Some Winnipeggers returning home after unforeseen extra week at Burning Man

Following a long, wet and muddy week in the Nevada desert, some Winnipeggers’ are now returning home, and are sharing their tails from a Burning Man Festival unlike any other.

“It was completely unexpected, and even as it started to come down I think most people were in the denial,” explained Andrew Courtage, Burning Man Performer.

Despite this being her 8th year attending the festival, Kirby Cote says a lack of communication from organizers played a large role in the chaos that ensued after the Blackrock Desert received 2-3 months worth of rain in just a single day. Leading to many people leaving their trash behind as they made the mad dash out of the desert.

“It started raining lightly, and it just got heavier and heavier, and things started to shutdown, and people started figuring out where they were going to take shelter because it was obvious the rain was not letting up,” explained Cote.

“You can literally follow their trail out of the city, and just pick up all the garbage they left behind its kinda sad.”

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For Cote’s partner Eric, who was back home in Winnipeg, even though he was confident she would be alright, he admits there certainly were some nervous moments when the news of the storm began to break.

“The rain hits, and than the news starts coming out. 10’s of thousands at Burning Man told to stay in place, to conserve water and food, one person dead, I’m like what is happening,” said Eric Rae, Kirby’s Partner.

As for Courtnage feels the negative publicity surrounding this years event was a little overblown, and will without a doubt be returning next year.

“Yeah there was a lot of hoopla people being trapped, not having food or water. We were all ready for a couple more days anyway so in my view we just got an extra couple days of burning, which is pretty sweet. Its really the highlight of the my life, such an amazing experience, and I’ll be going for the rest of my life as I can see it,” said Courtnage.