Calm before the storm

I slept on the playa last night for the first time this year. There was just a few of us with nothing but a sleeping bag on the playa, lying where the Man will soon be, and only the stars above. It was the last night where Black Rock City is nothing more than survey flags and a grand plan. The Perseid meteor shower was blossoming to hit its peak Aug 12. So, we watched many shooting stars and enjoyed the playa for it desert qualities, quiet and solitude. Two things that will be harder to find on the playa as the days march on. Tomorrow is the real kickoff. The first day of fence begins at 5 am. Something like 4,000 T-stakes will be pounded into the playa and the 7.5 miles of fence stretched and tied between them. We also start transporting all of our materials needed, meaning loads of shipping containers and semi-trucks will be driven to the playa. All major construction jobs prepare for the build. There is no slowing down now. All you can do is raise your hands high above your head and scream while the roller coaster begins its long descent.