Spaceward Bound: Mojave

Weather at Zzyzx and What To Bring

The average temperatures for March/April at Baker, CA (which is 9 miles
SSW of Zzyzx) are highs in the low 80's and lows in the low 50's.
However, they have been experiencing warmer than average temperatures
with highs in the low 90's. It may continue to be warm, or it may return
to the normal pattern. It is forecast to be "mostly sunny" and 90F
high/53F low on Sunday, March 25.

There is no rain in the forecast, however, please bring a lightweight
poncho or other lightweight rain jacket with hood. We will still be out
and about -- even if it's raining !!!

Remember that you will be in the desert -- there is nothing except
atmosphere between you and the sun. In addition, the sun reflects off
the light colored soils in the desert -- thus you can get sunburned even
while wearing a hat! Sun BLOCK, not simply sun screen, is critical --
particularly if your skin hasn't seen much sun over the past couple of
months! Now is not the time to work on your tan!

Shoes

-   A pair to be worn in the field, lightweight, good support,
    comfortable for lots of walking (sometimes over rough/rocky
    terrain). Note: Within about 2 minutes of arriving at Zzyzx your
    shoes will be dusty and they will only get more dusty as the week
    goes on. If it rains, they will get muddy. Don't brings shoes that
    you want to keep clean !!!

-   If you want to give your feet a break in camp, bring a pair of
    lightweight shoes or TEVA's with socks just for walking around camp.

-   You may want to bring a pair of flip-flops for the shower

-   Note: don't plan on putting on flip-flops to make a midnight run to
    the bathroom -- wear a full shoe -- beasties are out and about at
    night and they don't like it when they're stepped on!

Sleeping bag and pillow, or sheets for single bed and pillow -- your
choice

[WIDE-BRIMMED HAT FOR SUN PROTECTION]{.underline}

Lightweight long pants for the field (shorts can be worn but leave you
vulnerable to sunburn and scratches from rocks and bushes). Shorts at
the station are fine.

Sunglasses

Lightweight long sleeve shirts.

A fleece or similar warm jacket for evening, particularly if the high
40's sounds cold to you!

Two refillable water bottles

Flashlight for caving and those midnight runs to the bathroom

[SUN BLOCK]{.underline}

Lotion for dry skin

Towels

Toiletries & medications

Backpack/fanny pack -- something to carry water bottles and journal out
into the field

Speaking of journals ... if you are keeping your journal on a computer,
please bring a small notebook and pencil for taking notes and making
drawings/diagrams in the field. You won't remember everything!

Camera

Note: if you don't look ratty by the end of the week, you will not have
been doing Spaceward Bound !! Ask your teacher leaders..... !!!

PLEASE PACK LIGHTLY. THERE IS LIMITED ROOM IN THE VANS AND YOU WILL BE
SHARING A ROOM WITH SEVERAL OTHER PEOPLE. Note that if you want to wash
out an item of clothing, it will dry [very]{.underline} quickly!

REMEMBER: DON'T PUT IT ON UNTIL YOU SHAKE IT OUT !!! YOU'D BE LOOKING
FOR A NICE SOFT PLACE TO SLEEP TOO IF YOUR NORMAL HABITAT WAS THE HARD
DESERT GROUND !!!

\*\*\*\*\* More info ! \*\*\*\*\*

There are power outlets and overhead lights in every room.

Most cell phones will work at the station -- but probably not in the
field.

There is wi-fi which is useable by both Mac and PC. However the
bandwidth to the satellite is limited so not everyone will be able to be
on-line at the same time. Write your emails, etc., then log on and send
them. Don't stay on-line while composing. Also, download your emails and
then get off line -- don't read while on line.

There will be a small amount of refrigerator space for personal items,
along the lines of a couple cans of soda, 1/2L milk, etc.

For the students that are camping, unfortunately there is no power at
the campsite. Best thing to do would be to ask someone to leave your
electronics in their room to charge. Also, please bring a tent -- don't
plan on sleeping under the stars. There are too many nocturnal nasty
beasties. Plus you may find Vicente, the local little red fox, snuggling
up next to you!

There are t-shirts available for purchase at the station, some postcards
etc.

Remember, we'll be on a National Preserve, so collecting any specimens
of anything is illegal unless you have a permit. If you see something
that you want to bring back to your classroom, ask one of the scientists
who does have a permit to collect.