November '09

Howdy folks and welcome to another month gone by with the Texas Camel Corps.

November took us from Texas to Mississippi, to Mexico and back. Let’s get to it.

Camels Visit Bremond, Texas

On Monday, November 2, camels Ibrahim and Richard traveled to Bremond, Texas, southeast of Waco, to share stories of the historic U.S. Army Camel Experiment with this town’s 7^th and 8^th grade history students.

At the invitation of Brian Garcia, Texas and U.S. History teacher, the camels did their part to help the kids understand the role camels played as pack animals in an expanding 19^th century U.S. frontier. Back when I first dreamed up the Texas Camel Corps, this was exactly the kind of work I envisioned. Of course the camels do all the work, I simply tell the tales.

In addition to the historical piece, I also touch on the cultures that use camels around the world, environmental science and adaptations camels need to live in such harsh locales. In this photo I’m showing how a camel’s belly is kept up, off the ground, by a sternal callosity allowing for cool air to circulate under the torso.

The students seemed genuinely interested in the more didactic aspects of the presentation and loved meeting the camels, up close and personal, at the end of each program. Of course, I couldn’t resist putting a couple of kids up on Richard and Ibrahim; watching their eyes get as round as saucers when the camels rise up from a kneeling position is priceless.

It is evident Mr. Garcia loves what he does: his students asked well thought out questions and engaged one another in really fantastic discussion. Thanks so much to Brian for inviting us to Bremond.

At left, one student shows her appreciation to Richard with a kiss on the nose.

Corinth, Mississippi Civil War Interpretive Center Hosts “Old Douglas”

On the weekend of November 7/8, camels Ibrahim and Richard traveled to Corinth, Mississippi, just south of the Tennessee state line for living history programs at the Corinth Civil War Interpretive Center, part of the U.S. National Parks Service. This is a shot of me, far left with drum, and some area reenactors who participated in the weekend's event.

Some background: Corinth was a major railroad crossing during the Civil War, which made it a strategic point and the Union (North) wanted control. To get there, however, the Union had to battle the Confederates (South) at Shiloh, only 20-plus miles away. So, where does a camel fit in? Perhaps you’re familiar with the U.S. Army camels, working in Texas at roughly the same time (1860’s).

Though no documentation exists, it seems a Rebel lieutenant named William H. Hargrove somehow had in his possession a single camel, named “Old Douglas” (gotta love the name!). Possibly, Hargrove had served in Texas and became acquainted with the camels there and, when war broke out, took one with him east. According to a couple of former members of the 43^rd Mississippi Infantry, interviewed around the turn of the 20^th century in Confederate Veterans magazine, Douglas first appears in Iuka, Mississippi, spooking a horse which goes on to run through the camp, the fence post to which it was tied dragging behind and causing havoc. Despite this rough beginning, Douglas was adopted as the mascot for the 43^rd and the old-timers’ recollections further recorded his service at the battle of Corinth, where he reportedly carried baggage and the regimental band’s instruments.

From Corinth, Douglas headed southwest to Vicksburg, Mississippi where his life was taken by a Yankee sharpshooter and is now memorialized by a tombstone on site at this National Battlefield, photo at left. Douglas’ history makes him the only camel to see battle in the U.S. Civil War; the Confederates in charge of camels in Texas used them primarily for hauling salt and cotton between the Texas Hill Country and the Gulf Coast port of Brownsville.

For our modern impression of Douglas, I chose Richard, my longest-legged camel and one I thought would be able to take on the role. Ibrahim was along as company. Whether in Mississippi or Texas, people love the camels! I quickly found folks in the South very likely have ancestors who fought during the Civil War and know their history well. The other interesting point was the nature of war itself in this region, compared with frontier history in Texas. Battles in the main theatre of the War were over strategic locations, man-made locations, like the rail crossing in Corinth. In Texas and the West, strategic though they were, water sources tended to be the reason for conflict and, of course, the enemy was not one’s own countrymen, rather the indigenous peoples who’d lived on the continent for millennia.

