[3.5] Desert-themed 1st Level Encounters/Adventure Ideas?

[Unusual Muse]

Hello all...

I'm going to be starting off a new 1st-level party in a campaign world that is like Dark Sun but without the psionics. I've always liked the idea of low-level adventures that focus more on non-combat stuff (so as to keep the PC kill factor down!) and I'm looking for some cool ideas for encounters/adventures set in that "apocalyptic desert" setting... especially things that are skill-based, puzzles, character-developing, etc. etc. etc.

Thanks!

[Feralventas]

Survival in a deadly environment.

Sand-storm's coming in; find shelter before it flays you or buries you alive.

The temperature drops at night; set up a tent in time.

Non-monsterous desert snakes or spiders.

balance to surf down a sand-dune as part of a local cultural competition.

Crazy Hassan.