FRIENDS OF THE BLACKROCK

PERSIED METEOR SHOWER CAMPOUT & PAELLA FEED

AUGUST 13-15, 2021

So, the Blackrock desert (playa) was calling to me again and it was time for another visit.  What better time to go than when Friends of the Blackrock/High Rock was hosting their annual Perseid Meteor Shower campout.

On the plus side this year, Burning Man had been canceled, so the skies would be a lot darker than in years past because Burning Man was always under construction in the background and all of their powerful lights polluted the sky and diminished the visibility of the lighter, dimmer "shooting stars."

On the negative side, however, the forecast predicted a heatwave over that very weekend.  In the desert, you might be able to find or create shade, but there is no getting out of the heat.

Everyone's gathered around the main tent waiting for their Paella dinner on the second night.

Stacey (in front) is the Executive Director of the Friends of the Black Rock-

High Rock.  She and Susan were enjoying the Playa happy hour with a

couple of cocktails.

The first night, every camp did their own dinner, etc.  The "members only" Paella

feed was on the second night.

We all know that the playa dust gets everywhere and some CSI-styled evidence

was left behind on this behind...

Dexter immediately found a friend or three...

Installing a kickstand on Susan's new eBike.

The first sunset of the trip was beautiful and, due to the wildfire smoke in

the sky, kind of surreal.

I brought out a pair of night vision goggles and they opened up the sky

even more.  Even without the NVGs, the meteors were plentiful 

and were streaking all over the north, east and western skies. 

A trip to the Black Rock wouldn't be complete without an evening

scorpion hunt.  As usual, we founds dozens of them in the bushes that

are just outside of the playa itself.

Next time you're out there, bring a black light flashlight and see for yourself!

Waiting on that Paella...

Can you believe this?

Both of these huge Paellas were made in camp and they were INCREDIBLE!

They had scallops, shrimp, mussels, chicken and sausage, all of which were

cooked with rice and vegetables in a very flavorful broth.  This was not only good 

for camp Paella, but was some of the best Paella I've ever had.

Belly up to the bar--there's plenty.

Everyone had seconds and even thirds if they had room.

There were also a lot of delicious side dishes, fruit and desserts tonight too.

Susan and I finally got to put a few miles on our new eBikes on this trip.

There's nothing like the desert after the sun goes down and the heat

abates to make you want that first cocktail of the day.

Dexter had a tough time dealing with the heat, especially on day two, but

I tried to keep him wet down and in the shade.

The second day of the trip was no easy day.  The thermometer read 104°

and that was the air temperature only.  The light playa absorbed even more

heat and reflected it upwards and there was no escape.  One girl was taken into

Gerlach with symptoms of heat stroke, but she got better after she cooled down

and got re-hydrated.

The Black Rock is a very special place for a lot of people, especially us desert

rats, but it needs our help to keep it pristine and enjoyable for future 

generations.  

If you like the desert and wild places in general, I would encourage you to

become members of Friends of the Black Rock.  I would also encourage you

to donate some of your time to keep this area beautiful.

Click here for the FBR's website: 

Friends of the Black Rock-High Rock