My buddy Paul Arellano and I actually arrived a day or two early and took time to visit the battlefield and museum at Shiloh and become acquainted with Corinth’s history at the NPS’s incredible museum, the aforementioned Corinth Civil War Interpretive Center (www.nps.gov/shil/historyculture/corinth.htm). Over the two-day event I learned soooo much about the area from visitors who’d come to learn about the camels and this was, perhaps the highlight of the trip for me. How rich in heritage are the Corinthians to have such tragic history in their own backyards. One local I came to know well was Dr. Douglas Locke, DVM (how many Dougs can you fit into one story?!!!!). Dr. Locke was kind enough to put the camels up at his place, just outside of town, and the accommodations were fantastic. Doug is a Civil War reenactor and collector and could very well teach a master’s course on Civil War history. What a great time Paul and I had, just chatting with him and his beautiful daughter Sarah Grace.

In the photo at left, Confederate reenactors demonstrate battlefield firing techniques.

Thanks to Ashley Berry with NPS, Keith Willingham and the other Confederate reenactors for their hard work, Bart Costa, band director at Valley Mills, Texas High School for the loan of brass instruments and Dr. Doug Locke and daughter, Sarah Grace, for their kindness and generosity.

Camels Visit Gatesville, Texas High School

Wednesday, November 11, camels Marianne and Ibrahim and I were guests of the Gatesville, Texas High School Cultural Anthropology class. Wow! What a great curriculum these kids are lucky to have.

Teacher Shana Lyles invited me for the second year in a row to share the camels and their role in the cultures they serve. The informal hour was spent discussing what makes cultures similar as well as different. This is always fun; I get to bring the camels, plus tons of artifacts and clothing from my travels. Some of the young ladies in the class tried on Bedouin apparel while the young men outfitted themselves in jel-la-bi-yas, the traditional long-shirt ubiquitous throughout the Middle East, photos below.

Comparing and contrasting our lifestyle with that of the Arab world was, hopefully, eye opening for the students. I certainly enjoyed my time and appreciate the efforts Shana puts into her students. Thanks to Shana and her daughter Clair for helping out with the camels.

Brazos Valley Worldfest Takes Camels “Around The World”

On Saturday, November 14, camels Richard and Ibrahim, plus the aforementioned Paul Arellano and I visited with thousands of folks at the Brazos Valley Worldfest held in College Station, Texas’ Wolf Pen Creek Amphitheater, just off the campus of Texas A&M University.

Worldfest celebrates international awareness through cultural displays, demonstrations, international cuisine, performances and crafts. The event is free and, like the school program mentioned in the first story, is EXACTLY what I was thinking of when I first stepped foot into the business of the Texas Camel Corps.

Most of the displays were manned by the various international student organizations from A&M. Malaysian, Ecuadorean, Chinese, Indian, you name it- they were there! What an incredible array of cultures. The native dress worn by the diverse peoples was an assault on the eyes and I mean that in the very best way! Paul and I, too, were adorned in appropriate Middle Eastern apparel for our representation of life in the deserts Arabian camels call home. We even brought a beyt sha’ar (goat-hair tent) from my travels in Egypt/Sinai; I’ve been working on it, piece by piece, for the last couple of years and festooned it with artifacts like a fin-jan (coffee pot), gha-bit (camel saddle) and a sampling of sij-jaad (carpets). Poised atop the gentle slope at the back of the amphitheater, we were able to see and hear just about every performance on the main stage at the bottom of the hill.

