ephemerisle - User contributions [en]

Ephemerisle

2022-04-13T12:23:46Z

ElfAndOgre: /* Culture */

[[File:Ephemerisle 2019.jpg |thumb|400px|right|Ephemerisle 2019, Photo Credit: Sameer Halai]]

We are thinkers, doers, artists, dreamers, muckrakers, and builders interested in life on the water. Every July we construct a floating city on the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta and live on it for a week.

There are no tickets, no central organizers, no rules, and no rangers to keep you safe.

The event only happens if people (like you!) contribute.

== Attending ==
[[File:Happy.jpg|thumb|350px|right|Ephemerisle 2021, Photo Credit: Drew Smith]]
[[File:2020 dj.jpg |thumb|350px|right|Ephemerisle 2020, Photo Credit: Slavic Perry]]

The community welcomes new participants, which can be a challenge logistically. With no gates or tickets, the first challenges are getting there and having a place to stay.

[[Ephemerisle 2022]] will take place July 25 - July 31[[Future years|*]]!

The most critical details can be found here:

* [[Lodging|Where will you sleep?]]
* [[Transportation|How to get there?]]
* [[Packing List|What to bring?]]

Join the [https://www.facebook.com/groups/notephemerisle/ Facebook group], for active discussion for all things Ephemerisle.

== Boating 101 ==

Gatherings on the water present some unique challenges. Critical info and skills:

* [[Safety|Nautical safety]]
* [[Getting Around|Traveling Between Islands]]
* [[Knots]]
* [[Anchoring]]

The one agreed upon rule at Ephemerisle is "No Dying". Still unbroken!

== History ==

Ephemerisle was founded in [[Ephemerisle_2009|2009]] by the Seasteading Institute in order to promote their vision of autonomous societies in the ocean. After the first year, the Seasteading Institute stepped aside due to prohibitively expensive insurance costs. A group of seasteaders and friends who had rented houseboats for the event decided to show up anyways for an informal "Not-ephemerisle" gathering.

From [[Ephemerisle_2010|2010]] through [[Ephemerisle_2012|2012]], there was an informal coordinator who drew up the city plan and had some nominal decision-making power. In 2012, the Seasteading institute gave up any claims to the name "Ephemerisle" and the informal gathering took over the name.

At the [[Ephemerisle_2013|2013]] event, the community came together and unanimously made a decision to break up the gathering from a single leadership team into a set of independent autonomous islands.

That has been the nature of the event since. Groups of boats raft up together to form an island, and each island has a few rules, such as safety and quiet hours. People frequently visit other islands, and agree to comply with each island's rules while on it. Since [[Ephemerisle_2014|2014]], islands have risen and fallen, with change, fun, and ambitious decision-making the only constants.

The full [[History of Ephemerisle]].

== Culture ==
After lively discussion in 2012 about the values that connect Ephemerislers as a community, the following received broad support:

* '''Seasteading'''. Ephemerisle was started by [http://www.seasteading.org The Seasteading Institute] (TSI), a non-profit devoted the creation of long-term human communities on the water (aka [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seasteading seasteading]). Although the event is now entirely community run, many of the attendees continue to be enthusiasts of living on the water.
* '''Art'''. A society without art has no soul. Just as Burning Man has inspired art in the desert, [[Art Projects|we build art]] on the water.
* '''Learning'''. One of the goals of TSI in starting Ephemerisle was to give people who may not have much boating experience the opportunity to gain nautical skills: anchoring, sailing, and ropework, in a relatively safe environment. In addition, many of the attendees are scientists, engineers, artists, entrepreneurs and activists, who frequently have fascinating stories to tell. There are many opportunities to learn from each other at Ephemerisle.
* '''Community'''. Spend a week rafted up on the Delta with awesome people, and you can't help but connect with old friends, and make new friends.

----

if you'd like to update this wiki, ask [https://www.facebook.com/geekeasy Adam Katz] for access.

Check out these [[Links]] for other interesting water related things.

Transportation

2021-09-28T02:48:36Z

ElfAndOgre: /* Marinas Non Grata */

Ephemerisle cannot be reached by land. You must arrange for transport and lodging by boat beforehand. While daytrippers are welcome, please make sure that you arrange a means of getting to and from the event beforehand. Also, wear good shoes just in case you need to clamor down rocks to get to the ferry. Most ferries to shore end at dusk and don't start again until dawn. If you miss the last ferry, you could spend a cold, wet, sleepless night.

