Getting Comfortable in the Desert

The original set-up of our camp was great, but we needed a few amenities to really make things comfortable. Sunset around 6:00 p.m. meant lighting was imperative.

I brought along a set of 25 Sunlitec solar LED lights and stretched the string around the interior of the tent/yurt (the 8″ x 8″ solar panel is detachable so it can be placed in the sun to charge daily). These really provide nice lighting.

Sorry, I should’ve edited the bathroom out of the photo! 🙄

The lights look pretty nice from outside the yurt too!

I also have two Suaoki small collapsible solar lanterns to use as night lights. A 72-year-old needs light when he gets up at 3:00 a.m. for…well you get it.

A decent headlamp is indispensable when walking around in the dark. I have one made by Energizer with 3 small LEDs that put out all the light I need.

No self-respecting camp can be without a campfire so I’m using a Unigear folding backpacker stove from Amazon and a stainless silverware/utensil draining can (I picked it up for four bucks at WalMart) which holds a few cups of wooden pellets. Not much wood is available in the desert and gathering is prohibited anyway. The pellets work like a charm. The fire isn’t huge but still sets the tone for the evening.

Finally, if all else fails, a Dietz No. 1 Little Wizard oil lantern will work in any kind of weather. After all, they’ve been doing the job for well over 100 years!

This little piece of history is less than thirty bucks!

Of course, Amazon stocks most of these items should you care to pick any up.

Let there be light!