For most of the visitors, the festival was a chance to learn about other cultures from around the world. Children were given a passport and each area would “stamp” the little books for the kids. Our stamp was my drawing of a camel and the word ja-mal, written in Arabic. But for other visitors, international students primarily, it was a chance to have a little bit of home, if only for a day. More than once I glanced over and saw Arab couples sitting in front of or beneath the goat-hair tent! What a surprise it must’ve been for them to see not only the camels, but also such a unique piece of the fabric of their culture. Now, it must be said that I don’t believe all Arabs live in goat-hair tents (as a tour guide in the Middle East I am aware of the clear distinction between rural Bedouin and urban Arabs), but for the Middle Easterners I came into contact with that day, all appreciated the effort Paul and I put into our display. Except for my pasty-whiteness, one might have confused us for real Bedouin: Paul, who is ethnically Hispanic, had a handful of native Arabic speakers actually approach him and begin conversation in Arabic.

Visitor: Salaam wa aleikum.

Paul: Wa aleikum a salaam. That’s all I know.

One of the food vendors, Salim, a Jordanian living in the U.S. for many years now, was so tickled to see the camels and his culture represented (not to mention the lively Arabic repartee with this Texan) he absolutely would not allow us to pay for our lunch, which I might add was the BEST lamb gyro Paul and I have ever eaten.

To say the festival was FANTASTIC would be an understatement and I recommend each of you take your families to this event (to which we’ve been invited back) next year on November 13, 2010. Huge thanks to Kim Fox at Texas A&M for going out on a limb and hiring the camels and me sight unseen. This event was truly a pleasure and honor for us.

Centro Cristiano Waco Visits The Farm

On Sunday, November 15, pastor Enrique Galindo of nearby Waco, Texas brought out members of his flock from the Centro Cristiano Waco Church.

Enrique and I both have sons on the same soccer team and I have really enjoyed our time together during the recent season. Originally from D.F. (Distrito Federal, or Mexico City), Enrique also is a part time payaso (clown, in Spanish), performing at parties and using his alter ego to spread his message of faith.

With between 15 and 20 gentes (people) at the farm, the responsibilidad (do I really have to translate that one for you?) fell on my wife, Trish (pictured above and at left, leading Richard), and me to keep the guests entertained and engaged and, to my surprise, there was my dutiful bride, conversing in one-third English, one-third sign language and one-third Spanish! I thought the only word she knew in Espanol was catorce (fourteen). Not bad for a Czech girl. Each and every hombre, mujer and niño took a ride on a camel and got plenty of time to ask preguntas (questions) and take fotos.

Marveled by the unique anatomy of the camel, Enrique asked if it hurts when a camel steps on your foot. I was more than happy to oblige, picking up Richard's foot and placing it on Enrique's toes. Due to the fatty tissue that fills the foot, the weight seems far less than it actually is, the spongy interior conforming to whatever it's placed upon. Enrique and Richard both escaped unharmed.

Muchas gracias to Pastor Galindo and all the folks from his church for taking the time to come visit the farm.

Mexican Camel Training Part 4

November 18-23 saw me back in Cancun, Mexico, training camels and staff of Camel Safari at El Dorado Royale resort.

Raul, Mauricio, Fernando and company are now guiding paying guests through the jungle, to the beach and back along a sendero (trail) with posted announcements in Arabic, English, Spanish and French, advising the unwary about camels ahead.

The outfit has acquired 5 new camels, all of which should be working very soon thanks to the guys’ hard work in training. With 12 camellos total, they’re well on their way to Mexico’s largest camel herd! I’m so proud of the work I’m doing there and even more proud of the fellas and their accomplishments. This trip, I had the pleasure of watching the guys work with groups from the U.S. and Canada as well as a honeymoon couple from Texas! Of his camel adventure, the new groom said, “Next to my wedding, this is my favorite memory.” See the honeymoon couple in the image below, led by Raul and Demian, with Mauricio riding one of the new camels, Noo-Hoch (Mayan for "big").

The camels, ever growing in number, are headed to another location on El Dorado’s property, as their current palapa (thatch hut) won’t hold them for much longer. The development of the new camel area is stunning! Situated on a slight rise above the surrounding selva (jungle), the new, mas grande (bigger) palapa takes advantage of Caribbean breezes and is going to be a refreshing change for this gringo who suffers in the tropical humidity each time he visits.