In most years, Ephemerisle has been at [[Mandeville Point]], about 11 miles from the city of Stockton. Note when calculating travel time that some of the roads are interrupted by bridges that may be raised to allow for boat traffic.

There are basically three options:

* Catch a ferry
* Launch your boat boat/structure from a nearby boat ramp
* Bring your own boat all of the way by water

== Getting a ride on a ferry ==

Volunteer ferries are typically operated by the islands, and depart and return to one of the nearby marinas (which are listed below). Check with the leaders of your island to see if there is a volunteer ferry for your island. Ferry schedules vary depending on the person operating the ferry. Do not expect a ferry to tow your floating land or art unless you explicitly arrange this in advance.

Check the [[Ephemerisle 2022]] page for info on how and where you can catch a ferry.

== Launching a boat/platform ==

Towing home-built structures not designed for the water is very, very slow. There are strong currents in the channels and traffic from big ships, so coming by kayak can be risky and only should be attempted by experienced kayakers.

These are the boat ramps in the vicinity:

* Marine Emporium in Oakley: When you just have to launch the really, really BIG stuff! Ephemerisle friendly and use to large ridiculous art things on barges (https://marine-emporium.business.site/)
* Sunset Harbor in Oakley: Boat launch that is Ephemerisle friendly (https://www.sunsetharbordelta.com/)
* Starboard Home Marina on Bethel Island: Marina owned by Ephemerisle veterans that can help with temporary slip spaces and parking while you are out having fun. May provide a way out to the event if you are nice. (https://shipmarina.com/)
* Sugar Barge on Bethel Island: Boat ramp with 24/7 gas pumps (https://sugarbarge.com/)

Check the marina pages for more details.

=== Marinas Non Grata ===

* Korth's Marina on the Isleton Loop respectfully requests Ephemerislers NOT patronize their facilities (launch, park, gas), citing bad behavior from some past attendees. If you must use Korth's, please do so with utmost discretion.

== Sailing from SF Bay ==

Ephemerisle can be reached by water from the SF Bay.

It's about a 60 mile trip (16 hours by sailboat) from Berkeley. It tends to be a lovely two day sail there with the wind at your back all of the way out there. And it tends to be something of a nightmare trip back with pounding waves directly into the wind the entire way back.

Make sure you've got a depth sounder! Everyone runs aground in the delta.

Make sure you've got a good working engine. The trip back is very, very difficult without an engine.

Transportation

2021-09-28T02:45:47Z

ElfAndOgre:

Ephemerisle cannot be reached by land. You must arrange for transport and lodging by boat beforehand. While daytrippers are welcome, please make sure that you arrange a means of getting to and from the event beforehand. Also, wear good shoes just in case you need to clamor down rocks to get to the ferry. Most ferries to shore end at dusk and don't start again until dawn. If you miss the last ferry, you could spend a cold, wet, sleepless night.

In most years, Ephemerisle has been at [[Mandeville Point]], about 11 miles from the city of Stockton. Note when calculating travel time that some of the roads are interrupted by bridges that may be raised to allow for boat traffic.

There are basically three options:

* Catch a ferry
* Launch your boat boat/structure from a nearby boat ramp
* Bring your own boat all of the way by water

== Getting a ride on a ferry ==

Volunteer ferries are typically operated by the islands, and depart and return to one of the nearby marinas (which are listed below). Check with the leaders of your island to see if there is a volunteer ferry for your island. Ferry schedules vary depending on the person operating the ferry. Do not expect a ferry to tow your floating land or art unless you explicitly arrange this in advance.

Check the [[Ephemerisle 2022]] page for info on how and where you can catch a ferry.

== Launching a boat/platform ==

Towing home-built structures not designed for the water is very, very slow. There are strong currents in the channels and traffic from big ships, so coming by kayak can be risky and only should be attempted by experienced kayakers.

