A Desert Trip
Although there are presently fewer people crossing the Arizona desert, there are more deaths now than in the past 10 years. This has been called the decade of death. In order to fully understand the tragedy that occurs on our U.S. /Mexico border, the best education you can get is to travel with us to the desert. Since 2002, we have amassed endless amounts of on-the-ground information about daily occurrences at the border.
Please join us on a Samaritan trip to the desert to be a witness to the suffering. We try to have daily patrols throughout the year.
Our primary purpose is to witness what happens on the roads and trails. It is important to observe what happens and tell friends, family and the world what we see.
We also carry life-saving water to the desert. Once in a while, we meet people from south of the border who cross the desert on their journey through Arizona. In that case, we have water, food and medical assistance available.
There are several types of Samaritan trips:
We drive in 4 wheel drive vehicles. Trips can take 4-5 volunteers/ some have medical and Spanish speaking skills. See Covid protoccols.
Usually we meet at 7 AM (6 in the summer), load supplies in the vehicle and go to the desert. We return later in the afternoon. All times are flexible.
Wear appropriate protective clothing and sunscreen. In the summer, temperatures can reach 118 degrees. In the winter, it can freeze. Seasonally, there are abrupt storms. Hyperthermia and hypothermia are common.
Not only is the Arizona Sonora desert the richest and most beautiful in the world, we want to record what we see. However, we request that you do not photograph anyone we meet without their permission.
Please join us on a Samaritan trip to the desert to be a witness to the suffering. We try to have daily patrols throughout the year.
Our primary purpose is to witness what happens on the roads and trails. It is important to observe what happens and tell friends, family and the world what we see.
We also carry life-saving water to the desert. Once in a while, we meet people from south of the border who cross the desert on their journey through Arizona. In that case, we have water, food and medical assistance available.
There are several types of Samaritan trips:
- Drive paved roads. We drive paved roads within 40 miles of the Arizona/Sonora border observing, and assisting people in need.
- Drive back roads. We travel dirt roads to be of assistance.
- Drive and hike short distances. We carry backpacks with food, water and first-responder medicine kits, walking trails for a short time, observing and searching for people in need.
- Drive and hike long distances. We go on all-day hikes, carrying supplies in backpacks, to be witnesses on the trails and offer help when needed.
We drive in 4 wheel drive vehicles. Trips can take 4-5 volunteers/ some have medical and Spanish speaking skills. See Covid protoccols.
Usually we meet at 7 AM (6 in the summer), load supplies in the vehicle and go to the desert. We return later in the afternoon. All times are flexible.
Wear appropriate protective clothing and sunscreen. In the summer, temperatures can reach 118 degrees. In the winter, it can freeze. Seasonally, there are abrupt storms. Hyperthermia and hypothermia are common.
Not only is the Arizona Sonora desert the richest and most beautiful in the world, we want to record what we see. However, we request that you do not photograph anyone we meet without their permission.