Oh The Weather

By all accounts we had quite a relatively crazy stint of weather this year. Us newbies had been told to expect "heat in the day and cold at night with a few probable dust storms." Well, we had the heat alright. Over a 100 degrees every day. No cold nights though - the evenings were downright balmy and pleasant. We got some rain followed by a double rainbow. And man, did we get a coupla intense dust storms. You could see it coming from across the playa. In some cases it would swirl around us, swallowing us up. On with the goggles and dust masks and wham! we'd be plunged into a weird twilight. The wind would kick up the dust and coat everything at camp.

Into This Good Night

We failed our first attempt at a night license. "Not enough lights" we were told. But they wanted us to qualify, so they gave us another chance. Everyone pitched in (except for yours truly who was suffering from an early case of heat stroke) and added all the spare lights we had in camp. Second time at the DMV and they passed us. Here's what it looked on it's first night journey onto the playa.

Prophe-see T.V. is on the Air!

Society member Tbone of "The Todd Don't Stop" fame went live with his all-seeing future visionary device. It was very popular around the playa. Here he is at The Deep End and Kid's Camp. Can you tell which is which?

Perambulating About to Visit our Steampunk Brethren

Members of The Society visit The Steampunk Tree. The Baron, The Baroness, The Amazing Leslie and Professor Fate visible.

The Gang's All Here!

Everyone had arrived. Camp was set at 3:37 and Intertidal. The Perambulator was registered (for daytime use). So out we went to check out the playa. The term "barnacle" is first coined. Newly defined as "A bike riding burner that attaches themselves to an art car for purposes of mobility, socialization and thirst-quenching. They are sometimes seen in chains that increase the chances for disaster and bodily harm." Seen below are barnacles Mr. Alchemystic, AP Bugger and Professor Fate.

Perambulator!

So, there are lots of pictures of our 'art car' in various states of construction. We've seen it go from lowly golf cart to fantastic flying machine. But this is the only known picture of it after completion and before the harsh desert had it's way with it, and us.

Good Morning

The Amazing Leslie and I arrived at Society headquarters at 2:30 in the am after a long slow journey. Just in time to see The Man prematurely burn and the lunar eclipse. Everybody else had spent the previous day setting up camp. Thanks guys! Now help us put this damn Perambulator together.

And Away We Go!

Packing day(s). Everyone showed up at the workshop to coordinate gear and make sure we had all the supplies The Society was going to need for the 9-10 day excursion on the playa. The Perambulator takes it's place on the trailer. What a lot of stuff!



AP waves his adieu. Super Doug and Jana are his co-pilots for the long journey. Their mission: find us a great spot to set up The Society.
The Baron and Baroness with Tbone rounding out their team. Their mission: Nearly 590 liters of Reno's finest.
LG and Mr. Alchemystic have their driving faces on. We'll see you guys tomorrow!

Dress Rehearsal

Looking quite weird in the suburbs.

Balloon Fever

The Baron of all and I worked last night on the lights for the balloon. They turned out great! Here's a little movie to show the disco action. It was hard to get a good shot but it gives you an idea.

The Society

The Society is a most esteemed organization whose full name is as elusive as our ambitions are grand. Our goals may be known only to initiated members who swear to forget them. Our power is great, our scope is distant, our ways are mysterious.

To become ensconced amongst our tribe, convene at our encampment in Black Rock City at the time of 6 of the clock each Thursday, in a location near the junction of Rue de 3:30 and Desert.

You are welcome to bring such treats as may befit a gathering of great minds.



Seal is from a bibliography society. Wight refers to an early printing device.

Can't Stop Now

We started Saturday morning with a long list of stuff "to do" and by Sunday evening we had accomplished much of it as you can see. Of most importance was erecting the balloon and covering it with fabric. The camp shower was also finished (not for the modest!). An amazingly productive weekend. Those involved should be proud. Just 7 days to go!

Saturday. What did I tell you?

I believe it was that we were going to work on the upholstery and balloon. We kicked ass.

The Devil is in the details

Talking time is over. It's time to put up (detaily things) or shut up. All the bits and bobs are falling in to place and the Pram is beginning to look respectable. Take a look for yourself.
Saturday we make the balloon and upholster.

Oh the Humanity

I picked up the balloon part templates the other day. Ken was gracious enough to help us out by cutting them out on his work CAD router. Each part is half of a ring. The drawing above shows the final design. Now we just need to cut out four halves of each ring.

12:30 am

The Amazing Leslie pulled out all the stops on Friday night. She started her first coat just as the sun was setting and didn't pack it in until the wee hours. Our Incredible Leslie painted most of the ship parts of the project. All of the trim was given a dark reddish brown with gold undertones. And the body was painted a lighter brown color. It's mostly done but needs a little 'noodling'. Mostly to age it a little. Good job gentle woman.

A stitch in time...

We had a little costume clutch here at the workshop on Saturday before the last Perambulatory work day. We started with a few trips to different thrift stores followed by a turn of the century fashion show. The ladies showed us many wonderfully steamy costumes. Here the stately Baron shows of his Sunday Best.