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08/23/2006 05:38:36 AM · #1 |
When you were found, I could almost hear the collective sigh of relief and thanksgiving!
It's wonderful to hear that you are safe and well. Your survival story is amazing, and I don't think many people would have managed the ordeal as well. God Bless You Steve, stay safe!
Linda |
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08/23/2006 05:26:03 AM · #2 |
| So happy to have found this page and see that you are okay. I don't know you properly, even in this format, but suffice it to say I along with everyone else have sighed a breath of relief! Among other things, your absence made the heart of a community felt here on dpc. Looking forward to seeing more of your images. :) |
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08/21/2006 11:32:52 PM · #3 |
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08/18/2006 11:06:29 AM · #4 |
I was an Assistant Scoutmaster for over ten years and helped my son become an Eagle Scout. I would ask scouts whats the best thing for survival?
My answer is your own brain, "What you know", sanity, and perseverence.
The all come from within, is always with you, and can't be taken away.
Usually all those gadgets and survival equipment is not there when you need it.
I just found this story. Are you sure you didn't just get yourelf locked in an outhouse or pota-potty? |
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08/17/2006 10:23:23 AM · #5 |
Originally posted by GeneralE:
Did you consider wrapping the water container in damp cloth to further cool it by evaporation? |
No, but it would evaporate too fast anyway and the only clothes I had is what I was wearing. :)
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08/17/2006 09:48:58 AM · #6 |
| Have you considered trying out for Survivor? Outwitting, outplaying and outlasting would surely be a breeze by comparison! |
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08/17/2006 09:35:10 AM · #7 |
My internet access will be sketchy or non-existent for the next couple weeks, so if you don't hear from me that is the reason.
There are many, many of you who have questions and inquiries that I want to respond to but will be unable to in the short term. I appologize for that.
I don't want people to think I am ignoring your many requests and not appreciative of everything you have done for me. I am grateful beyond words and will get caught up when I can.
Take care, have fun!
Steve
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08/16/2006 03:16:00 PM · #8 |
| Wow.. I can't WAIT to see the movie! |
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08/16/2006 02:40:23 PM · #9 |
Originally posted by stdavidson:
More of 'The Story'
The 'Survivorman' part of the story ... I'd collect water in the evening and put it in the branches of a palo verde or other plants. That cooled water best because it kept it off the hot ground and slight breezes cooled it even more. Keepin it in shaded areas off the ground during the day allowed it to stay cooler longer ... The things that contributed my surviving alone in the desert are: Familiarity with and a respect for the desert, a runner's background and 'reasonable' health, plain common sense, a little creative thinking and luck. |
Great info -- thanks! My son's trying to talk me into sending him to "survival" summer camp next year -- I think I'll make him read your story first! : )
Did you consider wrapping the water container in damp cloth to further cool it by evaporation?
Message edited by author 2006-08-16 14:40:51. |
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08/16/2006 01:40:13 PM · #10 |
Steve, this is Gary (who else could it be with the username? :)
I've sent you a PM from within DPC but I'm not sure if you are able to read your old email (if that's were it goes).
Could you please give us a call or email gary at apaaz dot com.
We are so happy to hear that you are safe. What a story!
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08/16/2006 09:52:41 AM · #11 |
Its so good to hear that you are back safe, and unharmed... after we know that... the only other thought is...
NO, NOT THE CAMERA!!!!!!!!!!!!
Glad you are back!!! :-) |
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08/16/2006 08:09:28 AM · #12 |
| It's an amazing story Steve! It sounds like you kept your cool even in a desert, which is very impressive. It's great to have you back safe & sound. |
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08/16/2006 07:56:18 AM · #13 |
Wow I'm impressed!
Great story Steve & Great that you got through the wole ordeal with not much more than a good story to tell, bunch of new friends and a missing camera:-)
Congrats on keeping your head on. |
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08/16/2006 06:14:49 AM · #14 |
| Just caught this thread and am glad to find you well and safe, Steve. I know sometimes people go off by themselves to get away but when I read that your son and family were sick with worry, I thought well, you couldn't have just gone off without telling them. I don't know you but remember a couple of very constructive comments you gave my photos which I respect. And that didn't seem like a person who would be inconsiderate. Thanks for sharing your adventure and your survival mode. It might come in handy one day (hope not) :) Just glad that DPC still has you around. |
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08/16/2006 04:23:09 AM · #15 |
Wow. What a story, Steve. I am so glad you made it through that ordeal. I really appreciate that you are sharing your story, too. Thanks - and welcome home!
