The Hun finally makes it to Gerlach to join the DPW ranks
It’s a beautiful drive, coming out to Gerlach. As the sun set, I made my way along the 447, surrounded by sharp mountains and rock pyramids with dusty shadows stretching across the valley floor.
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I arrived in town just after dinner, and found everyone rubbing elbows at the Black Rock Social Club. It had been a big day for the DPW: volunteers had been rolling in since morning, and the Club was full of grinning faces, bad jokes, and enthusiastic greetings between old friends and brand new arrivals…
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Some of the crew have been here every year for almost a decade. Some of them are here for the first time, having never been to Burning Man at all. Some of them have spent so much time out here they sweat playa dust, and some are still fresh as cute lil’ daisies. But it’s clear from the beginning that everyone here has a good head on their shoulders, an open mind, and a willingness to get their hands dirty.
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This is a group of people who live together in communal trailers for a month, work all day in desert heat and dust storms, and get ‘er done despite the odds. It would be impossible not to form deep connections, and people do. By all accounts, it’s a good crew this year, although some familiar faces are missing (and missed). There’s plenty of work to be done and problems to be overcome, and I have a feeling we have a long month ahead of us, but everyone I’ve met tonight is excited and happy to be here.
Welcome home, DPW.
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