stone Soup!




Where to Camp

There are two ponds on the hill with some trees around them. Unfortunately, this is also where some free range cattle come to drink and find shade, AND leave their droppings. There were only a few mosquitoes last year - not really a problem. But to minimize all of these factors, we will be setting up Center Camp along main street a quarter mile back in the lower valley. You can of course camp where ever you choose but we'd like the significant performance camps along main street if possible.

That's all I can think of right now. Email me your questions, camp, art plans and head count to...

sudden.net@gmail.com

Or just click on "Comments" below. Either will work. I will post the updates here from time to time.

What : Stone Soup 2009 Camp-out at PermaBurn

When : June 5th, 6th & 7th (early and late camping is fine)

Where : Madeline, California - 60 miles north of Susanville

Entrance Fee : 0.00, nada, FREE!

See ya at Stone Soup 2009.

See ya at PermaBurn!

Permaburn Review - First Ashes 2008

As noted below, I've just spent the weekend at Permaburn. My first priority was to try out some art and enjoy a regional camp-out. My second priority was to evaluate the Permaburn site and concept.




Portable Zen


If you've seen my prior art, you'll recognize some elements in my latest creation. It's meant to be a simple back-pack portable interactive Zen meditation piece. It's called Portable Zen.

I put it together just in time for the weekend. Dave Orel thought it needed a head. I think he did a nice job. We had to re-do the batteries to distribute the weight but got it working Thursday night.

When folded up, it fits nicely INSIDE the car. Unpacking and setup went well. The light winds mostly cooperated. I'll definitely have it out on the playa this year.

The rest of the trip went well too. We arrived Friday morning and helped tape the road for those to follow. The drive up was fast on open desert highway. The directions in to the site were clear.

The dirt road in from 395 is reasonably good. You might have trouble with entry and exit angles of long RVs on a few of the drainage dips, but any standard two-wheel drive with at least 7 inches of clearance will not have a problem. Greg pulled in a 24' trailer. Tom brought in one a bit shorter. A loaded down Geo Metro even showed up. The steepest part of the road is on a north face, so early spring access might be a bit of a problem depending on snow. But no problems this weekend.




First Arrivals


The site has excellent curb appeal as you top the final ridge over-looking Permaburn. You'll find a gently-slopping valley about a half mile long and a couple of hundred yards wide. This is where the sound camp was located. Music was already in the wind. So was a big white kite. Here we met one of the DJs and a few other early arrivals. But the road went on, so did we.

Toping the next ridge presented the caldera with a pond in the center. This is where most of the campers set up using the trees for shade, as did we.




This camp was about three tenths of a mile and a hundred feet above the sound camp with a nice over-looking view. There are also several small volcanic peaks around both valleys ranging from a couple, to several hundred feet higher. All of these peaks were on the property except for the highest.




As soon as we met the host and set up camp, we climb the closest one and found a fantastic view of Shasta, Lassen and other unidentified peaks of the Cascades. We were also overlooking a panoramic presentation of the Madeline valley to the south.



A Square Mile of Permaburn


The ground itself is mostly sage and rock with a few Juniper and other trees here and there. Virtually all of the ground is build-able with gentle slopes up to small peaks.

Currently the property is open range will cows making a muck of the ponds and leaving droppings. Be careful where you step! I speak from personal experience. One other negative were a few mosquitoes and flies from the pond and cows droppings. Greg promises the cows will eventually be fenced out by a large berm defining the property boundary.




As for First Ashes, the turn-out Friday night was light but picked up quite a bit on Saturday. A few came and went, with a total of between 40 and 50 over the weekend, mostly from Reno, Tahoe and Susanville. Yes, this was a small turn-out for a rave, but fair sized for a camp-out and provided a nice mix. The vibe was mellow with lots of interesting people. There was an excellent pot of chilli at the sound camp on Friday night and various food offered from camp to camp.

Besides music most of the time, there were quads and dirt bikes, someone shooting targets and several people with dogs. There was also a massage camp, trampoline and large swing. Camp Lazy Fucks from Klamath Falls had a nice chill shade up.




Most campers went hiking at one point or another. The ground invites it. I climbed four peaks with the highest providing a 360 degree view of northeastern California with the agricultural andranching valleys to the north and south.



Reservoir


On Sunday An and I hiked down to the reservoir and back. It's at least a mile long. Others swam there but we came down through the trees at a muddy cow dominated part of the shore so didn't go in. We followed cow trails back to camp. In total, I hiked 27 miles in three days.


Conclusion

The idea of Permaburn is visionary, the site is excellent and the commitment impressive. Greg plans to split the square mile up into eight, 80 acre parcels then sell quarter-acre lots for $200 each with an annual fee of $500. This is about what you'd pay for a storage spot anywhere else. It's certainly a LOT less expensive than driving an art car all the way back to the bay area. And it doesn't count the freedom to development and experiment in any way you like.

This annual fee will initially be used to improve the road as well as bring in water and other improvements. I imagine some form of on-site security will also be needed.



Greg and Friend Building Fire Ring

Permaburn Link

Greg hopes these lots will self organized into "theme" camps, creating central kitchens, bathrooms and hot tubs. These common facilities will anchor permanent "camps" of all types to explore different architectures, energy and art.

He sees Permaburn as a big "toy" to be created and explored by hundreds or eventually thousands of people over a period of years. He says he's in it for the long haul and not looking to make a profit, only recover costs.

It's an ambitious plan, but not unreasonable. The site is only five miles from highway 395 and 65 miles from Susanville. Permaburn is an inexpensive place to try out new building ideas and experiment with different materials as well as stage Burning Man projects which are too big for your driveway. It's also a nice place to get away for the weekend.

No, I haven't bought in yet, but it's on my list as soon as I come up with a purpose and a plan. And I will. The concept and ground invites the imagination to run wild.

And so will the Burners who come here.

Thanks to Greg for this excellent opportunity.

And a fun weekend.

For best of blog, link to...

Sudden.net