These are the boat ramps in the vicinity:

* Marine Emporium in Oakley: When you just have to launch the really, really BIG stuff! Ephemerisle friendly and use to large ridiculous art things on barges (https://marine-emporium.business.site/)
* Sunset Harbor in Oakley: Boat launch that is Ephemerisle friendly (https://www.sunsetharbordelta.com/)
* Starboard Home Marina on Bethel Island: Marina owned by Ephemerisle veterans that can help with temporary slip spaces and parking while you are out having fun. May provide a way out to the event if you are nice. (https://shipmarina.com/)
* Sugar Barge on Bethel Island: Boat ramp with 24/7 gas pumps (https://sugarbarge.com/)

Check the marina pages for more details.

== Marinas Non Grata ==

* Korth's Marina on the Isleton Loop respectfully requests Ephemerislers NOT patronize their facilities (launch, park, gas), citing bad behavior from some past attendees. If you must use Korth's, please do so with utmost discretion.

== Sailing from SF Bay ==

Ephemerisle can be reached by water from the SF Bay.

It's about a 60 mile trip (16 hours by sailboat) from Berkeley. It tends to be a lovely two day sail there with the wind at your back all of the way out there. And it tends to be something of a nightmare trip back with pounding waves directly into the wind the entire way back.

Make sure you've got a depth sounder! Everyone runs aground in the delta.

Make sure you've got a good working engine. The trip back is very, very difficult without an engine.

Transportation

2021-09-28T02:43:30Z

ElfAndOgre: /* Launching a boat/platform */

Ephemerisle cannot be reached by land. You must arrange for transport and lodging by boat beforehand. While daytrippers are welcome, please make sure that you arrange a means of getting to and from the event beforehand. Also, wear good shoes just in case you need to clamor down rocks to get to the ferry. Most ferries to shore end at dusk and don't start again until dawn. If you miss the last ferry, you could spend a cold, wet, sleepless night.

In most years, Ephemerisle has been at [[Mandeville Point]], about 11 miles from the city of Stockton. Note when calculating travel time that some of the roads are interrupted by bridges that may be raised to allow for boat traffic.

There are basically three options:

* Catch a ferry
* Launch your boat boat/structure from a nearby boat ramp
* Bring your own boat all of the way by water

== Getting a ride on a ferry ==

Volunteer ferries are typically operated by the islands, and depart and return to one of the nearby marinas (which are listed below). Check with the leaders of your island to see if there is a volunteer ferry for your island. Ferry schedules vary depending on the person operating the ferry. Do not expect a ferry to tow your floating land or art unless you explicitly arrange this in advance.

Check the [[Ephemerisle 2022]] page for info on how and where you can catch a ferry.

== Launching a boat/platform ==

Towing home-built structures not designed for the water is very, very slow. There are strong currents in the channels and traffic from big ships, so coming by kayak can be risky and only should be attempted by experienced kayakers.

These are the boat ramps in the vicinity:

* Marine Emporium in Oakley: When you just have to launch the really, really BIG stuff! Ephemerisle friendly and use to large ridiculous art things on barges (https://marine-emporium.business.site/)
* Sunset Harbor in Oakley: Boat launch that is Ephemerisle friendly (https://www.sunsetharbordelta.com/)
* Starboard Home Marina on Bethel Island: Marina owned by Ephemerisle veterans that can help with temporary slip spaces and parking while you are out having fun. May provide a way out to the event if you are nice. (https://shipmarina.com/)
* Sugar Barge on Bethel Island: Boat ramp with 24/7 gas pumps (https://sugarbarge.com/)

Check the marina pages for more details.

= Marinas Non Grata =

* Korth's Marina on the Isleton Loop respectfully requests Ephemerislers NOT patronize their facilities (launch, park, gas), citing bad behavior from some past attendees. If you must use Korth's, please do so with utmost discretion.

== Sailing from SF Bay ==

Ephemerisle can be reached by water from the SF Bay.

It's about a 60 mile trip (16 hours by sailboat) from Berkeley. It tends to be a lovely two day sail there with the wind at your back all of the way out there. And it tends to be something of a nightmare trip back with pounding waves directly into the wind the entire way back.

Make sure you've got a depth sounder! Everyone runs aground in the delta.

Make sure you've got a good working engine. The trip back is very, very difficult without an engine.

Packing List

2021-09-28T02:23:58Z

ElfAndOgre:

Participants who attend Ephemerisle must bring all personal necessities to the event:
food, shelter, water, fuel, necessary medications, and basic first aid supplies--even the very land beneath your feet, in the form of a boat or platform.

