Water Drops in the times of COVID-19

Extreme heat with humidity can make for a dangerous combination. Saturday’s drop had our team in temperatures from 100° to 110°.
One group found consumed supplies we have left out, and a lot of evidence of migration passing through this corridor. Supplies were replenished and we will follow up on this area shortly.
Our other group scouted canyon exit points from another major corridor, and found some fresh signs of travel, as well as our supplies consumed that were left miles away.
We have the luxury of being well fed, rested, and hydrated before heading to the desert. We hike with the knowledge that we are safe and the privilege to be able to call for help if necessary. We are never truly alone. We hike with abundant water, electrolytes, air conditioned cars waiting for us with ice chests full to cool us off....and still it is difficult.
Every single year we learn more about how little we know about the true journey of desert migration and gain even more respect for the mission at hand. Every year we see signs of people being pushed further and further in already unimaginable circumstances.
Despite a deadly global pandemic and their practices having already funneled thousands to their death in the desert, Border Patrol remains in the desert, mountains, and checkpoints ensuring that those seeking safety must travel exponentially longer distances in dangerous conditions.
Apprehensions, detention, deportations, all these practices persists despite the risks to everyone involved and we expect they will continue regardless of how long this particular crisis lasts and how much death and danger results. Which is why we have not, and will never leave the desert. As long as people are crossing through, we’ll be there.