Idahoans At Burning Man Probably Wish They Were In California

The country's sandiest and trippiest annual gathering for lovers of art, fire, and flesh is well underway in northwestern Nevada, and the reports haven't been pleasant.

The Burning Man celebration got underway Sunday near the community of Gerlach, Nevada, in the heart of the Black Rock Desert. It appears more dirt is being eaten than mushrooms and edibles at the moment.

I've been following the Burning Man celebration on social media for years because my wife and I have discussed going for more than a decade. It's just one of those events that I'd like to experience once, and then never return.

Massive Dust Storms, Ridiculous Traffic Greet This Year's Burning Man Attendees.

My Instagram feed has been blowing up with non-stop reels of people trying to hold up scaffolding, sitting in tents waiting out sandstorms, miles-long lines of vehicles, and an overall sense of dread and misery. And yet, I need more.

On Monday, as attendees were setting up decorations and living spaces for the week-long gathering, major sandstorms wreaked havoc on thousands of the half-naked, painted-up revelers. I'm afraid the weather isn't going to improve all that much either.

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Following nearly two days of heavy winds and sandstorms, Wednesday's forecast is calling for monsoon-style rain showers, which will no doubt turn the playa (desert floor) into massive mud pits not seen since Woodstock. In fact, the only day that looks like the people of the festival will enjoy weather-wise is the final day, before most have to start packing up, according to predictions from weather.com.

It's no secret that 99 percent of Idahoans have the 'anywhere but California' mentality. However, Gem Staters who bought tickets for this year's Burning Man are probably wishing they had continued west for some ocean time and margaritas. I'm surprised a state of emergency hasn't been called yet; there's always Wednesday.

I think it's safe to say that the entire country is monitoring what's going on 460 miles southwest of Boise. I hope they catch a break at some point.