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Kindly ignore the macho boastings of those Cornerstoners who insist that they don't bathe for the duration of the fest.
Bathing is a *good idea*, if not for your own benefit, for the benefit of those of us around you.
Seriously: you are
going to feel much better if you keep yourself clean at the fest. Here is how to do it:
1. I would NOT advise bathing
in the lake. I am told that the lake is perfectly safe (and it probably is), but it really isn't suitable for keeping yourself
clean.
2. The showers are the stuff of legend. I have my own theory that the showers are a sneaky evangelism tool:
when you combine the heat, the steam, the sulphur (well water), and the din of those shower houses, you have a pretty good
representation of what hell is supposed to be like. Parents who are concerned about their unsaved children should take them
to the showers regularly.
Seriously: the showers aren't the greatest, but they work, and you DO get clean. Yes, the
water is stinky, but the minerals are very good for the skin, and there is plenty of hot water.
3. The anti-bacterial
hand gel/babywipes trick can work on the odd day when you just don't feel like standing in line for a shower; however, it
really isn't any substitute for getting the layers of grime off your skin.
4. There are sinks and mirrors outside
the showers. These are out in the open (no privacy whilst brushing your teeth), but at least you don't have to swelter to
wash your face.
5. I have seen water spigots around the fest grounds. Usually the area around these spigots is pretty
muddy, but if you need a quick squirt of water, they should work.
6. Some camping stores sell outdoor solar showers.
If you can rig up some tarp and can find something to hang the shower container on, you have probably managed to create the
best of both worlds.
7. Be sure to carry your shower gear in a plastic bucket, or better yet, a mesh bag (often sold
as a "delicate laundry bag") at department and drug stores. Shower baskets (often sold in areas where there are a lot of college
students) also work.
8. Wear shower shoes or flip-flops to the showers, and, as an extra precaution, spray your feet
with foot spray after showering.
9. The showers (the women's showers, at least) do have little private changing rooms, but sometimes these are all occupied.
You can always undress and change on the benches in the shower house. Be courteous and place a towel on the bench before
sitting on it. Don't bring your money/wallet to the shower house, as you will probably have to leave your stuff unattended
for a period of time.
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