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Re: [at-l] Sleeping the dfesert (was posts)



Tim Hewitt wrote:

> Just don't sleep too close to any creosote bushes, or acacia trees. My first
> night  under the desert starts - sans tent, 15 years ago - ended up in my being
> stung by a bark scorpion. We were 12 miles out, my hand swelled up like a
> baloon, and the Dr told me later that had I been alergic, I would have likely
> died... Didn't stop me from doing it many more times - I just didn't park myself
> next to any large vegegation any more!
> 
> Have fun!
> 
> -Paddler

I'm not sure that it makes a difference having trees. A couple of times
I've seen scorpions in the fire pits, especially in the fall and winter,
and once I woke up to find a scorpion clinging to my "pillow" - the
pants I had folded up to put under my head. It wanted to share my warmth
I guess. I was lucky and never got stung, but that one scared me.
Growing up in the desert I was always taught: never pick up rocks or
logs with your hands,  and always shake out your boots before you put
them on.  I also learned, shake out your bed and pillow, carefully,
before you pack them up or put them on.  

Walk carefully - 
Ginny

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