I’ve written about palapas in recent months, but this time ‘round I’d like to show some pictures of the on-going construction of the camels’ new digs. To refresh your memory, the palapa is the

traditional Mayan structure found throughout the Yucatan Peninsula and down into Central

America. Other cultures construct similar shelters, of course, using locally available resources. The structure itself is made of post supports, cut from native tropical hardwoods, while the roof is simply palm leaves, bundled together and tied tightly into place over the roof-frame. The more reputable palaperos (literally, makers of palapas) use contemporary connectors like nuts and bolts, replacing vines and natural cordage, and chemical flame-retardant is applied to the structure to meet modern safety standards. The Cancun camels’ new palapa is nothing short of un palacio (a palace).

While simple in design, the new camel barn comes with some pretty cool features. “Windows” allow for breezes to enter from up high, also serving to keep the roof from flying off, umbrella-style, in hurricane winds.

The “doors” are also unique. Cut timbers, nailed and bolted together and amounting to no more than a basic framework, are hinged in a most austere fashion, but in a manner that utterly complements the surrounding structure. A hollowed out log, placed in the ground, receives the inner vertical post of the door, while the top of the same post is nestled in a block of wood with a hole hewn out to receive it. Add some motor oil to the bottom “hinge” from time to time and, voila, swingin’ doors! No matter where you go in the world, you find peoples’ needs are the same: food, water, shelter. Whether it be the goat-hair tent of the Bedouin or the thatch palapa of the Maya, these simple shelters continue to fascinate me.

Sadly, Christmas work in December and my annual Egypt/Sinai trip in January will keep me from Cancun until February, but I’m sure looking forward to getting back down there with my friends and checking the camels’ progress.

In this pair of photos, you can see the simple top and bottom hinge assemblies.

At left, Mauricio sits on his favorite camel, Shy, on the beach.

Egypt/Sinai Update

The image at left is of Saleh bin Suleiman, of the Muzeina tribe, South Sinai. Saleh and I met exactly 10 years ago. January, 2001 it was.

I’d emailed a handful of tour operators from Morocco to Israel, explaining I raised camels in Texas and was looking for a traditionally living nomadic family that’d take me in for a month so I could learn more about these wonderful creatures. A few responses came back, like: “We’ve got a group of 13 French going out such and such date. You can join them and I’m sure you’ll find what you’re looking for.” Only one reply came back encouraging. It was from a Dutch gal, Angela Wierstra, who said, “This is interesting. Let me give it some thought.” Angela had lived in Sinai for almost two-dozen years at that point and knew everyone. A week later another email arrived. Angela had thought of someone who might be willing to take me on. Another week passed and Angela sent an email with this simple phrase in the subject line: “Saleh says let him come.” How poetic! I knew I’d found the right place. In the month I spent in Sinai with Saleh and his family I learned as much as I’d hoped, but the surprising thing was how intrigued by the Bedouin culture I became. How close I became to these people.

Ten years have gone by and I am honored to share this relationship with others. Please email if you’d like to experience the same.

Calendar Of Events

December is a busy time for the camels, donkeys and our family with Christmas events, live Nativities and other church productions. Most families have holiday traditions like seeing the Nutcracker; ours makes sure Mary makes her appointment with destiny and the Magi’s gifts get to the manger on time. Come visit at one of the following locations if you can.

