The Cameleers
Our Cameleers were Josef, who was leading the trek, Shaun, James and Elliat. They were all remarkable people with so many different sides. I am of the opinion that they should all take up marathon running as I am sure they would win Olympic medals.
One of the many amazing times of the trek was when we spotted wild bull camels which had to be chased away from our cow camels. These cameleers who had been "strolling" alongside the camels, suddenly sprang into action.
Shaun would run at top speed, almost dancing through the spinifex cracking his whip. Josef would be in close by also sprinting through the bush and firing his shotgun. Elliat would run whooping and barking. I myself was pretty frightened the first time I heard her.
It was an amazing sight to watch and hear. What was even more amazing was their reappearance half an hour later when they would run back, barely our of breath.
Add to this the constant vigilance as they led the camels, and the prodding to get them over sand dunes or sometimes even past a nice juicy tree. Plus looking out so that they did not eat the "camel poison bush." It was amazing that they did not collapse at the end of the days walk.
While we were looking for a swag site and an area to camp with lots of firewood, they would be searching for a camp with suitable vegetation for the camels to eat at night. While we were setting up our swags and trying to have a baby wipe dry showering experience, they would be shepherding the camels and cooking up gourmet meals. They were ever ready with their leatherman tools to butter your bread, lift the billy off the fire, or cut the neck-rope of a camel who had tangled itself up and was in danger of injury.
While we were snoring loudly all night the Cameleers would be sleeping with one ear open for the sound of a wild Bull camel approaching the camp.
One of the many amazing times of the trek was when we spotted wild bull camels which had to be chased away from our cow camels. These cameleers who had been "strolling" alongside the camels, suddenly sprang into action.
Shaun would run at top speed, almost dancing through the spinifex cracking his whip. Josef would be in close by also sprinting through the bush and firing his shotgun. Elliat would run whooping and barking. I myself was pretty frightened the first time I heard her.
It was an amazing sight to watch and hear. What was even more amazing was their reappearance half an hour later when they would run back, barely our of breath.
Add to this the constant vigilance as they led the camels, and the prodding to get them over sand dunes or sometimes even past a nice juicy tree. Plus looking out so that they did not eat the "camel poison bush." It was amazing that they did not collapse at the end of the days walk.
While we were looking for a swag site and an area to camp with lots of firewood, they would be searching for a camp with suitable vegetation for the camels to eat at night. While we were setting up our swags and trying to have a baby wipe dry showering experience, they would be shepherding the camels and cooking up gourmet meals. They were ever ready with their leatherman tools to butter your bread, lift the billy off the fire, or cut the neck-rope of a camel who had tangled itself up and was in danger of injury.
While we were snoring loudly all night the Cameleers would be sleeping with one ear open for the sound of a wild Bull camel approaching the camp.
© 2005 - Vaneeta & Tom
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