Burning Man 2010 Festival – The Man Burns

If I recall correctly, we didn’t do much during the day on Saturday. I think I was shell shocked from Friday, to be quite honest.

But that night The Man was to burn and we couldn’t miss that. No way, no how.

I figured it was going to be windy that night so I was sure to remember protection – head bandanna, face mask, and of course glow sticks. Like an idiot I didn’t bring my goggles. They hadn’t really been much help the night before, but looking back, I totally should’ve brought them.

We decided the bikes would be a bad idea that night if there was another storm so we made sure to head out to The Man on the early side – in hopes of finding a bench to sit on or at the very least get there on time (I was a very slow walker at this point).

We arrived plenty early, but there were no benches to sit on. Nope. Instead, we got to sit on the bumpy hard-as-concrete ground. Oh yeah, that felt great on my rear.

But the pain didn’t really matter, because I was about to see and experience one of the greatest things ever. Ever. I’m not kidding you.

The ceremony started with the raising of The Man’s arms to the upright and open position, as if reaching to the heavens.

Those splotches, by the way, is playa dust blowing in the wind. It’s unavoidable so deal with it. I had to. Besides, it makes the pictures more artsy.

The drums started and things really got under way.

After a short parade around The Man, we were treated to a performance by the largest gathering of fire dancers – over 500!!

It was like nothing I have ever seen before; and most likely will ever see again.

And then The Man Burned. And it was AWESOME.

First came the fireworks…..

Then came the fire…..

And another Man down. Until next year.

I DID IT! I SURVIVED BURNING MAN 2010!!!