Desert Washes, No Camping!

The staff recently had dinner with a good friend who could be considered an expert in desert survival. After hours of talking the conversation turned to the most frequent causes of death in the desert.

It's not suprising the number one cause of death is overexposure and dehydration. We were surprised that another cause of death was drowning. It seems we lose a few campers and hikers every year to flash floods every year. We were told that campers have a tendency to pitch camp in sandy washes with high banks. The washes certainly are beautiful, and seemingly a great place to camp. But even though there might not be a cloud in the sky, thunder storms could be taking place miles away. The run off from the storms is funneled down the washes with the speed of a frieght train and can travel miles, this gives people sleeping in a tent little chance to escape.  

With the fall season comes the start of desert recreation. If you plan on camping in the desert this year choose a safe lace to camp, and check the regions weather reports.