The desert is not remarkable for the endless views it offers without; it is remarkable for the endless view it offers within.
The weather is warming and the skies are blue, time to explore the wonders of the desert! Truth be told, it's actually cold & rainy here in L.A. as I write this, although 3 days ago it was almost 100° with multiple wildfires ablaze.
Anyway, that's neither here nor there.
I had 2 pieces of inspiration to write this: The first was a 20/20 segment entitled "GPS Astray: Lost in Death Valley" that recounts the story of 3 women that found themselves lost in the Death Valley back country in mid-July (!!!) after their GPS led them down non-existent roads. The second was of our family friends that tried for a little adventure by going from Big Bear to Las Vegas via the Lucerne Valley. Whilst not remotely tragic, the experience did give them quite a start.
Before I begin, a disclaimer: this is not meant to be an end-all, de facto guide to desert survival. It is merely a jumping off point, a conversation starter. Factors such as season/weather, age, fitness level, previous experience, etc. all play a not-so-insignificant role.
I've been a desert rat for as long as I can remember. The wide open spaces and solitude has always been an oasis from the hustle & bustle of living in the urban jungle. But for the unprepared and foolhardy, this paradise can take from you as much as it gives.
First things first: before heading out, always provide your itinerary to someone. Routes, destinations, maps, estimated departure/return times. With millions upon millions of acres of desert in the Southern California area alone, you cannot be saved if you cannot be found. Equally as important, never, ever rely solely on your GPS. As the 20/20 segment perfectly illustrated, there can be roads & routes in the system that are long gone.
Before entering a remote area, make sure your car is fueled up and drive conservatively. You never know when the next time you'll run into a gas station.
Supplies:
• Plenty of water, about 2 gallons per person/per day. More if it will be extremely hot.
• Snacks
• Map & compass (and the knowledge on how to use them!)
• Sunblock
• First-aid kit
• Changes/layers of clothes. Some areas experience fairly severe temperature fluctuations day & night. Light colored clothes are preferable in the warmer months
• Blankets/sleeping bags
• Flashlight
• Matches, lighters, or some other method of fire starting
• Knife
• Mirror or other reflective panel to signal for help
• Cell phone (fully charged)
• Personal locator beacon, such as SPOT
• Did I mention water?
Tips (from the City of Yucca Valley website):
• If your vehicle becomes stuck, don’t panic. Don’t continue spinning your tires. Try jacking the drive wheels up and putting solid material under the tires to gain traction. Boards, sticks, rocks, floor mats, vegetation or anything solid may help regain traction.
• If your vehicle won’t go any further, raise the hood. This is a universal distress signal. Next, you will need to decide if you are going to stay with your vehicle or try to walk for help.
• Don’t panic. Remain calm and think rationally. Don’t loose your cool. Panic is your enemy.
• Avoid strenuous activity in the heat of the day. Conserve your energy.
• Stay in the shade of the vehicle. On a hot day, the sand can get up to 180 degrees or more. Conserve your energy for the cooler part of the day.
• Make yourself visible. A column of smoke can be seen for miles in the daytime. Think of ways to attract attention to your location. If at all possible, be visible from the air and ground. As a last ditch effort, during daylight, you can use a small amount of gasoline to set a tire or other material on fire that will create a large, dark cloud that will be visible for miles. (Be sure that you set the fire a safe distance away from your vehicle if you choose this option).
• Drinking alcohol can cause dehydration and is not a replacement for water.
• Use anything that makes noise like a vehicle horn. Your vehicle affords many resources.
• Don’t ration water. Drink if you are thirsty. Your body is a canteen and will store water.
• Stay clothed. If properly dressed, your clothes actually insulate you from the heat (if you are not active and are in the shade). Use plenty of sunscreen on exposed areas of your body such as your arms, hands, neck and face.
• Most cell phones and radios work in remote areas. Even if there isn't a highway in sight, your cell phone may still be able to “reach” a repeater. Keep trying to call someone.
Should You Leave Your Vehicle and Go For Help?
You have to make a decision whether to stay with your vehicle or try to walk to safety. Some things to consider before you decide to leave your vehicle and walk out for help include, but are not limited to:
• Do you know where you are? Can you easily walk to safety or will it be a gamble? How long will it take and can you easily make it?
• Your vehicle can provide you with shelter from the heat and cold, and it contains all your supplies.
• Your vehicle is much larger than a person, and therefore easier for searchers to find.
• If you choose to walk out for help, how many supplies can you carry?
• Do you have enough water? Do you know the shortest route to safety or are you just guessing? Will it take more than one day?
• Do you have enough water? Do you know the shortest route to safety or are you just guessing? Will it take more than one day?
• How long will it take to reach help? If you are not in good enough shape to hike out, it could cost you your life.
• What time of day is it? If you decide to leave, do it at the right time. Avoid any activity during the hot part of the day. It could zap your energy and it will cause your body to require more water.
• Can you still be found? Leave a note with the time, day and direction you are going.
• Will someone report you missing? If someone is likely to report you missing, it might be better to stay with your vehicle. It has all of your supplies. It can provide you shelter and can be an excellent signaling device.
Be safe out there!
