In the desert, the sun is your enemy and water is more valuable than gold. You can survive for days without food, but only hours without water in high heat. Knowing where to look can save your life.
Signs of Water
Water flows downhill, even underground. Look for:
- Vegetation: Cottonwood and willow trees need constant water. If you see them, water is near the surface. Dig at the base of the tree on the outside of a river bend.
- Animal Life: Bees and grain-eating birds (like finches/doves) need water daily. Follow them in the early morning or evening.
- Canyons: North-facing canyon walls get less sun and retain moisture longer. Look for "tinajas" (natural rock pools) in shaded depressions.
Solar Stills: Myth vs. Reality
Building a solar still (digging a hole, placing a cup, covering with plastic) is often taught in manuals. In reality, it expends more sweat energy to dig than the water it produces. It is a last resort, not a primary strategy.
Ration Your Sweat, Not Your Water
If you have water, drink it when thirsty. Rationing it to "save it for later" often results in people being found dead with water still in their canteens. Instead, conserve your sweat by resting during the day and moving only at night.