Amy |
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08/16/2006 04:09:34 AM · #16 |
More of 'The Story'
The 'Survivorman' part of the story was when I was really lost in the desert. (I might add that when 'Survivorman' did his week alone in the Sonoran desert for his show it was in WINTER!)
I was actually lost for the last 6 days and 6 nights. I starting off with no food or water. This is how I lived during those days...
Fortunately we are in a period of monsoon rains and that provided water, albeit brackish, that served me well. Clouds provided shade during some days as well and temperatures were a little below normal. All that helped.
Later review of the area on Google shows it is an expanse of very similar low hills, ravines and washes that all kinda blend together. While lost I found a disgarded water container that I used to collect rain water from pools and such for drinking and washing. Later found out I could catch something called Giardia, a temporary intestinal problem, from drinking that water but that has not shown up yet, but still could.
I moved around only during the early mornings and late afternoon to avoid direct sunlight. I had a long sleaved shirt, hat and kept completely covered during midday and did not move around a lot to avoid the direct rays of the sun. I also had a small baggie of salt in my pocket from earlier hikes I'd went on. I took it periodically to keep respiration running properly.
During midday I would find a palo verde tree for shade. With a slight breeze it was much cooler than in the direct sun. I've made fun of palo verde trees for years because I said it provides no real shade but I've changed my tune on that. :)
I drank about a gallon of water a day but keeping it cool was a problem. I'd collect water in the evening and put it in the branches of a palo verde or other plants. That cooled water best because it kept it off the hot ground and slight breezes cooled it even more. Keepin it in shaded areas off the ground during the day allowed it to stay cooler longer. I drank as much water as I could early in the day while it was cool. In the afternoon the water got hot so I drank less. If left unprotected in sun the water would get to hot to drink.
At night I'd find as comfortable a spot as I could to sleep. The biggest problem with that was spines I sat on and bugs. Biting ants were the biggest issue. I made as comfortable a bed as possible with rocks. Did not sleep all that well but that was ok because it was cooler.
The desert is beautiful after dark and quieter than a church pulpit at midnight. The silence is punctuated for a very loud two minutes or so every once in a while when coyotes would start howling. You hardly ever see them but there are lots of them around and they appeared to move in loose groups of about 30.
I foraged for prickly pear fruit and sprouts for food in the mornings and early evening. I hiked about 4 to 7 miles each day and never felt super bad, though going up steep slopes was more tiring than I thought it should be. Got caught in a couple scary monsoon thunderstorms and drenched but it was never cold and you dry fast.
The things that contributed my surviving alone in the desert are: Familiarity with and a respect for the desert, a runner's background and 'reasonable' health, plain common sense, a little creative thinking and luck.
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08/16/2006 01:31:07 AM · #17 |
wow what a story!
glad you are back!
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08/15/2006 01:56:38 PM · #18 |
Wow. I lived in Arizona (Tempe) for 3 years and this is one of those miracle stories. I have shivers running down my spine.
I am a Newbie here Steve, but I am so happy you are safe and well. |
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08/15/2006 12:02:15 AM · #19 |
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08/14/2006 10:47:52 PM · #20 |
Originally posted by TG73:
Welcome back. I'm glad you are well and that everything is ok.
So, what kind of camera are you gonna buy now? ;) |
One with a GPS locator. ;o) j/k
Welcome back. |
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08/14/2006 09:36:16 PM · #21 |
welcome back steve...glad you're ok man.
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08/14/2006 08:29:29 PM · #22 |
Welcome back. I'm glad you are well and that everything is ok.
So, what kind of camera are you gonna buy now? ;) |
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08/14/2006 08:04:12 PM · #23 |
| I've thought of you and prayed for your safe return. Thank God you're home healthy, safe and alive. I know your son and the rest of your family are so happy. Take care of yourself ! |
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08/14/2006 06:49:34 PM · #24 |
That has got to be the most bad luck anyone has ever had.
Maybe.
Anyway, I am so unbelieveably glad that you're safe, and well, and stuff.
I guess I don't have to kick you. :P |
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08/14/2006 05:02:21 PM · #25 |
This totally rocks, Steve!
We should have a GTG in the Superstition Mountains and you can be our tour guide..hehe..
Hope all gets up and running again for you.
(HUG)
Soni |
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