Word: Arenaceous

 

arenaceous

[ar-uh-ney-shuhs]

adjective

1. Geology, Petrology.,  (of rocks) sandlike; sandy.

2. Botany.,  growing in sand.

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                   The desert was all around them. Endless sand spread out, and the sun beat down hard. Luckily, the wind was still, which meant so was the sand. This did mean that there was no relief from the sun, save for what was brought into the inhospitable place.

                   “You know, we don’t have to be here. We could just turn around and head back to town. Get a hotel with AC and free breakfast.” Nick said. He sat on his ATV as his partner scanned the horizon with a pair of binoculars.

                   “Yes, I know.” George replied. “You’ve brought up the option a few times now.”

                   “And yet, I notice we’re still here. And you’re still looking at sand.”

                   “I’m not looking at sand. I’m searching the desert.”

                   “Might as well be the same thing out here. Look, I know you’re hoping to find some plants or something, but that’s not going to happen. Not in this place.”

                   “Desert plants are well known and well respected.”

                   “Wrong kind of desert, buddy. Deserts with plants tend to have dirt, not sand.”

                   George lowered his binoculars and headed to the second ATV. There was nothing within his current line of sight, but that just meant they needed to find a different place to search.

                   “That we know of.” He said as he got behind the steering bar. He heard Nick groan. “Look, plants are hardy things. And yes, I know sand isn’t all that hospitable for them. It’s dry, nearly devoid of nutrients, and is easily blown by the wind. But we know there are plants that can grow in sand.”

                   “Sure, but not in desert sand. Nobody has ever found plants growing here.”

                   “That just means nobody’s looked hard enough. I know most people think life can’t exist out here. But we know that’s not true. Animals have been found living in this very desert. And where there’s animals, there are plants. Plants are hardy. They’ll always find a way to live in just about any environment. I don’t see why this place should be any different.”

                   “I can think of a bunch of reasons why plants won’t grow out here. And those animals you mentioned? They tend to stick near water sources. And the desert plants that do live around here do the same. If you really want to study that sort of thing, we can head to an oasis or something.”

                   “That’s not what I’m looking for, and you know it. I’m looking for the real survivors of the plant world. The ones that can make a living out in the middle of the desert. Now come on, let’s get a move on. I want to try a few more locations before sundown.”

                   George did not let Nick get anymore words in. He started up his ATV and started driving. Nick grumbled under his breath, but followed. As much as he hated it, leaving his friend to die in the desert would leave an even worse taste in his mouth. Hopefully George would get sick of the search sooner rather than later.

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   Cue Jeff Goldblum talking about life finding a way here.