Catherine Ellerton
Moapa Valley Progress
The temperature was climbing higher and higher, unmerciful to the hikers as they stumbled across the barren land. The sweat dripping from my brow was blinding me and my steps were growing weak and hesitant. The land shimmered in front of me when all of a sudden I saw the apparition. “Please! Please! Don’t let it be a mirage,” my thoughts cried. I reached out an unsteady, sunburned hand and – Yes! I had reached the sanctity and coolness of the Valley of Fire Visitor Center. I had made it safely across the parking lot! Yes!
The date was Sunday, September 26, and I had decided to journey out to my beloved Valley of Fire to attend a course in “Desert Survival Skills” as taught by Park Ranger, Amber Herman.
I gathered my water, sunscreen, camera, notepad and hat and headed to the “Wedding Area” behind the Visitor’s Center.
I thought of the Gypsum people – the nomadic hunters and gatherers – who had disappeared so long ago because they could not adapt to the changing desert. I determined that I was going to survive. I was going to be prepared NOT to be lost.
Preparation seems to be the keyword. Know where you are going, what you are doing and tell someone your plans. Prepare to be rescued if you should get lost.
The usual things to have with you was emphasized: First Aid Kit, water, map, cold pack (if you overheat), gloves, food, whistle (for signaling), steel wool (for starting a fire), a lighter or matches, a candle, a mirror or foil (for signaling to rescuers), fishing line (for tying or repairing things), a small tarp or extra shirt (for shelter) and plastic bags. Plastic Bags?
Plastic bags for gathering water from the plants. You put them carefully around the leafy branch of a native plant and tie the end. And, Voila! The bag catches the condensation from the plant and turns it back into water. Who knew?
The would-be hiker/adventurer should know the plants as some are poisonous and most will have some bitterness because of their natural oils. But, this little trick might be your only chance at survival.
Or, if you are in an area of the desert that is not too rocky or sandy, you can dig a 3 foot by 3 foot conical shaped hole, put a container in the bottom and cover it with a tarp. Again, the possibility is there that the ground water will condense and drop into the container.
Another rule of thumb is to not sit on the ground. The ground radiates heat and, therefore, you are defeating your purpose. A rock is a better chair. And while you are sitting there, take a deep breath and don’t panic – calm down and start to figure something out – evaluate what you have to work with.
Next week will be a Campfire Talk on Saturday. On October 9 and 10 will be a discussion on “Who were the Anasazi?” If you have ever wanted to learn Geo Caching, October 16 would be the time to do it. Join the Rangers to find Valley of Fire’s 75th Anniversary Contest Geo Cache.
To obtain more details, call 702-397-2088.
