Dune Walk Two:
on The Edge
Page Two
On the way to those trees on the south side, we pass by what looks like the same trees on the west side:
A couple of old volcanoes sit at the edge of the dune field toward the south:
Speaking of south, here are those trees, but the trail is now turning us west and not toward those trees:
We walk right past these trees and note they seem to be reproducing vegetatively:
Trail signs still sat naught concerning these trees until we are walking away from them onto the flats:
This sign is very interesting to me. I never knew there was water released when you digest some types of seeds. "Metabolic water" --never heard of it but if you Google it this is part of what you learn--you actually get some of your inner water this way too!
Metabolic water refers to water created inside a living organism through their metabolism, by oxidizing energy-containing substances in their food. Metabolism of fat produces about 107.1 grams of water per 100 grams, protein 41.3 grams, and starch 55.1 g.[1]
Some organisms, especially xerocoles, animals living in the desert, rely exclusively on metabolic water. Migratory birds must rely exclusively on metabolic water production while making non-stop flights.[2][3] Humans, by contrast, obtain only about 8-10% of their water needs through metabolic water production.[4]
In mammals, the water produced from metabolism of protein roughly equals the amount needed to excrete the urea which is a byproduct of the metabolism of protein.[4] Birds, however, excrete uric acid and can have a net gain of water from the metabolism of protein.
So if you get thirsty, start munching grass seeds? Only if you are an animal living here. Visitors are expected to carry water as the sign said.
Once we are out of the flats again, we see more green trees! (Next page, don't give up now!)
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