A Gentle Desert Reminder
Thread Starter
JK Freak
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 744
Likes: 1
From: Escondido, CA
A Gentle Desert Reminder
I just looked at the weather forecast for this week in the Anza Borrego Desert.
It looks like spring has sprung. The temperature range will run from 83 to 90 at the Borrego Springs airport, which is at 600', which means that at lower elevations, like Ocotillo Wells, elevation 0' or sea level, the temps could be up to five degrees hotter. "So what?" you may ask. Well, several things start to happen when the temperatures stay above 80 degrees for a week or so.
- The relative humidity tends to stay under 20%. This fact, coupled with the higher temperature can suck the very life out of you. Before you go into the desert drink as much water as you can - hydrate. Then carry one gallon of water, per person, with you in your JK, and drink it. It can't help you if it's in the bottle.
- The heat intensity will go up exponentially due to the sun's rays reflecting off the sand and rocks. Use a good sun block and wear a hat, preferably with a brim. If you can afford it, wear clothing with UPF protection.
- Several days of 80+ temperatures may cause the rattlesnakes to come out of their dens. Their normal body operating temps are between 80 and 90 degrees. When they come out of their dens they are hungry, aggressive and
looking to mate. They will tend to be on the prowl 24 hours a day for a month or two. BE CAREFUL. Watch where you walk, put your hands or sit down.
- DON'T GO ALONE. Tell someone where you are going and when you intend to return. Then tell them who to notify if you don't return on time.
- The above advice applies doubly to children under the age of 13 and the elderly above the age of 70. Their bodies have a much harder time regulating temperature and they tend to have less water in their body mass.
- Carry a cell phone, satellite phone or a personal locator if you and afford it.
Cell phone coverage can be spotty in the desert.
- The desert is very unforgiving. It favors those who go prepared.
- The above is not an all inclusive list for desert survival. I'm just trying to get your attention. Seasonal conditions have changed in the desert.
Don't do anything stupid,
Fred
It looks like spring has sprung. The temperature range will run from 83 to 90 at the Borrego Springs airport, which is at 600', which means that at lower elevations, like Ocotillo Wells, elevation 0' or sea level, the temps could be up to five degrees hotter. "So what?" you may ask. Well, several things start to happen when the temperatures stay above 80 degrees for a week or so.
- The relative humidity tends to stay under 20%. This fact, coupled with the higher temperature can suck the very life out of you. Before you go into the desert drink as much water as you can - hydrate. Then carry one gallon of water, per person, with you in your JK, and drink it. It can't help you if it's in the bottle.
- The heat intensity will go up exponentially due to the sun's rays reflecting off the sand and rocks. Use a good sun block and wear a hat, preferably with a brim. If you can afford it, wear clothing with UPF protection.
- Several days of 80+ temperatures may cause the rattlesnakes to come out of their dens. Their normal body operating temps are between 80 and 90 degrees. When they come out of their dens they are hungry, aggressive and
looking to mate. They will tend to be on the prowl 24 hours a day for a month or two. BE CAREFUL. Watch where you walk, put your hands or sit down.
- DON'T GO ALONE. Tell someone where you are going and when you intend to return. Then tell them who to notify if you don't return on time.
- The above advice applies doubly to children under the age of 13 and the elderly above the age of 70. Their bodies have a much harder time regulating temperature and they tend to have less water in their body mass.
- Carry a cell phone, satellite phone or a personal locator if you and afford it.
Cell phone coverage can be spotty in the desert.
- The desert is very unforgiving. It favors those who go prepared.
- The above is not an all inclusive list for desert survival. I'm just trying to get your attention. Seasonal conditions have changed in the desert.
Don't do anything stupid,
Fred
Thread Starter
JK Freak
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 744
Likes: 1
From: Escondido, CA
I had the duty on Tuesday and this morning. We had a report of a a Pacific Southern rattlesnake sighting on the east side of Ranchita just inside of the park and there was a coachwhip in the parking lot at the visitors center. So -
we know that they are out and about. The 2 PM temp at the visitors center this afternoon was 86.
Stay alert,
Fred
we know that they are out and about. The 2 PM temp at the visitors center this afternoon was 86.
Stay alert,
Fred