To be wondering what dangers lie in Americas desolate lands?

[DeathValleyAhead]

DH and I are spending a couple of nights in Death Velley next year. It's an airb&b place, glamping pods literally in the middle of nowhere. No neighbours for miles - totally isolated. Sounds perfect for an unsociable introvert like myself but the closer it gets, the more I'm starting to worry.

What if one of us gets bitten by a snake, spider or scorpion? The advert specifically states that they can't control the appearance of such things.

What if we get lost and run out of water/petrol and burn to death in the heat? (It's the hottest place on earth). People have died in this way in DV before.

What if we're targeted by wrong uns with guns and DHs glasses fly off?

DH thinks I'm being silly but all these scenarios are possible and with the absence of neighbours or emergency services surely it's risky??

We're seasoned travellers and have done Route 66, New York, south central Los Angeles (there was an art centre there I wanted to see, it wasn't ghetto tourism), the Far East ... why am I so nervous about this one?

Am I being unreasonable?

How are you getting there?

Well, it's called Death Valley for a good reason.

Isn't the element of danger part of the fun??

You say pods, plural. Will there be other people staying?

Other than that I think your fears are well founded. sorry about that.

We're driving from Page Arizona.

I think those risks are probably part of the appeal for most people, surely?

I like being alone, but not quite that isolated. ;)

Check your shoes every time you put them on (Scorpians, snakes) and ensure you carry Gps so you can call 911.

There are only 3 pods and after reading the reviews, you tend to get the whole lot to yourself. The owner doesn't live on site either but says he can be contacted however, there is no wifi. Also the owner warns that it's a bugger to find and he will send precise instructions so we don't get lost - that makes me even more nervous! Plus he says you'll manage the route better with a 4x4 so it doesn't sound like it's near any main roads. Saying that though, when we did Route 66 we could drive for miles on the main roads without seeing another soul.

On the other hand, it has lots and lots of reviews, all of then very positive ...

When driving, take plenty of water...we're talking gallons and gallons here, not just a bottle or two. Take food. And if your car breaks down, do not exit the vehicle.

Why don't you exit the vehicle?

Oof, don't Google the death Valley Germans then...

I've been to Page, Arizona
There's a huge Walmart there so you can stock up on water, food, batteries, flares, bug spray, everything

Sounds fun!

If you're really worried you could buy an InReach.

You don't exit the vehicle because the weather and dryness is so extreme, and the distances are so far, that you will likely be caught out before you reach help. Experienced hikers have died in similar circumstances. Do not underestimate the amount of water per person!

It is official advice I believe, you are apparently more likely to get help to come to you than to mount a fruitless search for help.

According to the NPS website:

With an air conditioned vehicle you can safely tour many of the main sites in Death Valley. Stay on paved roads in summer, and if your car breaks down, stay with it until help arrives.
Always bring plenty of water in your car in case of emergency and drink at least 2 to 4 liters per day, more if you are active in the heat.

I got bitten by a brown recluse spider in Louisiana.
It took a couple of days before it got really manky and there's not really much treatment available anyway, so being miles from anywhere won't make much difference for a spider bite.

While this may be true for Brown Recluse bites, which carry a risk of necrosis, you actually are advised to seek help right away if bitten by a black widow spider, due to the chance of a reaction to the venom. Black widows are more common in SoCal than Brown Recluse I believe?

you will die and be eaten by alien beasts

HTH

No idea about black widows. Only been bitten by a recluse and one of unknown species ( in Spain of all places).
I seem to attract things that bite.

You’ll be fine just don’t watch the hills have eyes. 👀 I started suffering after 20 minutes without water in Death Valley, have lots of water, let the next accomdation know your plans to they know to raise the alarm if you don’t turn up. It goes sound an amazing experience.

I've camped in death valley, gone walking and driven through in a car with no air con. Take sensible precautions and you'll be fine.

What time of year are you going?

I think it sounds exciting OP. Wish I was going, with DH.

Does the glamping pod have a sewn in groundsheet ? And maybe an insect net ? You will be fine.

And don't forget your UV torch to show up scorpions.

Are you an experienced traveller/camper? Or when you say seasoned traveller, do you mean more first world travel?

If you're experienced, following the tips above, I think you'll have a brilliant unforgettable time.

If you're not really then it could be a bit hard core!