Listed below are the recommended items you should bring, depending on whether you're going as an individual, boat captain, or island commodore.

== Leave No Trace ==

Whatever you pack in, you should pack out.

The [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Refuse_Act Federal Refuse Act] prohibits discharging or depositing any refuse of any kind into United States waters. It's also just sucky behavior.

Refuse includes: garbage, trash, oil, and other liquid pollutants.

This rule includes human waste. Violation (and the appearance of violation) of these regulations create probable cause for a state or local peace officer or Coast Guard representative to board your vessel. Make plans to minimize and control your waste to ensure it doesn't blow or fall into the water.

If you bring an art project, make arrangements for bringing it back. Make sure that your crew knows that they must stay as long as it takes to dismantle your art, pack it up, and pack it out, no matter how tired or hungover they are. If you leave things behind, you’re acting like a jerk.

Leftover garbage reflects poorly on you and our community.

== Individual ==

While the list below is long, many of the items are general purpose camping gear which you may already have. If you're staying on an island or someone else's boat, ask them for specifics about what you should bring. e.g. Do you need a tent and sleeping bag, or are those provided?) The nautical gear (life vests, radios, etc) can often be found on [https://www.craigslist.org Craigslist], [https://www.ebay.com Ebay] or from second hand stores like [https://bluepelicanmarine.com/ Blue Pelican].

