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Hello. My name is Courtney, and I'm a (former) lurker/first-time poster.
I've learned a LOT here, and the more I read, the more I want to be there with you guys in June. The problem is that my friends are falling into two groups: 1) totally want to go, but can't ($, work, life) and 2) are too prissy to camp, but kind of want to go. Telling people to quit their jobs hasn't been working, so I'm trying to get some of my prissy friends on board. My friend Lauren says that I have her "75% convinced." Her only issues seem to be showers and toilets. I've read a lot about the available facilities and have researched the solar showers, poo buckets, enclosures for privacy - just so you know before someone redirects me to another thread.
What I want to know is that if you or someone you know had these types of concerns, what convinced you/him/her to go? I think some encouraging stories from people who've experienced it and gotten through it might convince her to go - and might even convince a couple of other people, too. I can blab to her all day long about what I read, what I researched, etc., but you guys have been there, done that. I appreciate any advice that you have to offer!
For your friend it really is not as bad as you think and your neighbors will help out so make friends. The experience is worth it.
For port-a-potties remember to bring headlamp, baby wipes for you and Lysol wipes (to wipe down handles, doors, etc...) and your own TP. Also try to use first thing in the morning even if you are not ready to wake up yet. Usually cleaner.
You can do a solar shower at camp to refresh but the showers although $7 are worth it. Otherwise the tips are mainly to keep cool, drink lots of water, have proper shade and proper footwear. I loved the Budweiser misting tent it's like heaven. Showers are busiest mid morning to early afternoon, try showering towards evening may be less crowded cause people will be in centeroo. A closer spot helps but is a crap shoot.
Well, there are pay showers there in addition to the kind you bring yourself. They're a few bucks (seven, maybe) but totally refreshing. Garnier provides free shampoo and stuff and I think that they actually have some sort of salon thing going on in Centeroo as well. I never really investigated that.
The toilets are what they are. I'm not gonna sugar-coat it (ewww, sugar-coated port-o-potties) but they aren't the end of the world. Nobody prefers them but Bonnaroo generally makes a solid effort to keep them in decent shape. They get serviced twice a day, I believe, and once you figure out the schedule it's the best time to get in.
Baby wipes go a long way at Bonnaroo. They're refreshing and help with general hygiene.
In the end, it's all secondary to the music and the people and the food, though. It makes for some nice small talk but if it's a big part of anyone's Bonnaroo experience, they're doing it wrong. (In my opinion.)
Post by itrainmonkeys on Apr 18, 2011 22:29:08 GMT -5
It's a life changing experience. They have showers if you really want them and the toilets aren't amazing but I tend to block them out. I only remember the great times.
Yeah, I read about the Garnier salon, booth, whatever it is, on Facebook. Most people said that you had to take a number and wait, and a few people said they waited so long that they ended up leaving before getting their hair washed.
In the end, it's all secondary to the music and the people and the food, though. It makes for some nice small talk but if it's a big part of anyone's Bonnaroo experience, they're doing it wrong. (In my opinion.)
I agree, and I think she would, too, if she'll give it a chance. Just have to convince her to commit and buy the ticket.
1-1-12 Bassnectar NYE SHOW! 1-21-12 G. Love and Special Sauce 3-1-12 Radiohead 3-9-12 Experience Hendrix 5-15-12 Jack White @ The Ryman 6-7-12 Bonnaroo 6-19-12 Roger Waters presents "THE WALL" 7-7-12 Ringo Starr's 72nd Birthday Party Extravaganza at the Ryman
If your friend is that hard pressed to go camping, you can always get a hotel during your stay and take a shuttle to Bonnaroo.
But the camping exprience is where it's at. You make great friends with your campground neighbors. If you are looking for it, there's always a party scene around. Generally, it's just a better community while you are there.
Yeah, I read about the Garnier salon, booth, whatever it is, on Facebook. Most people said that you had to take a number and wait, and a few people said they waited so long that they ended up leaving before getting their hair washed.
You may wait a while, but the tent is air-conditioned so it's still nice to stop in even if just to get away from the heat.
As a guy who likes to generally stay really clean, I was surprised by how much it doesn't bother me to rely on baby wipes to keep clean. I just don't feel like payin' fer the showers. Might be lookin' into a solar one fer this year though.
Yeah, I read about the Garnier salon, booth, whatever it is, on Facebook. Most people said that you had to take a number and wait, and a few people said they waited so long that they ended up leaving before getting their hair washed.
I wouldn't trust much of what you read on Facebook. The shower facilitates close to Shakedown Street are fine. Those people were more then likely talking about the Salon within the festival grounds. It was mentioned above but the showers in the camping area are easily accessible in the middle of the day. It might be a bit of a walk but it's not hard to get a shower if you must have one.
You can also pay for a shower right off of Bushy Branch Rd. It's a ghetto setup but it's there. I think it's 5 dollars? I went and took one there the last day of Roo 2010 and didn't wait a second.
It's all about being resourceful and doing some research. The people on this site can help the two of you with all these questions. She really has no excuse not to go.
