*First & foremost, the showering thing. I heard there's VIP showers or something like that. (If so, I'm willing to bribe somebody to get in them as I only plan on getting regular tix.) Then I also heard there are NO showers & only "sinks". Am I gonna have to end up showering myself in the middle of a swordfight?
The prospect of even going a half day w/o showering plus displaying the *ahem* organ in an area full of sausage doesn't appeal to me even a little bit, and is the main reason I ain't 100% on going.[/QB]
You don't shower at Bonnaroo. You just...don't. Bring baby wipes, lotion and cologne and do a navy bath every night if you're that worried.
If you MUST shower and aren't in VIP, you can pay $10 for a private enough shower. Still, don't expect to be totally clean, as the area around it will be muddy. The only other alternative is attempting to sponge bath or something at the sink area, and again, it's super muddy there too.
*I Have serious iPod withdrawal issues. I'm guessing it would be super dumb to bring it, as I'm guessing I there won't be a power outlet center.[/QB]
Get a car charger.
*Heard they search you upon entering the venue. Is this a go through your vehicle thing, a pat down thing or what? I'm not too keen on being touched by unknown humans unless they wear a 34B or above.
[/QB]
It's not a big hassle. They'll probably look in your car, and have you open your trunk to check for humans, pets, grills, fireworks, obvious drugs (so don't be stupid and leave anything in plain sight). Also, the do a basic bag opening and pat down as you go into Centeroo (the festival area), no different than going to a club.
*Me & my lady concert buddy plan on bringing a cooler full of bottled water, food (hot dogs & burgers) & a little Heineken. Is this feasible or what?[/QB]
Cooler full of water is a must. I cannot stress this enough, bring alot and drink it often.
Beer has to be in cans or those unbreakable plastic bottle things, no glass bottles allowed. Beer prices inside are average for festivals, around $5-8. However, they do have an excellent beer selection inside.
Burgers and dogs are good only if you have an electric grill that you can plug into your car, since you can't have open flame.
*How hot does it get really?
(100s??) I've heard it's unbearable at night AND during the day, so need feedback on that.[/QB]
It's the south in June...it's usually fucking hot, unbearably hot and humid. Drink water, piss often and escape to the tents with ac (comedy tent, movie tent) a few times a day.
*What are the best times to get down there/leave??? Plan on getting there Friday, leaving Monday.[/QB]
Last year we got there Thursday evening a little before dusk and getting in was a breeze. We left Sunday mid-afternoon and encoutered a little traffic getting out, but no more than 30-45mins worth.
I've heard horror stories about Friday afternoon, late Sunday night and Monday morning.
*Doing the camping thing. Got the tent, grill, shade covers, etc. locked down. Any other tips are apreciated.[/QB]
Water, sunscreen, water, trashbags, water, flashlight, water, toilet paper, water and um...water.
*Please advise what other crucial areas I may have missed.[/QB]
If you do drugs (I don't), be careful of cops...they are around patroling the campsites. Also, don't be that guy who OD's and makes the whole festival look bad.
Also, once you get within about 60 miles of Manchester, watch your speed. State troopers and local cops are everywhere, and will pull you over for anything and search your car...they know what's up. Once you start to see alot of cars pulled over being searched, you know you're close to Bonnaroo.
Enjoy!