* Clothing (hot and cold weather) -- Since you will likely be getting into the water frequently, it's a good idea to pick clothes that are cool, comfortable, and dry quickly. Temperatures can range from over 100 degrees during the day, to 60 degrees at night during mid July. High winds (35 mph) and rain are also a possibility.
* Swimsuit
* Towel
* Cell phone. Check the [[cell coverage]] info.
* [https://www.amazon.com/ONYX-MoveVent-Torsion-Paddle-Sports/dp/B00FI3FA3Q Personal Flotation Device (PFD) / life jacket] -- Most sailing deaths happen not at sea, during a storm, but while the sailor is going from the dock to boat on calm, sunny days. Most boating deaths could be prevented if sailors wore life vests when outside of the boat cabin. Make your own safety decisions, but wearing a life jacket can be a very good idea. Coast Guard regulations require that children under the age of 12 wear a life jacket whenever outside of a boat cabin when a boat is underway. While the boats do come with PFD's, it's a good idea to bring your own. The PFD's provided with the boat are bulky and ugly, and you'll be much more likely to wear one if you buy a better PFD that is lighter and more attractive. If you plan to participate in water sports, paddle a kayak, or otherwise expect to get into and out of the water frequently, a [https://www.amazon.com/ONYX-MoveVent-Torsion-Paddle-Sports/dp/B00FI3FA3Q a life vest with permanent flotation] designed for paddling may be your best choice. On the other hand, if you plan to stay out of the water, and prioritize comfort, you may want to consider one of the [https://www.amazon.com/ONYX-Automatic-Manual-Inflatable-Jacket/dp/B00NXVUKUS auto-inflatable life vests]. Note that inflatable life vests rely on a CO2 cartridge to inflate, which must be replaced ($10) each time it is triggered.
* [https://www.amazon.com/WaterBrick-1833-0001-Stackable-Storage-Container/dp/B00VJQKQDA Water] -- You can bathe using Delta water, but it's not safe to drink. You should plan to bring 1 gallon/person/day.
* [https://www.amazon.com/Sundome-Person-Green-color-options/dp/B01CFKSFQS Tent] -- If camping on a boat roof, or on BYOL, you will want a tent. The temperatures drop substantially at night, and high winds and rain can make camping in the open very uncomfortable. Don't forget to buy paracord to tie your tent down!
* Bedding -- The Paradise Point rental boats do not come with sheets, pillows or blankets.
* [https://www.amazon.com/Klymit-Static-Lightweight-Sleeping-Pad/dp/B01C3RW88Y Sleeping Pad]
* [https://www.amazon.com/Coleman-Palmetto-Cool-Weather-Sleeping/dp/B00363WZY2 Sleeping Bag]
* [https://www.amazon.com/Macks-Pillow-Silicone-Earplugs-Value/dp/B00JEEKGKC/ref=sr_1_17_s_it?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1499496584&sr=1-17&keywords=ear+plugs Ear plugs] -- Ephemerisle can be a noisy place, with the sounds of saws and drills running through the day, and loud music well into the night. Ear plugs make sleep much more comfortable. These earplugs will also conform to the shape of your ear canal, and can also be used to prevent water from entering your ear during swimming / water sports.
* [https://www.amazon.com/ALASKA-BEAR-Natural-blindfold-super-smooth/dp/B00GSO1D9O Sleep mask] -- Many people sleep in close quarters at Ephemerisle, and a mask will help prevent the light from your neighbors from disrupting your sleep.
* [https://www.amazon.com/Chums-No-Adjustable-Eyeglass-Sunglass/dp/B01H48JI4Y Sunglasses (with lanyard)] -- Everything on your person should have a lanyard.
* Food -- Meals are generally planned on a per boat basis. Bring whatever food you and fellow crew agree upon. Note that while the rental boats do have refrigerators, they do not keep food very cold. Plan to bring large cooler with plenty of ice (with ice runs to shore as necessary), if you want to bring perishables like meat and ice cream.
* [https://www.amazon.com/CoreGear-Misters-Personal-Mister-Bottle/dp/B00WHIFDQE/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1499880403&sr=8-2-spons&keywords=mister&psc=1 Mister] -- To help keep you cool on the HOT afternoons.
* [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ACL4MXI/ref=twister_B00AC8G8C4 Paracord] -- 550 paracord has a multitude of uses, from creating a privacy tent over your bed, to tying down your art, to practicing your knots.
* [https://www.amazon.com/Bottles-Avon-Guard-Expedition-Spray/dp/B00D21H9HQ Sunscreen/bug repellent] -- If you're a typical Silicon Valley engineer, you probably don't see much sun. This will help protect your pasty skin from both the sun and biting insects.
* [https://www.amazon.com/Foxelli-Headlamp-Flashlight-Lightweight-Waterproof/dp/B014JUMP2M Headlamp] Never go out on a boat at night without a headlamp or flashlight. Having a light is very helpful when crossing between boats, untying ropes, and navigating treacherous pathways. It will also make it easier for rescuers to see you if you fall in the water. Having a headlamp is so important that you should really have two, so that if you lose one, you have a backup.
* [http://www.amazon.com/Kershaw-Corral-Creek-Knife-Sheepsfoot/dp/B001RR1ZFY Knife] or [https://www.amazon.com/Maxam-SKRULE-Sailors-Tool/dp/B013UPC5E0 multitool] -- Useful for cutting rope, preparing food, and other miscellaneous tasks. A multi-tool with a marlinspike will help untie knots.
* [https://www.amazon.com/Fox-40-Sonik-Blast-Lanyard/dp/B004UA66KO Whistle] Useful if you need to call attention to yourself or others in the often loud environment. Please don't blow whistle for fun, as it conditions people to ignore the whistle.
* [https://www.amazon.com/Ziploc-Freezer-Gallon-Jumbo-10-Count/dp/B003UEJ572 2 gallon Ziploc bags] -- Ziploc bags have many uses. The 2 gallon size is a good size for storing clothing outfits. That way, if you drop your bag into the water (a common mishap), you'll have dry clothes. If you must pack wet/dirty clothes, the bags will keep them from dirtying your clean clothes. The one quart size is handy for protecting cell phones. Many a cell phone has died at Ephemerisle when someone unexpectedly finds themselves in the water.
* [https://www.amazon.com/Waterproof-Backpack-Supersingularity-Inflation-Compression/dp/B01N1X4SNO Dry bag] - As the name suggests, a dry bag is a waterproof bag that will keep your gear dry if you accidentally drop it into the water.
* Dinghy / canoe -- Dinghy / canoe / kayak are very handy for getting between islands.
* [https://www.amazon.com/Pro-Knot-Outdoor-Knots-John-Sherry/dp/0922273227 Knot tying guide] -- Knot tying skills are fundamental to sailing / boating practice. At a minimum, you should know the [http://www.netknots.com/rope_knots/bowline bowline knot] and the [http://www.netknots.com/rope_knots/cleat-hitch cleat hitch]. This wallet guide will teach you those knots as well as other useful knots.
* Lighting / decorations -- Adding LED lights and decorations to the interior of your boat can really improve the beauty and ambience
* Sharpie marker -- Gear often gets jumbled together. Labeling your gear will help ensure you get it back eventually.
* Cash -- You will need cash to pay for parking, dinghy rides to and from shore, ice, and toilet pumpouts.

