Post by Archangel on Dec 27, 2006 1:55:32 GMT -5
Desert Survival
Every trip on the desert is an opportunity for, well, an adventure, especially if I'm driving. Some adventures are worse than others. The desert can kill and it is no place to take chances.
Many people each year have mishaps in the desert that could have been avoided or made less serious with some preplanning. Here are some of the things you should do to avoid problems, and to deal with them if they come along.
The summer sun is the worst enemy you can have out there. Wear the proper clothing for the activity (sunglasses, hat, riding gear, sun screen, wind breaker/ long sleeved shirt for change in weather), and good walking shoes. It's a bad idea to wear shorts or a short-sleeved shirt; loose fitting clothes (long pants and long sleeve shirt) will protect you from the sun and allow enough air circulation to help keep you cool. A hat helps even more by keeping the sun off your head.
Be aware that a new animal threat is slowly making its way onto the desert. Africanized Honey Bees (killer bees) have been found on deserts from Texas to California. They aren't much different in size or appearance than regular bees, but seem to be mean as a grizzly with a bad tooth. There is some good news about them: they have a range of a quarter-mile, so if attacked you can run that far and be out of their territory. They seem to target the face, so cover your face if attacked; a person could carry a homemade net just for that purpose, folded up and left in the pocket until needed. Check local health agencies and the BLM for the latest information and recommendations.
Rattlesnakes are another hazard of desert travel, especially in the spring and fall when they are coming and going from hibernation. By making noise and watching where you step or put your hands, you may never see one. However, get the latest information on first aid treatment before putting yourself at risk of being bitten.
Before you leave, always let someone at home know your travel plans and a time you will return. If you do get lost or break down, the people at home will know where to start looking. Also, let these people know if your plans change. If there is no one at home to tell, then stop in at a ranger station or BLM office. Just be sure that you let them know when you are safely off the desert.
Learn about the area, get accurate maps and travel conditions, and plan your agenda conservatively if you are traveling to an unfamiliar area. Remember that what may look like a short trip on the map, may take many hours in 4-wheel drive - allow enough time for safe travel. Also know that a short trip by car can be a day-long hike. Plan accordingly; if you break down you may need to hike out if help doesn't come along in a reasonable time.
Know your limitations - don't plan extensive hikes or strenuous activity unless your health is up to it.
Bring gear appropriate to your activity, the expected range of weather conditions and the planned length of your stay. Remember that the summer sun is your worst enemy. But, conditions on the desert can change quickly, from a nice warm day to a rainstorm to a blizzard in a matter of hours, depending on the season and your location.
If lost, stuck, or if you break down:
Stay with your vehicle or otherwise make yourself visible.
Keep calm - don't panic and don't waste time on the 'if' word ('If only I hadn't done that�'). It's wasted effort, you did it, or it happened, whatever. Spend your time constructively.
Think through your options. Take stock of your supplies and situation.
Stay put, unless you have a clear and specific destination.
If you choose to hike out, avoid walking during the heat of the day; morning and evening walking is better for conserving your body's moisture. If you must leave your vehicle, leave a note telling the direction of your travel, your destination, and the date and time you left.
Seek shelter from the elements, but make yourself visible (with smoke or a signal fire, or a brightly colored tarp).
Every trip on the desert is an opportunity for, well, an adventure, especially if I'm driving. Some adventures are worse than others. The desert can kill and it is no place to take chances.
Many people each year have mishaps in the desert that could have been avoided or made less serious with some preplanning. Here are some of the things you should do to avoid problems, and to deal with them if they come along.
The summer sun is the worst enemy you can have out there. Wear the proper clothing for the activity (sunglasses, hat, riding gear, sun screen, wind breaker/ long sleeved shirt for change in weather), and good walking shoes. It's a bad idea to wear shorts or a short-sleeved shirt; loose fitting clothes (long pants and long sleeve shirt) will protect you from the sun and allow enough air circulation to help keep you cool. A hat helps even more by keeping the sun off your head.
Be aware that a new animal threat is slowly making its way onto the desert. Africanized Honey Bees (killer bees) have been found on deserts from Texas to California. They aren't much different in size or appearance than regular bees, but seem to be mean as a grizzly with a bad tooth. There is some good news about them: they have a range of a quarter-mile, so if attacked you can run that far and be out of their territory. They seem to target the face, so cover your face if attacked; a person could carry a homemade net just for that purpose, folded up and left in the pocket until needed. Check local health agencies and the BLM for the latest information and recommendations.
Rattlesnakes are another hazard of desert travel, especially in the spring and fall when they are coming and going from hibernation. By making noise and watching where you step or put your hands, you may never see one. However, get the latest information on first aid treatment before putting yourself at risk of being bitten.
Before you leave, always let someone at home know your travel plans and a time you will return. If you do get lost or break down, the people at home will know where to start looking. Also, let these people know if your plans change. If there is no one at home to tell, then stop in at a ranger station or BLM office. Just be sure that you let them know when you are safely off the desert.
Learn about the area, get accurate maps and travel conditions, and plan your agenda conservatively if you are traveling to an unfamiliar area. Remember that what may look like a short trip on the map, may take many hours in 4-wheel drive - allow enough time for safe travel. Also know that a short trip by car can be a day-long hike. Plan accordingly; if you break down you may need to hike out if help doesn't come along in a reasonable time.
Know your limitations - don't plan extensive hikes or strenuous activity unless your health is up to it.
Bring gear appropriate to your activity, the expected range of weather conditions and the planned length of your stay. Remember that the summer sun is your worst enemy. But, conditions on the desert can change quickly, from a nice warm day to a rainstorm to a blizzard in a matter of hours, depending on the season and your location.
If lost, stuck, or if you break down:
Stay with your vehicle or otherwise make yourself visible.
Keep calm - don't panic and don't waste time on the 'if' word ('If only I hadn't done that�'). It's wasted effort, you did it, or it happened, whatever. Spend your time constructively.
Think through your options. Take stock of your supplies and situation.
Stay put, unless you have a clear and specific destination.
If you choose to hike out, avoid walking during the heat of the day; morning and evening walking is better for conserving your body's moisture. If you must leave your vehicle, leave a note telling the direction of your travel, your destination, and the date and time you left.
Seek shelter from the elements, but make yourself visible (with smoke or a signal fire, or a brightly colored tarp).