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What I Learned as an East Coaster going to JT

topic posted Mon, July 20, 2009 - 10:30 AM by  Karl 		Share/Save/Bookmark
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Couple things I picked up on over the years -- tips, if you will, that might make things a bit more comfy for folks from the east.

- Moisturizing lotion. Nothing fancy. For your feet -- ESPECIALLY if you're gonna wear sandals. Humidity is SO low, that the skin on my feet cracked. Ouchy. Bring lotion.

- Flying into Fresno? Make SURE to pack to TSA guidelines for your trip back home! They are sticklers for the rules there. I guess they're bored, dunno....

- If you can, and I know it might be difficult, avoid flying on United -- especially if you're connecting into Fresno. All I'll say on that!

- Sun screen -- a no-brainer.

- With the dew-point at like -45 degrees kelvin, it gets pretty dang chilly in the evenings. If you can afford the space in the suitcase - pack layers

- Guys, if you're inclined to wear a kilt - bring it with you. Apparently there's a kilt-subculture within the international didge community
(Mine no longer, fits, Per, so ferget about it)

- Sunglasses. Another no-brainer.

- Hat. Ball caps work. Even better is something with a wide brim.

- Chapstick! Especially if it has an SPF. Low huimidity=chapped/cracked lips=hard to play didge! Bring it, you'll be glad you did!

Add to the list if you can think of more stuff!!

KK
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Karl
offline Karl
Washington, D.C.
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  • clar...
    clarinetcat
    offline 52

    Re: What I Learned as an East Coaster going to JT

    Tue, July 21, 2009 - 7:46 AM
    Good post, Karl. :)
    As another East-Coaster, I'll also add my personal recommendations for comfort at the festival:


    - Aloe Vera gel. I recommend the 100% unscented, dye-free stuff. Pick up a bottle at a grocery or drug store before you arrive, you may get sunburned and this will help ease any pain and soothe the skin.

    - Layers, layers, layers. I know Karl already mentioned this, but it needs to be stressed that the temperature fluctuates greatly. Shorts/T-shirt for the daytime, long pants/long shirt for the evening, hooded sweatshirt/blanket WITH sleeping bag for overnight. Seriously.

    - Pen&Paper. (Not really a comfort issue, but important IMO) If you plan to take any workshops, take some notes to help you retain all the valuable information provided to you.
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  • Robert
    Robert
    offline 26

    Re: What I Learned as an East Coaster going to JT

    Wed, July 22, 2009 - 6:35 PM
    If you fly into Sacramento (SMF) the air fair is usually lowered more than enough to pay for a rental car for 3 days, and you may find better schedules, fewer layovers, and actually still get there in less travel time.
    It's about a 2.5 hr drive from SMF to the fest site.

    It's pretty hot in that part of the state right now, temperatures could easily be around 100f. (but it''s a dry heat LOL)
    There is a nice cool stream that you can take a dunk in to cool and freshen up several times a day......So cut the legs off some old blue jeans or bring some shorts and get cooled:)

    And don't forget to bring me some pickled cabbage perogies ;)
    peace,
    robert
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    • Karl
      Karl
      offline 0

      Re: What I Learned as an East Coaster going to JT

      Thu, July 23, 2009 - 9:07 AM
      Robert.... geez, man! :)

      Pickled cabbage perogies. I'll be upwind of you all the time...

      I know there are so many ways to get in and out - Fresno, Sacramento, San Fran..... Last time I got stuck in a "pilot protest" of flying regs and we didn't push off the gate at Fresno for 2 hours. Made me miss my connection at San Fran. Next morning at flight check in, they had no record of me missing a flight or being booked on another (the exact opposite of what the flight attendant told me). Missed an extra day of work because of it. United.

      Okay, all well and good. Happened 2 years ago. I'm over it :)

      But, researched all the flights from DC out to CA. The least expensive was a non-stop flight on Virgin America to LAX. $220 round trip. Yea, gotta get a car and drive 4.5 hours, but look at it as a kind of adventure for me.... blast some tunes.... rockin down the highway to NorthFork, baby!

      :)
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