Chapter 9 Water Summary and Analysis

Abbey talks with a tourist from Cleveland, Ohio, who thinks that the desert would be a better place if it had more water. The author counters with an argument that the desert is fine the way it is, and trying to make it just like Cleveland would destroy the special qualities of the area.

Only two creeks flow from springs in the Arches area, and both are not potable. Salt Creek is too salty and Onion Creek is poisonous. The best thing to do is carry at least a gallon of water for each person while out for a day, something Abbey learned while hiking down into the Grand Canyon with only a quart.

The cottonwood tree signals where water might be, but this may take digging for it. If a person suffers from thirst, dehydration is setting in...