TBF Newbie-pre festival questions

[skyrunner]

Similar question.  Hell,  it may even be more/less the same exact question...
We too have camping at Mary E.  Since we are coming from Memphis and have never been in the Mountains (or at altitude), I booked the first two nights at the Victorian Inn in town (Sun, Mon).  I thought it might be best to ease the wife (and me) into all things TBF and Telluride..
I've been wondering if there would be any real benefit for us to claim our tent spot as soon as we arrive on Sunday, then catch shuttle back to town?  I do have a vehicle pass for Mary E.
If I were to set up camp early, other than the need to solidly stake down the tent, etc and introducing myself to future neighbors, could I reasonable assume no one would goof with my camp/equipment?

Well if your out-and-about meetin the neighbors feel free to stop on by camp "Sunny Side Up". We will more than likely be right along the road again.  I'll be the one with the solar panels. I let people charge their phones with my little system. If all goes as planed I will have the system up and going on Tuesday morning.
  As far as safety goes. I have been letting people plug in to my system for 5 years. There has NEVER been anything come up missing. Or any kind of trouble like that. Mary E. is filled up with people that are all there for the same reason. Everybody pretty well lives life as it should be, and well you just don't need to worry that much about your stuff. Besides, most people have so much stuff packed in their car...There's no room for any of your stuff too. 

[alrghtgy]

Thanks Skyrunner!  We look forward to meeting you guys!!

[alrghtgy]

I have a few more Mary E questions as we get closer to Crunch time...err, Crunchy Frog time.   
I have a vehicle pass for Mary E.  How does the campsite selection go?  Is it wide open and park wherever you like? 
Is any area of Mary E more desirable, besides the obvious (proximity to Porta-John, shuttle pickup, water, shade)?
If I understand correctly, shuttle from Mary E doesn't start till Wed.  If I want to stake out my campsite when we arrive on Sun and leave car at camp, would there be any transport available back to town?  Cab, Uber, etc?
Water.  Is there a water tank that stays at Mary E which is available 24/7?
Ice.  Is ice delivered daily at pre-designated time(s) or is it available 24/7?

[marcomusic]

I'll take a stab at that, alrghtgy.

You can set up wherever you like within reason at Mary E.  The earlier you get there the better your choices will be.  If you get there Sunday you will have your pick of many good spots.  You should be able to leave the campground and return with your vehicle until Wednesday but check with gate before doing so.  The shuttle won't start until Wednesday.  Also, there will be no water until Wednesday if this year is the same as it was two years ago.  Water is available at all times after that.

Ice is sold by the gate staff and is available at all times unless they run out.  If they do, don't worry.  They will get more.

I never saw a cab there so maybe someone else out there has an answer to that.

[skyrunner]

 Hello again. As far as selecting a place to camp goes typically the further back you go the louder it gets. There will be plenty of room for you guys to find a good spot. There is usually some real good flat ground to the left about 100 yards after the big right hand turn. The closer you are to the front the easier it will be to drive in and out of too. Plan on driving yourself until Wednesday. It really won't be a big deal to drive in and out until about Wednesday afternoon.
 The ice person is there at 8:00am, and 3:00pm, and is available up by the welcome tent. Water is also available for free in the festival grounds. 
 Be prepared for cold nights. Bring extra blankets for both above and below you.

The biggest thing to plan on...EVERYTHING is uphill.  I don't know how but every direction you turn is uphill at some point. 

 Listening to: Stringdusters

[alrghtgy]

Thanks again Skyrunner and Marco!!  Really helpful information.