Yucca Needle and Thread

[dolfan87]

I had today off from work, so I went out yesterday around 1 p.m., and four wheeled deep into the desert. Testing myself yet again, I set up camp and then set out on a three hour hike up a mountain wash.

Really just tried to be aware of everything around me, and see what I could use for survival.

I had seen Les Stroud do this on Survivor Man, but never attempted it myself.

Here is a desert Yucca plant. Not sure on the exact type.

http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p292/dolfan87/Yucca1.jpg

Now the ends of these leaves are wicked sharp. I know, because I slipped and stabbed myself with one not that long ago.

So the trick is, to take the end about a half inch down from the tip, and rock it back and fourth until is kind of snaps.

http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p292/dolfan87/Yucca.jpg

Once it snaps, tug on the end (don't break the tip) and the "needle" will come up attached to the "string."

http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p292/dolfan87/YuccaString1.jpg

This particular plant gave me about 12" of string.

http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p292/dolfan87/YuccaString2.jpg

As you can imagine, this would be very useful for repairing a torn shirt, or pants...sewing together just about anything!

Also, the leaves of this plant are full of those strings. Cut one off...smash it flat with a rock, and use the fibers inside to make longer cordage. The stuff is strong too. One strand was very difficult to break. I snapped it, but only after putting about all I had into it.

Good times yesterday over all. I found a water seep, and the biggest Saguaro cactus I had ever seen. The only thing missing was a buddy to share it with, and some rabbit, or quail. None to be found anywhere.

http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p292/dolfan87/SaguaroHuge.jpg

[crashdive123]

Nice pictures, good post. Thanks.

[mitch.chesney]

Dolfan, when I get out to L.A. this February we'll have to do some desert stuff. I will humbly say I know very little of the desert and am eager to learn some new skills.

[dolfan87]

Dolfan, when I get out to L.A. this February we'll have to do some desert stuff. I will humbly say I know very little of the desert and am eager to learn some new skills.

Yeah man, let's do it. I have to tell you, I have lived here for 21 years, and while I have spent gobs of time out there, now I look at it in a whole new light.

I am learning a lot even after 21 years.

[Beans]

Glad you used your pliers rather bitting it off like they did on Survivor rman!

[Runs With Beer]

Great photos Good post, Another little thing to save and file away, Nice job.