T E X A R R A K I S

There is certainly an element of danger to all this. We will be living in fairly primitive conditions, in the middle of an unforgiving desert, full of many dangers. Here I will illuminate these dangers, and how we will prepare for them.

SNAKES AND INSECTS. There are rattle snakes all over this area, as well as terrifying unidentifiable spiders that seem to run right at you. Scorpions, black widows. Large black ants that bite chunks out of you. These have to be watched out for, and prepared for. We will have to learn to keep our hands from blindly reaching underneath or into things without observing what might be waiting. Tall boots should be worn at all times, which can prevent snake bite. Walking staffs, pounded at the ground as you walk will scare away snakes ahead of time, so you don't surprise them. Bug proofing all structures as much as possible, which will be a challenge.

the western diamond backed rattle snake.

DEHYDRATION. It is suggested that in arid climates you drink at least a gallon of water a day, and eat plenty of salty foods. We will start out this venture with a water company tanker coming and filling a huge 1200 gallon water tank, so we won't run out of water. And salty snacks will be factored into our weekly or biweekly supply runs. Everybody seems to constantly be drinking gatorade in the area, and its clear why; full of electrolytes. We may have to come up with our own gatorade-ish recipe.

NUTRITION. We may find ourselves on a diet of consisting largely of rice and beans and canned meats and vegetables, but we will have to monitor our intake of food, to make sure we don't get scurvy or anything weird like that.

THE SUN AND HEAT. The sun, in the summer, during high noon, can be unbearable, and we will need to monitor our own and eachother's ability to exist in this sun. from 12 - 3 could be nap time under the shade. never in our lives have we met The Sun in a way where it has dictated itself into such an intense role in our activities.

the blazing sun

GETTING LOST, OR SEPERATED, EMERGENCIES. We should have walkie talkies on us at all times, used sparingly for emergencies (or really awesome shit) at all times. A CB radio at home base, and cell phones in pockets. We may purchase a cell reception antenna, which will increase cell phone reception in an area. Establish contact with the nearby hospital as we arrive at first, let them know exactly where they are, so they can come rescue us in the event of an emergency.

HAVING VEHICLES ALWAYS READY TO LEAVE. There are a few threats that might make us have to hightail the fuck out of there. Brushfires are swift and deadly, and we would need to get out of the area ASAP if one should threaten us. During the dry months, and most of the time throughout the year, there is a burn ban in the area. All the brush is extremely dry, and with the high winds, a fire can spread extremely quickly.

There are many other dangers involved, and as we think of/discover more, this page will be expanded.