A story about Black Rock Desert-High Rock Canyon Emigrant Trail National Conservation Area

I was in the Black Rock Desert working for Burning Man before the event. There were massive dust storms during the previous three weeks, but this day was beautiful. It was sunny and hot with almost no breeze, and even though 45,000 people would eventually show up, there was hardly anyone on the playa now.

I was out at the Man base placing art installations when my friend Davis asked if I wanted to go up in a boom to get a picture for the blog I was writing. I said definitely. Minutes later I was 50 feet up in the air, zip tying the massive shade structure at the base of the Man while he moved the boom around. We spent about 30 minutes up there, working on the shade structure and then relaxing and admiring the magnificent panoramic view. It was awesome, and it was one of the best birthday presents I ever got.

Four nights later an arsonist torched the Man. Here's what he looked like (photo at right).