The Punch List—7 days out

So, you have non-perishables, the water bottles are in the freezer, and you requested refills of your meds. You probably even have a shopping list. So what are you missing? PROPANE!

And yes, you have to connect a tank to your stove and check for leaks, and make sure it works. Don't be that wook who has to cook on his neighbor's stove all weekend. 

SAFETY FIRST: It's not just propane. If you're bringing a grill, you also must bring a fire extinguisher valid for 2015 and with the needle in the green. Cooking with fire is serious business. 

The Punch List—8 days out

Remember that water you bought? It's time to freeze a bunch of it. Freeze enough so you have enough for a double layer on the bottom of each cooler. That's what you're going to put in the bottom of your cooler. That layer of ice is what's going to keep your stuff cold all weekend. All the rest of your beverages should now be in the refrigerator so you can pack them cold. Speaking of beverages, did you get some sports drinks like Gatorade? That will save your ass on a hot summer day, and will quickly revive any one around your camp site who's getting wobbly from the heat. Stock up!

That's all the packing for today. Now what about your prescription medications? Do you need a refill? Tomorrow we'll talk about OTC remedies and other preparations. Until then, happy trails!

The Punch List—9 days away

We're nine days away, and preparations are underway for many Vibe Tribers. There may be many more who are not prepared, and if you fall into this category, keep reading.

By today, you should have:

• Verified that you have tickets and know where they are
• Taken out your camping gear checked to see what (if anything) needs repair. This gives you through the weekend to repair or purchase items. For example, if you have a leaking air mattress or need to seal your tent seams, this is the time to take note and get supplies. 
  
• Checked your vehicle to make sure it is safe and legal. This includes wipers, lights, tire pressure, and fluids. You should also have an emergency kit and your license, registration & insurance current. Breaking down and/or getting pulled over on your way to a festival is not recommended. 
• Made a shopping list and started your non-perishable shopping (water, soda, beer, batteries, paper products, and utensils). Pro tip: chill those liquids in the refrigerator now; warm beverages will melt your ice that much faster. 
• Made 20 gallons of rum punch. (OK, this probably only applies to Camp Velcro, but if it's your tradition too, get to work.)

We'll check back on your progress tomorrow, and have another list for you. In the meantime ... GET PACKING—IT'S VIBES TIME!!!

Here's a happy festival season song from Keller Williams

More things to bring to Vibes

Clorox/Lysol Disinfecting Wipes
Cookware Cooler – 5-day coolers ROCK!
Common Sense And Respect
Contact/Eye-Wear Necessities
Hammer (Rubber) For Stakes
Hat For Shade
Mud Boots
Peace
Pillow
Portable FM Radio (tuned to Radio Vibes on WPKN 89.5 FM)

You can see the full list on the Vibes message board. When in doubt, consult the official Vibes FAQ.

Top Things to Brings to Vibes

The full list is on the Vibes message board. Here are some highlights.

550 Cord
AAA Roadside Membership Card
A Few Friends
Air Mattress/Battery Powered Air Mattress Pump
Aspirin, Tylenol, Advil
Baby Powder
Baby Wipes Or Cleansing Cloths (keep in your cooler for a mid-day Freshener)
Band-Aids/First Aid Kit /with Tweezers
Batteries
Beer (In Cans. No Glass, No Kegs. If it fits in your pocket your ok!)
Binder Clips (for bags of food/to hang tapestries)
Blanket For Seating
Blankets/Sleeping Bags
Fire Extinguisher If You Bring A Grill Or Lantern  
First Aid Kit (moleskin, small scissors, and surgical tape for blisters)
Flag Or Banner To Mark Your Stuff & Find Friends
Flashlight
Food
Fork, Knives, Spoons
Frisbee
Frozen Water Bottles, Jugs, Large Ziplocs
Gas (somewhat full tank for waiting in line)
Zip Ties
Extra Non-Perishable Food For Food Drive


NO NITROUS
NO BALLOONS
NO GLASS BOTTLES
NO PETS
NO OPEN FIRES or TIKI TORCHES (Contained charcoal & propane grills are fine)
NO GUNS, WEAPONS or DRUGS
NO GENERATORS UNLESS YOU HAVE A RV PASS

You can see the full list on the Vibes message board. When in doubt, consult the official Vibes FAQ.

