That's so sad. An unforgiving environment, to say the least.

I was planning a cross-country trip a couple years ago (which did not actually happen) and was very concerned about logistics for the stretch from Las Vegas to my cousin's place in Ridgecrest and then on to Yosemite -- and that's paved highways!

It was going to be just me and my dog. Though I have a very reliable vehicle (knock on wood) and it would be a well-traveled, paved route, the prospect of breaking down in that environment was very daunting to me.

I wouldn't do that Joshua Tree drive in those conditions if Cody Lundin was riding shotgun.

May the victims RIP and condolences to their loved ones.