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Here you'll find info about artists, rumors, camping tips, and the infamous Roo Clues. Have a look around then create an account and join in the fun. See you at Bonnaroo!!
Alright, Roo virgin here! Ive been a'lurkin on the boards for a while, finally got my ticket bought, travelling solo this year on my trek from NC to Chicago and then finally IA. Am completely over the top excited, Ive been to smaller fests but soo looking forward to the "Holy Grail"!
So I was wondering what the best way to find my tent would be, read through some other suggestions and came up with what I think will work best for me:
This uses google maps. You're able to pre-cache (read:download) the map of the area you'd like so it does NOT require data service to load it while you're there. Once you get to your spot, simply favorite that exact location, it should show up as a star on the map. Then, I put my phone in airplane mode (Im able to leave my GPS ON, however it does not use any battery until I pull the map up). Simply use the preloaded map and navigate back home
It also gives me the added benefit of using my phone as a camera, and with airplane mode the battery will last a surprisingly long time. Plus imo its good to have your phone on ya, just in case you need to contact your buddies or what have you.
Of course, you could always just fly a flag or balloon, but for me this would be perfect as I do not plan on spending too much time at my camp. Will this work out ok??
Post by natedagreat on Apr 26, 2012 15:14:51 GMT -5
Like Jerry said, without your GPS you will be fine. All the "streets" have names, pods have huge balloons, you will make your own landmarks as well ("That's where that kid was wallowing in the mud, laughing his ass off", etc). Just print off a map from last year, not too much changes from my past years, in case they don't have them at the gate(I feel like they ALWAYS run out).
Take your time the first time you leave camp. Notice the tallest landmarks that are part of the grounds. Sometimes there will be balloon markers with #'s on them and different colors.
I try to use a path in and out between a line of cars (this is a straight shot to the road). That is not always the best thing but for sure make a straight line to the road and don’t zigzag.
Notice the cars and tents at the point you are to leave the road for your straight line assent into your camp. Make good use of the landmarks like porta potty blocks and G'bage can blocks (ect).
By Sunday when your land marks start changing you will know your way.
Warning when walking between cars watch for Sheot some nice people leave gifts for our shoes to receive.
Bread crumbs work the best. That and flourescent orange arrows spray painted on the ground with those inverted nipple cans.
All kidding aside, you will have no trouble without the GPS feature of your phone after a trip or two.
Just be aware of your surroundings.
A good general life maxim.
^^^^^^^ Exactly that. I had a garmin hand held with me and only used it maybe 3 times to find my camp. Just take note of landmarks and street names your first couple of treks.
Welcome to Roo!
EDIT: Breadcrumbs don't work on the farm. Wooks 'll eat 'em. Try soap crumbs instead.
Like Jerry said, without your GPS you will be fine. All the "streets" have names, pods have huge balloons, you will make your own landmarks as well ("That's where that kid was wallowing in the mud, laughing his ass off", etc). Just print off a map from last year, not too much changes from my past years, in case they don't have them at the gate(I feel like they ALWAYS run out).
As soon as I see the POD balloons, I know it's real.
Post by Shade Finder on May 9, 2012 21:25:55 GMT -5
Just explore your camp, its yours for 4 days, " your free now One Eyed Willy"...Foil balloons don't work for more than the drive in. But they work great to change your voice.
Remember your POD number and the color of the balloon. Best advice. When you set up camp stand outside your tent and look for the nearest POD balloon. When you leave centeroo just walk towards it. By the time you get close things will start to look familiar. They keep things pretty organized there. It isn't like a sea of tents. It's more like a town with tents.
Post by abrakapokus on May 9, 2012 21:46:05 GMT -5
I get lost so easily. Last year I think I finally figured out how to get back to camp, on my own, by Sunday. The street signs helped as did noticing landmarks. Turn right on west 2nd and 7th and go down to the expensive looking car with a dick drawn on the window, turn left then4 cars down is ours. Really screwed me up when they moved the dick car but I found it anyway
Post by Mr.BelgianManders on May 10, 2012 2:45:05 GMT -5
Don't look at other tents to find yours. Some tents won't be there for the whole weekend. Try to look for something that's there for the whole weekend like a pod balloon or something.
