In 1998 Dutchy joined DPW he helped build Black Rock City for several years filling in wherever he was needed. In 2002 after a long night in deep playa and watching the sunrise over the trash fence the sun was getting hot. He didn’t want to go back to his tent as he knew it was fast becoming a sweat lodge. He found some soft pillows under a canopy near Pedal Camp behind the Vegomatic and fell into a deep sleep.

He dreamed he was laying in a hammock holding a refreshing drink, a soft gentle breeze caressing him as a giant mushroom blossomed overhead protecting the whole playa from the sun. He woke up knowing he would create the gift of Hammock Hangout.

The next year was spent planning and figuring how to build the largest shade structure on the playa. Throughout that year magical opportunities popped up nurturing the idea and providing the resources he would need. In Half-moon bay he spotted a pile of giant logs, when he inquired with the owner and explained his idea he was given as many as he could carry. The overloaded truck had several flat tires hauling the massive pieces of wood that are still the foundation stones that tie Hammock Hangout’s massive parachute and hold it against the haboobs, brown outs and violence that the playa can produce.

For several years likeminded artists and anarchists Chicken John, Nora and Max the dog that wanted to create a better society came along and would lend a hand. Most of the time it was Dutchy all alone tying paracord until his fingers blistered, making hammocks and cleaning up moop. Often he would be on the playa for several weeks after everyone else had left. For many years Dutchy was unofficially known as the artist for the largest solo artwork at Burning Man.

Early on Dutchy brought his karaoke system and vast collection of tracks to add to the bar creating a happening space alongside the best chillout area on the playa.

Almost 20 years later Hammock Hangout has grown to over 50 hammocks and 100 campers. Dutchy is no longer alone but Hammock Hangout still provides the wonderful gift of a cool relaxing space, quality cocktails, comradery, and
karaoke.