How do Fish Sleep?

[theCryptofishist]

Okay. Here's the set up.
1 Carport. Actually, AntiM's Larry has a very nice system of really good shade--lots of breeze through, which means it's cool. It involves not using the legs on one side of the carport. AntiM has posted pictures and done some explanations in the past. I think I want to move to shade cloth from the tarpy stuff, which is getting a little frayed, anyway.
1a Transportation for the carport. The big poles are longer than most, if not all, bins. So, I'm thinking of a duffle, as recommended elsewhere.
2 I need to sleep off the ground. Or I need some tough solids to use as "stairs". I like the cot/tents that elorrum and Jax Dee have, or I could just have a cot. I'm over 200#, so I have to get a good one. I'm thinking of buying a foam topper and cutting off what I don't need, to be used elsewhere.
3 Labor. I need help with any set up, and I don't know that I can do anything but hold ladders and the like. Although, I am strong. I haven't committed to a camp yet, and don't want a camp to care for me that much, but don't want to rely on people who have to commute to put me up. In fact, I hate asking for help here. I feel like a burden and that I'm taking advantage of people, so if you help me, please be clear about what your limits are.
4 I have a van, but entry and egress are necessary, so I can't pack it full. Which means limited reciprocation on schlepping stuff.
5 Power. I need to be able to charge the wheelchair.

I'm sure there's more. It makes me a little sick to ask, but can we brainstorm on all this and, I hope, get a good camp together for me to be happy on playa?

And thank you Piney, TITWI, OneEyedDick, and everyone else who's helped me with this on the past three trips to the playa. I couldn't have done it without you, and it's been a real gift.

[maryanimal]

I'll give you any help you need fishyfriend. Just let me know what you want me to do!

[AntiM]

If we chose not to camp in Hushville, we could do a generator for battery charging (we do own one). I have been toying with the idea of being an independent theme camp. Very much up in the air at this point, but not out of the question. Keep me in the loop (help my fuddled brain make a decision).

The thing with the cots is they can be difficult to set up. I know I can't put one up. Most have a weight rating, that black one we have will hold up to something like 600 pounds. Overkill, for when it gets used as a couch. Our first cot died when three people sat on it.

[theCryptofishist]

Yeah, I remember the 600# thing. I'm trying to put everything on the table, so that I get as useful information as possible.

and thank you maryanimal.

[jkisha]

You'd certainly be welcome to camp with us, but it's a bit far from familiar territory.
Wish we were able to help with more important stuff like transportation/loading/unloading; but proximity doesn't permit. But keep us in mind for any help needed on playa.

[Bob]

Berkeley Surplus might have military type cots with wooden legs & spreaders, or be able to order them. Not that difficult to set up once you get the hang of it. Might help to use webbing straps at the head and foot to secure a firm foam pad on top.

[ygmir]

I'm sure there are plenty of us, willing and able, to help set up, once you get there.
Seems, finding a camp, might be high priority, if a camp, works best for you.
And, if you posted "stuff" you're looking for, we can keep our eyes peeled for the gear you might need.
IPBA!!!

[moonrise]

I don't know why you'd need a duffle for the carport poles. I loaded mine first, the legs are the longest, about 6 1/2 feet (I just measured mine, it's a 10x20 costco job)

A strong old backpack for the little parts helped and keeping everything in one area of my vehicle was a smart move.

Last weekend I saw 10x15 Harbour Freight carports, about $150 + tax, legs probably still 6 1/2 feet long.

[graidawg]

hey fishy, just ask and I will be more than willing to help with you setting up. You know where i will be and i take directions well, so as long as somebody knows what they are doing always happy to help. Cant help with the camp/generator thing though. to big for customs

[theCryptofishist]

I love all of you.
The longer poles are a little over 40". I think I can get the shorter ones into a bin, along with the other bits. It will be heavy, but that's another thing.

[unjonharley]

I have camped on a Stanport Cot for a few years.. I take it when stay over at my friends house too.. Go's up and down fast and easy.. Putting it back in it's bag is a bitch.. So just tie it for travel.. It sleeps like a tight hammock.. Also fairly cheap.. I got it when I was 240..

Most of those carports come in a bag.. I have one around here some place if you need it..

I also like those tent cots.. But do not need to buy any thing more..

Might suggest a couple metal fence post and a hand rail by the bed..

[unjonharley]

oops

[theCryptofishist]

Might suggest a couple metal fence post and a hand rail by the bed..

I appreciate the offer of the bag.
I haven't needed a handrail to get on and off my cot/bed. I am very interested in having as little gear as possible. HOwever, I am trying to come up with a comprehensive solution, that will work for years.

Someone did ask about why I wanted to get the poles into something. Partly, it's ease of storage for the 50 plus weeks it's not in use. Also, I drove home with the poles--taped into bundles. One package of bundles escaped its duct tape and was rolling around the van. I had to adjust the mirror or something, so I got off 80. I had to turn around on a steep road and somehow the poles bumped up against a switch and started opening the side (sliding) door. I'm so glad that did not happen at high speed. I want to make sure that something like that does not happen again. the idea of my ramp opening and everything I packed in my van spilling over the street...
Maybe in a movie--not in real life.

[unjonharley]

Found the cot I have on line.. It is a Mac Sports folding bed..

They sell them at BiMart stores for 29.95..
Mac sports lists them at 39.95

[theCryptofishist]

Nice! Thank you.

[weather man]

5 Power. I need to be able to charge the wheelchair.

Hi Ho, Fishy!
Solar panels have kept me charged up and my Honda EU1000i generator has sat (unused) in the truck the last two burns.
Assuming it hasn't been stolen, broken are mucked up by aliens, you're welcome to use it.

[theCryptofishist]

Again. So sweet. Thank you. I may have access to one when I decide where I'm camping, but it's nice ot have options.

[Drawingablank]

My camp plans are pretty much up in the air utill January and it's highly unlikely that they will include a generator but I just wanted to post that like most eplayans I will be happy to help if I can.

[ygmir]

http://www.majorsurplus.com/Cots-C2180.aspx

[theCryptofishist]

Ta.

[unjonharley]

What dose fishy say when she runs into a cement wall??








Dam

[ygmir]

What dose fishy say when she runs into a cement wall??








Dam

damn you evil man.........I just blew coffee out my nose...........

*screen wipes, please*

[Sail Man]

One of these years Fishy, one of these years..........






Here ya go Ygmir

[theCryptofishist]

I admit I'm looking forwards to it.

[Martiansky]

Hey Fishy!! (hands over a pago pago octopus)

In one of these threads someone has built plywood folding furniture.
Found it..... http://www.playatech.com
Theres plans for a sleeping platform that can be taken apart and laid on the floor in your van.
Ah, but then youd have to come up with a mattress for it.......

[theCryptofishist]

Foam topper might work...

[Martiansky]

Fishy depending on what kind of battery you have for your chair, maybe you could get an extra one to drop off to be charged and then you have a spare to swap out.

[theCryptofishist]

The chair that I'm in now wont switch out easily. I'm ordering a new one, and I don't know what that will be like. I'd rather have an older chair to go to the burn with, but this one might be too fuckuted...