Last Edit: Apr 19, 2011 1:42:53 GMT -5 by Deleted - Back to Top
Post by Enlightened1 on Apr 19, 2011 7:14:19 GMT -5
I think try to worry less about showers, this is camping and partying. Not going out for a night at a club. By Sunday expect for everyone including yourself to be less than fresh but no one will care the only thing you will think about is the great time you've had. We have all had to use the bathroom in less than favorable conditions, it's four days you will be fine. I think though your main question is how to convince a friend or two to go. Offer to pay for the gas and provide the ride if you can, tell them you can share the tent. Show them some youtube videos and some of the bands music. If you cant convince one of your friends go anyway, bring photos and stories back and show your friends what they missed.
One of my friends is the type of girl that literally takes two showers per day in her normal life (I have no idea why). We decided to go to Bonnaroo in 2008, and amazingly, she did not shower the whole time. I was proud and impressed that such a girly-girl could make it four days without a shower. But for her, Bonnaroo was about more than feeling clean, so she was willing to make that "sacrifice" if you will. But I have also gone with other females that have taken the $7 showers at Roo. They say it was worth it, just to feel a bit better. I kinda don't understand it, because to get back to camp from the showers, you're probably going to get sweaty and muddy again, but hey, whatever.
In the end, it's entirely possible to go to Roo and "stay clean", if you're willing to put some effort into it (and pay $7 for the shower). But if your friend is really into music, once she gets to Roo, she'll be so consumed by the atmosphere that staying clean will be the last thing on her mind!
As a female, I do agree with the assessments of the porto potties. They can be gross, but hey, when you gotta go, you gotta go, right? By the end of the weekend, you'll be so used to them that they won't seem as gross. And strangely, you get used to the smell.
A few porto tips: - DO NOT LOOK INTO THE HOLE. No matter what. - Bring some wipes, hand sanitizer, a headlamp and small roll of TP on each bathroom trip. - Wipe down the porto seat before you sit on it, especially if it's dark. You will be glad you did. - That thing on the side is NOT a shelf; it's a urinal. - There aren't lights in the portos so it can be pretty dark at night. Hence the headlamp.
Thanks for all of the info, especially the tips about porta-potties. I don't recall ever having used one in the dark, so I wouldn't have thought about packing a headlamp.
That thing on the side is NOT a shelf; it's a urinal.
This made me laugh! I used the toilet paper "ledge" in a porta-potty to hold my just-purchased, very expensive beer at a concert once. Hit it with my elbow and it all spilled into the crotch of my pants. Awesome. Although it was fun to walk back to my group of friends and convince them that I'd just peed my pants.
My friend's shower thing was more about being able to wash her hair. She said she gets oily and really itchy fast. So more of a discomfort issue than cleanliness. Told her about the showers, about the possibility of getting a solar shower, and told her I'd help her wash her hair if needed. I'll tell her about the Garnier tent. Her toilet thing is not so much about porta-potties (we all know they're disgusting) but about her own comfort w/ doing #2 around so many people. What can I say - it's a girl thing.
Oh, if it's just about washing her hair, you can do that easily at Roo. They have water troughs where lots of people wash their hair, and it's free. I actually like the gallon water bottle method though... just bring a gallon water bottle and a large bowl and ta-da! Easy-peasy hair washing station.
Or she could look into the "dry shampoo", I think I saw some for like $7 for a big bottle. I have never tried it, but I will this year.
The last two times I have gone, I have gotten a buzz cut the weeks before, so a shower wasnt in my list of priorities. However, recently, I have decided that, as much as I hate my hair, I am tired to looking like a 9 year old who's head was shaved to get rid of headlice. So I may invest in a shower or two
Post by cursedlono on Apr 19, 2011 13:21:18 GMT -5
My party has a solar shower my friends got one the other day. We already have an agreement as we struck up with some neighbors who had one the first year we used one that if you want to fill up the water bag you are more then welcome to use it. 2009 was the first year we used one. Last year I used several websites to finally build one out of PVC and tarps it worked fine. This year my friends opted to bite the bullet and buy a shower tent online. So I guess I will be clean as a kitten with a toungue while at the farm. Gotta stay fresh for my groupies!! And believe me it does make a difference getting all of that salt and sweat off your skin everyday. I had previously done 05, 06, and 08 without a shower. 07 posted up in my friends RV so was squeaky clean and air conditioned. Then 09 took a shower it was great. Last year we had a truck with two 55 gallon barrels of water and took two showers a day. It was great. I <3 showers and have no desire to sweat like a wook in heat anymore. Moral of the story you can do it easy with out a shower. But a shower makes it a whole lot easier. If no shower get some baby wipes.
