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Desert Survival

IF YOU answer yes to the following questions, then you're ready for the desert. I don't mind a little heat. I don't mind a hell of a lot of heat. I am on a spiritual quest. I love geology. I can live without sushi for a week or two. The desert doesn't suffer fools--be prepared to rough it a bit. There are no cappuccinos in Barstow! Here's a basic checklist. Bring your own corkscrew, stemware and wine. Small desert communities are strongholds of American beer, and we're not talking microbrew. The only wines are wines you don't want to drink. Load up on bottled water at an AM/PM market and sip it all day long. Bring loose clothing, a hat, two pairs of sturdy shoes for hiking on rocky trails and a bathing suit. Bring watercolors as well as a camera--the colors and shapes of the desert will bring out your inner artist. Always travel with a notebook--the desert induces self-reflection. Sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen! Binoculars Incense A playmate--you'll need something to do on those long afternoons when it's too hot to go outdoors. [ Santa Cruz | MetroActive Central | Archives ]