Gypsy Monkey Center Shade
Monk is very tuned in to the essentials of living in Black Rock City - chiefly, the often cited "shade structure" which provides shelter from the most oppressive playa element; the sun. With adequate shade it is possible to rest at noon, enjoy meals, and defend against all other harsh conditions such as wind and dust. That is, if the shade structure can withstand the wind itself.
The original design called for poles everywhere to keep it flat. This did not account for the "aerofoil" properties, meaning that when wind blew across the tarp it would fly up and down, oscillating with the curve created between lift and depression. And since the poles were attached to the tarp, and not the ground, it created an entertaining but deadly "stompy poles" effect.
Last year, however, Monk had perfected the design and incorporated the quanza huts into the plan, which helped diffuse the wind a little. Also, poles were made to different lengths, to prevent "planing" in the wind. Most importantly, the back of the structure was walled off with some perfect material that blocked sun and dust but allowed some wind to pass thru, while also securing one entire length of the tarp. Here is the layout from 2006, including shower stall and greywater evaporation system.
This was a perfect setup for the three wise monkeys, who were suprised at how easily it went up compared to previous years. Triple the tarp footage, yet quicker and easier to wrangle in the empty playa where gusts try to devise ways of destroying what you've built before you build it. It also proved to be able to withstand even a wind storm (Wednesday, 2006 - if you were there you know what I'm talking about). It did require some emergency blocking and proping, as well as cutting loose one side of one quanza - we had not expected wind from the front, and turns out we made a nice air scoop that was in danger of lifting the whole thing off the ground. But it held and held well.
This year we have many more gypsies and monkeys wanting to bask in our wonderful shade. I've also taken upon myself to improve the power grid, stereo, and kitchen designs (all of which is located under the center shade, behind the lounge). Just exactly how we will implement more quanza huts is not known, nor is it known how many more are needed. Plus there is desire to modify the front opening so that, in the event of facing winds, we can lower the flap to cover the main entrance in the event of a severe dust storm from that direction (all other aspects are guarded).
I expect the new, larger Gypsy Monkey camp will look something like this - tho I'm not certain how far along the construction has gone or if we need one or two new quanzas. And where to put the shower and greywater thing is, well, left yet to be seen when it's seen.