1-1-12 Bassnectar NYE SHOW! 1-21-12 G. Love and Special Sauce 3-1-12 Radiohead 3-9-12 Experience Hendrix 5-15-12 Jack White @ The Ryman 6-7-12 Bonnaroo 6-19-12 Roger Waters presents "THE WALL" 7-7-12 Ringo Starr's 72nd Birthday Party Extravaganza at the Ryman
1-1-12 Bassnectar NYE SHOW! 1-21-12 G. Love and Special Sauce 3-1-12 Radiohead 3-9-12 Experience Hendrix 5-15-12 Jack White @ The Ryman 6-7-12 Bonnaroo 6-19-12 Roger Waters presents "THE WALL" 7-7-12 Ringo Starr's 72nd Birthday Party Extravaganza at the Ryman
I took my girlfriend back in 2009, and to be honest Bonnaroo was not her element. She doesn't really camp, drink or do druqks, and the thought of going 4 days without a shower made her very apprehensive. I went into the weekend seriously apprehensive and worried I'd have to spend the entire festival taking care of her and trying to make her feel comfortable.
Honestly though she never had a problem the whole weekend, and has subsequently been extremely excited to go back every year since then. You may be a little uncomfortable at times but its sooo worth it. EVERYONE at bonnaroo is going to be funky/dirty so no body really cares. There is so much love and so little judgement you can look/dress/act just about however you want and its all gravy.
If it's less about being self concious over not being clean and "pretty" and more about just being comfortable for your friends then I wouldn't worry much either. You can use baby wipes and deoderant to give yourself a mexican shower. Or a solar shower to wash your face and hair everyday. And if for whatever reason that doesn't satisfy you, there are water stations you can rinse off in, or showers (7$) you can use.
There really isn't anyway around it. Foresaking 4 days of amazing music, with amazing people, because of a little grime is a SERIOUS MISTAKE.
Post by bonnarichert on Apr 19, 2011 19:54:30 GMT -5
Well in this case if you can afford it you should go VIP I never have but I hear it has cleaner A/C pooopers and free showers. For real though this yr will be #5 for me and #6 for my G/F and she is pretty prissy and she handles it fine.
Yes I took two showers a day last year and it was awesome.
I do not think a golden shower from a groupie counts as a shower, just sayin'.
I went with my GF last year and she did fine without a shower for 4 days. Baby wipes are a must! I repeat BABY WIPES!!! Cooler water in a large bowl = an ice cold foot soak, which is amazing!
I have passed along your words of wisdom and encouragement. I'll keep you posted! (Fingers crossed!)
Also- be sure to tell your friends that the past plagues of cicada infestations and random wolverine attacks have been grossly exaggerated. Thanx. Have a great time on the Farm!
Yes I took two showers a day last year and it was awesome.
I do not think a golden shower from a groupie counts as a shower, just sayin'.
I went with my GF last year and she did fine without a shower for 4 days. Baby wipes are a must! I repeat BABY WIPES!!! Cooler water in a large bowl = an ice cold foot soak, which is amazing!
That is why my friends got a hsower tent last year two couples in the party complained about their not being enough room to double up in my home built shower tent. They vowed they would "wash each other's back's this year". Come to Camp Lono it's where the magic happens! One of those couples that compalined are not comming back they made a baby!! Golden Shower= Fertility Treatment. In the olden days we just used to booty bump rhino horn and gingseng root. And hope that we sweated enough to be freaky now we have a whole extra tent for it. people sweat so much in it they come out clean but their minds are always dirty.
1-1-12 Bassnectar NYE SHOW! 1-21-12 G. Love and Special Sauce 3-1-12 Radiohead 3-9-12 Experience Hendrix 5-15-12 Jack White @ The Ryman 6-7-12 Bonnaroo 6-19-12 Roger Waters presents "THE WALL" 7-7-12 Ringo Starr's 72nd Birthday Party Extravaganza at the Ryman
This will be my first year at roo and I have never camped out anywhere but who cares. I have talked to so many people and read so many threads that it doesn't bother me at all. For one, think of it like going swimming,(wear swim suits), for 4 days. there is a huge mushroom fountain that you can rinse off at anytime day or night. Bonnaroo is about being natural, being free, the music, and having the best time of your life. It is the only place on this Earth that you can have the Roo experence! And I can't freaking wait! INFORRO CAN I GET A HELL YEAH!
Biggest tip is to get up as soon as the sun wakes you up and hit the porto early, they are at their best in the early am. Also if you see them cleaning them, use that one!! My fiancée is the type to shower and get all "dolled up" before we anywhere, but she took a chance on Bonnaroo and loved it! The first year we did VIP to make it easier on the dirtiness, but I only used the shower once and she did twice... The next year we did GA, and had way more fun with the masses. The awesomeness overrides the dirtiness...
PS - I used to work in a bar in a college town, and the girls bathroom was grosser by the end of the night then any porto I have seen at Bonnaroo...
I was lying in a burned out basement With the full moon in my eyes. I was hoping for replacement When the sun burst thru the sky. There was a band playing in my head And I felt like getting high.
PS - I used to work in a bar in a college town, and the girls bathroom was grosser by the end of the night then any porto I have seen at Bonnaroo...
I can agree with this completely. I think fer the amount of people at the festival, they do a remarkable job with the portos. Yeah, there will be some bad ones, but overall just remember what others have said especially about the baby wipes and EXTRA TP is a must!
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i know it doesn't help too much, but what works for me when someone is acting too prissy is just telling them my mom goes... and has gone for the past six years in a row ;D