Post by CMPMGCTRCKS on May 10, 2012 13:00:56 GMT -5
Find the nearest Crab Flag, Chicken On A Stick, University of Wherever Flag, Disco Ball, etc., and gauge where you are camping relative to it. Problem solved. Or bring your own Chicken On A Stick.
Alternatively, find me, I'll lead you back to your campsite. It just may take a couple of hours. Plenty of laughs along the way though!
Post by natedagreat on May 15, 2012 11:22:17 GMT -5
I always considered building a flag pole like Leo's. However, I just discovered a Bojangles sign in my garage the other day (IT'S BO TIME!!) and upon further investigation, found out it was my brother who stole it while really drunk one night. I am planning on attaching it to some PVC and attaching it either to my EZ up or my truck.
Post by gettinthere on May 15, 2012 13:19:40 GMT -5
Easiest thing I did was remember my pod number and which general direction it was while facing away from centeroo (the walk home). From there just remember what section of the pod you're in and after a trip or 2 you can do it blindfolded. Landmarks like tree lines or porto potty groups help too. Like most others, we use a flag to mark our campsite that is visible from the "roads" (flattened grass) that runs throughout the pods.
Or if all else fails, hop in a golf cart taxi and have them take you.
At other good idea is to mark your camp spot on the map they give out at the gate. You can always use it to ask for directions or if anything bad happens to you, the medics can bring you back to camp/alert your friends.
Post by slightlyaltered on May 16, 2012 21:02:11 GMT -5
Last year was my first year and I got lost just about every time I tried to go back to my camp site alone. Sometimes for hours. Not exaggerating. Most of the time it didn't really bother me, but sometimes it was really frustrating and annoying. Especially at 7 in the morning. I don't think there's any fool-proof system to finding your camp site. The things people put on here definitely help, but this being your first year, be prepared to be lost alot. It's fun though! Just enjoy it and go with the flow.
I worked as a volunteer last year, and spent an overnight shift mostly helping people who were REALLY wasted find their camp... If you plan on getting wasted, grab a sharpie and write your cross streets or Pod # on your arm. Or write it on something you'll have with you, like your set list.
Bear in mind that there are LOTS of places where RVs are parked, or guys selling pizza, porta johns, etc. People would say things like "I know I camped behind some RVs next to a pizza vendor". Pod numbers and cross streets are much more reliable.
Realize that you might end up returning from a different direction, so finding a nearby landmark and then knowing your directions from that point is helpful... "If I walk to the pod 3 balloon, then aim for the pod 4 balloon, I will be close when I see the big green tent with a generator" Since you're oriented between the two pod balloons there is less chance you'll get turned around.
I worked as a volunteer last year, and spent an overnight shift mostly helping people who were REALLY wasted find their camp... If you plan on getting wasted, grab a sharpie and write your cross streets or Pod # on your arm. Or write it on something you'll have with you, like your set list.
Bear in mind that there are LOTS of places where RVs are parked, or guys selling pizza, porta johns, etc. People would say things like "I know I camped behind some RVs next to a pizza vendor". Pod numbers and cross streets are much more reliable.
Realize that you might end up returning from a different direction, so finding a nearby landmark and then knowing your directions from that point is helpful... "If I walk to the pod 3 balloon, then aim for the pod 4 balloon, I will be close when I see the big green tent with a generator" Since you're oriented between the two pod balloons there is less chance you'll get turned around.
^This ... I knew I was near a barn that I was pretty sure had cows,, no one seemed to believe me or know where this was.
Post by gardenfresh on May 18, 2012 7:20:20 GMT -5
landmarks that i know I won't forget always help me. 2010 in bfe I was one row passed the tennessee state orange canopy by the road, left at the group of three cars that ppl bailed on to goto TO, up about halfways until i saw the green jeep, made a right and found our flag.
Post by manyaviolet on May 18, 2012 12:44:42 GMT -5
I had a bad experience in 2010 where I got lost in the artists RV section... then wandered through some woods. Ended up asking a volunteer do you know where I belong? He didn't know.
Good news was Stevie Wonder was singing to me the whole time.