== Construction Crew ==

If there's a chance you're going to join one of the construction crews who are building art, platforms, and bridges you might want to also bring the following:

* [https://www.amazon.com/DEWALT-DCK240C2-Lithium-Driver-Impact/dp/B00IJ0ALYS Drill / driver] -- The dance platform, and many of the art projects require drivers to assemble. If you already have a drill/driver set, bring that and the battery charger. If you plan to buy a set, get the Dewalt 20V system as it is commonly available at most hardware stores.
* [https://www.amazon.com/Sailing-Gloves-Deckhand-Blue-Large/dp/B00IHPPEDI Leather gloves] -- Building platforms and handling ropes can tear up your hands. Fingerless 3/4 gloves are recommended, as it allows for greater manual dexterity when tying/untying knots.
* [https://www.amazon.com/3M-Protection-82783-00000-Polycarbonate-Faceshield/dp/B071HV3SMH Faceshield] -- If you plan to do any construction work, a face shield will protect your face and eyes from flying debris, and will be more comfortable in the hot sun than safety goggles.

== Boat Captain ==

* Boat -- shelter, transport, art, a berth on a boat is the most basic requirement to attend Ephemerisle. As boat captain, you have the power and responsibility to set the standards of behavior on your boat. If there are any injuries or damage caused by your boat, you will likely be the one held responsible (even if the damage wasn't caused by you). Choose your crew carefully.
* Life jackets -- It is legally required that there is one life jacket on board for every person. They don't need to be worn, but they need to be on board. This is the responsibility of the captain.
* [https://www.amazon.com/Standard-Horizon-HX300-Handheld-Marine/dp/B00AJVXA5W Handheld radio VHF Marine Radio] -- Radios are nice to have for individuals, but '''strongly''' recommended for boat captains. Many islands require them as a condition of participation in the island. The Standard Horizon HX300 is a good basic radio, as are most radios for $100+. Be careful with radios that cost under $60 as the microphones tend to be terrible and people can't hear you. Read the [[Radio|Ephemerisle Radios]] page for more details.
* [http://www.adventuremedicalkits.com/medical-kits/professional/professional-ultralight-watertight-pro.html First Aid Kit]. [http://www.amazon.com/Ever-Ready-First-Aid-Responder/dp/B000I2RM3S/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8&qid=1426518969&sr=8-11&keywords=first+aid+kit Here's another option.].
* [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B006U3ZJDO/ref=twister_dp_update?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1 Binoculars] -- Extremely useful on a boat. 7x50 is what's generally recommended.
* [https://www.amazon.com/Rayovac-DIY6AASP-B-Indestructible-Waterproof-Flashlight/dp/B00NOPAY4U High power flashlight] -- high power flashlights are useful for scanning the water for people that might have fallen in.
* [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00YRYS4T4 Multi-port USB charger] -- Given the proliferation of cell phones and tablets it's handy to have a single charger that can charge multiple devices off a single outlet.
* [https://www.amazon.com/Accell-PowerSquid-Outlet-Multiplier-Extension/dp/B004LZ5XMU Power strip] -- Likewise, ports for charging tools, laptops, and other 120 volt devices are often in short supply.
* Dinghy / canoe -- while attendees are encouraged to bring dinghies of their own, it's also nice to have a few community dinghies to share.
* Boat hook!!!! -- Every boat should have a boat hook. It's super useful when docking boats.

== Island Leader(s) ==

* VHF radio - How to [[Radio|use your radio]]
* Anchors -- Make sure to arrange ahead of time for adequate anchors, chain, and anchor lines for your island, and [http://ephemerisle.org/index.php/Anchoring know how to deploy them.]
* Cell phone repeater (optional) -- Putting a cell repeater somewhere high (sailboat mast?) may be a much cheaper option vs. a sat phone.
* Platforms / walkways (nice to have)
* Community art (nice to have)
* Dinghy / canoe -- Having at least one dinghy is almost necessary for emergencies.
* Decibel meter -- Are your neighbors too loud? Document how loud.