Scorpion stings on the rise (USAToday)

Every time I think I can leave my inner net at home (another Big Bend trip coming up), I read something like this.

Dammit!

Yeah and that’s why this arizona boy sleeps in a tent rather than a tarp.

I do like sleeping in an open hammock. I have a hard time picturing a wide scorpion climbing down my amsteel suspension…

Many years ago I did my first canyon backpack. Everyone assured me that all I needed was a ground tarp as it would not rain. Well… first night I had a rattle snake in my camp just after dark and just after I had dinner and spread out my gear. It was a VERY tense half hour or so of trying to pack up everything while keeping my light on the snake. I needed to make sure I knew where that snake was at all times. I moved camp a hundred yards or two but I did not sleep a wink as I was on guard… up shining my light around me every few minutes. Nor did I sleep well the next several nights.

Ever since then when I backpack in rattle snake and scorpion country I do so with a 2 man tent. I put everything… my pack and all my gear… in that tent with me at night so I don’t have to worry about snakes and scorpions getting into my gear at night. And I sleep quite well. It’s well worth the extra pound.

Billy

Oh Joy (she said sarcastically)!

Yep, nowadays, I mostly use a tent in creepy-crawly country… That said, I have cowboy camped plenty, too, even in Grand Canyon.  Fortunately, I’ve never had Billy Ray’s experience.  I probably would’ve packed up and just walked out at that point, lol!  Back east, tents were the obvious choice for a mosquito-magnet like me.

Just bring a southern grasshopper mouse with you. (Fascinating video at link).