The Allure of Deserts

There is an allure, a power, in walking through open deserts. I was reading about the mystery of David Stone’s 1988 disappearance, and sensed that he felt that power too. I felt an affinity - he was almost my age, and I traveled through some of this same country:

After this violent outburst, David told his friends and family about his behavior and said he ought to go on a walkabout to reflect on his conduct. He said he would return in a few days. According to deputy Sheriff Bill Cavaliere, the investigating officer, on the morning of Halloween 1988, he walked into the desert, 145 miles east of Tucson, Arizona. At around dawn, a farmer spotted him walking along a dirt road. The farmer briefly chatted with him, as it was seldom he saw tourists in this remote part of New Mexico. David told him that he was looking for the "beast". Throughout the day, several local residents had seen him around the desert. He was acting strangely, talking to himself, and walking through rough terrain. Five days later, his car was found abandoned along a desolate stretch of New Mexico Highway 80, fourteen miles south of Roadforks, New Mexico. David's family believes that he went on a "vision quest" which is common among people in the New Age Movement. In this quest, the person goes on a journey to learn more about him or herself.

Deserts can be some of the most pleasant places on Earth, but they make demands. You need water, some food, good shoes, and a hat. Falter or fail, and you’re done for. 

I’ve always felt the deserts of New Mexico are friendly places. Arizona deserts too are pleasant, maybe in a different kind of way. The Colorado Plateau? Paradise! The Great Basin desert of Nevada has always felt indifferent to me, however. My human life means little there. 

The place that filled me with dread upon my only encounter was traveling along the edge of the Australian Outback. So large, and remarkably empty of people. Makes New Mexico feel crowded. Easy to disappear there. It feels like southern Arizona but it works by different rules. Diabolical-looking spiders. Even roadkill smells different. But it’s a magical place. The only place I’ve seen the Zodiacal Light after sunset, and felt that I really was gazing through tens of millions of miles of interplanetary dust. You could feel the depth! 

The Outback - perfect place for a walkabout! I need to return.