Dear Dan the Man,

Don't fret over the scorpions, but do check for them. I've been stung twice, but only in cabins, and not while sleeping outside. If the weather is fine for sleeping, I don't use a tent, and this is generally seen as reckless among non-desert folk. It isn't. Snakes and scorpions use their venom either defensively or to subdue prey, so your job is avoid merely to avoid being a threat. (In other words, because they will not attempt to eat you, they will not attack you, so long as they're not goaded into self-defense). Tents are attractive shelter for snakes and scorpions, so if you feel more secure inside of one, make sure it is securely zipped at all times - or you may have a visitor.

As for water, you'll soon figure out how much you need, based on the temp, distance, and realiability of info on the next available source. By the latter I mean this: if you've got a long distance to cover, ask more than one person about the next water source. When all the answers agree, you're more confident of the information. And don't worry too much: in the American Southwest, somebody will drive by sooner or later, and if you run out you can always beg, an easy matter for a cyclist: just stand by the road holding an upside down water bottle that shows your need.

You ain't gonna die out there by thirst, nor by vermin. Vehicles are your biggest danger, so pick the loneliest routes. (vechicle counts, by road, are available on the internet for many states - but remember that these can be highly seasonable, meaning that there may be very very people on the road from Yuma to Lake Havasu City in September, but a million on Labor Day, all of them towing power boats).

The big views, the easy camping (no searching for a clear spot to lay your bag, yet easy to hide from police and thieves - just pick a low point, and don't put up a tent), and the delicious evenings - you'll soon be hooked on the desert. Or wished you never listened to my advice.....


Good Luck,
Jim Malusa