Eddie Z's Festival Meal Plan Strategy, Part 7

Grillmaster Eddie Z is a festival veteran and knows his way around cooking for large groups. Here is Part 7 of his meal plan strategy.

Use your meals in order of robustness 

Cook the salmon before the London broil. The peanut butter and jelly can last for months, but the black bean and corn salsa will last 3 days.

Eddie Z's Festival Meal Plan Strategy, Part 6

Grillmaster Eddie Z is a festival veteran and knows his way around cooking for large groups. Here is Part 6 of his meal plan strategy.

Get stuff cold before icing  

A case of warm beer will hammer your ice. Make your ice do less work. Pre-chill everything.

Eddie Z's Festival Meal Plan Strategy, Part 5

Grillmaster Eddie Z is a festival veteran and knows his way around cooking for large groups. Here is Part 5 of his meal plan strategy.

Do as much work as you can at home where you have a sink and hot running water.

You know, slice the melons, chop some of the veggies, trim the meats and get 'em marinating. I'm not saying to process everything, since a whole pepper might last longer than a cut one. But you can take steps to make onsite cooking easier and safer, especially for the first couple of days. Ziplock bags are your friend, but they're not infallible. Foodsaver vacuum sealer bags are better.

Eddie Z's Festival Meal Plan Strategy, Part 4

Grillmaster Eddie Z is a festival veteran and knows his way around cooking for large groups. Here is Part 4 of his meal plan strategy.

Plan your menu realistically 

I can't tell you how many times I packed in so much food that went unused. By the time I get it home, it's questionably safe to consume. In these big camps, consider coordinating with the foodies. One idea is to pick a meal that you're completely responsible for, and let others do the same. Consider that some of your meals appear out of the blue. Pack less.

Eddie Z's Festival Meal Plan Strategy, Part 3

Grillmaster Eddie Z is a festival veteran and knows his way around cooking for large groups. Here is Part 3 of his meal plan strategy.

Plan on at least one or two major meals from a vendor

Kind of nice to grab the burrito or the pizza, pay $8, and it's over without the walk or the fuss.

Editor's note: We are partial to Peace Love Tacos for late night snacking. They'll be back at Vibes this year, along with Gouda Boys and many other festival favorites. 

Eddie Z's Festival Meal Plan Strategy, Part 2

Grillmaster Eddie Z is a festival veteran and knows his way around cooking for large groups. Here is Part 2 of his meal plan strategy.

 Split meals between "Stay and Play" and "Rapid Deploy" 

"Stay and Play" when you're not in a real big rush to get to the stages, and you don't mind an hour long grilling session. Rapid Deploy meals are for when you're in a rush. Examples are: Sandwiches/Salads/Lunch meats/Snacks/Bars/baked goods...slam it together in minutes and be done with it. The Rapid Deploy meals come in handy during unplanned inclement weather, or after dark meals too. Or if your so buzzed that purple unicorns with tin foil helmets are playing with your fuzzy antlers. ;-)

Pro Tip: For Stay and Play grilling sessions, choose thinner cuts of meat to reduce grilling time.

Eddie Z's Festival Meal Plan Strategy, Part 1

Grillmaster Eddie Z is a festival veteran and knows his way around cooking for large groups. Here is Part 1 of his meal plan strategy.

Lunch for Dinner; Dinner for Lunch 

Do the big meal in the afternoon, when the bands of lesser importance are on, which also uses available daylight to your advantage. Do the quickie meal for dinner when you're rushing to get back to the stage for the headliners. Consider making your dinner sandwich at lunch time, while everything's already out... and leave it handy on the top of the cooler for "grab and go."