December 3: Waco, Texas. Baylor University Christmas on 5th

December 4-6: Waxahachie, Texas. Bethlehem Revisited

December 8/9: Boerne, Texas. St. Helena's Episcopal Church

December 10: San Antonio, Texas. Carver Academy

December 11-13: Waxahachie, Texas. Bethlehem Revisited

December 11-13: Waco, Texas. First Church of the Nazarene

December 12/13: Waco, Texas. Columbus Avenue Baptist Church

December 15: Valley Mills, Texas. First United Methodist Church

December 16: Sheffield, Texas. Community Christmas Celebration

December 17: Ft. Davis, Texas. Ft. Davis National Historic Site, education programs

December 17: Ft. Davis, Texas. Church in the Mountains

December 18-20: Alpine, Texas. Michael's Mountain Ministry

December 19: Ft. Davis, Texas. Christmas parade and Church in the Mountains

December 21: Ft. Worth, Texas. Arlington Heights United Methodist Church

December 22/23: Waco, Texas. Regent Care Waco

Thanks as always for your interest in my camels and their exploits.

Doug

October '09

Howdy folks and welcome to another month gone by with the Texas Camel Corps. This posting is extremely late, due to my being gone so much plus some slow connection speeds here at the farm. Thanks for your patience.

From education programs and reenactments of historic camel expeditions to training camels in Mexico and hanging with sorority girls and debutantes, October had just about everything I love! Let's get to it.

Amistad Archaeology Fair In Del Rio, Texas

Friday and Saturday, October 2 and 3, camels Gobi and Richard and I told tales of the historic U.S. Army Camel Corps to students and the general public at this border town's Whitehead Museum. The Fair, an annual event put on by Amistad National Recreation Area, is a cultural event worthy of any large city. In this image, friend Clayton Dowell, in period military uniform at right, is helping out.

With a history of human habitation that reaches back nearly 12,000 years, the Trans-Pecos region lurches into the Chihuahuan Desert via stark canyons and, at times, turbulent rivers such as the Devils, Pecos and Rio Grande. It was the water, of course, from these rivers that sustained Paleo-Indians and later attracted settlers during frontier times. The archaeological evidence exists on the canyon walls and under rock shelters in the form of pictographs proclaimed by rock art experts to be as unique as 14,000-year old works in the caves of Europe.

The camels' participation in the Archaeology Fair, representing 19th century Texas, really places a unique bookend to the early cultures’ presence in the area. The U.S. military passed through these parts numerous times in the 1850's and 1860's, taking advantage of the flowing San Felipe Spring before heading further west surveying and plotting new roads to serve an ever-expanding frontier. Del Rio has a lot to be proud of and the folks there love their history. The other presenters shared stories and hands-on activities like making rope from natural fiber and how to use an atlatl (an ancient tool that increased distance and speed of spears) while others gave children paint and hand-sized pieces of sandstone for creating their own rock art.

The camels and I have been lucky to be a part of this event two years in a row and I am excited to be there again next year for their 10th anniversary. If you've got the chance, you really should come see this.

Thanks to Lisa Evans with the National Parks Service for inviting us back. Gracias also to Kathleen Burgess of Val Verde Paddlesports, Angel and Jack Johnson of the Shumla School and NPS, and Alan Cox of NPS for all their hospitality and hard work making the Archaeology Fair happen.


Echols Expedition Reenactment and Ft. Stockton Sesquicentennial

On Saturday October 10, four camels, one donkey, a horse and rider plus two mules pulling a wagon set out from Ft. Lancaster with eight handlers/infantrymen/drivers in 19th century period military uniform, en route to Ft. Stockton to celebrate dual 150th anniversaries of Texas frontier events from the 19th century. Our 6-day itinerary would take us along Scenic Loop 290 then onto modern Interstate 10.

The reenactment, a brainchild of the folks at Ft. Lancaster, commemorated the Echols Expedition of 1859, led by Lieutenant William H. Echols of the Topographical Engineers. The original expedition was undertaken to survey possible supply routes to the U.S. border with Mexico and 24 camels served as pack animals on Echols' journey the better part of that summer. For our modern endeavor we planned to retrace 52.9 miles of Echols' much longer route covering only the section between Forts Lancaster and Stockton. Moving between 9 and 12 miles per day, our very authentic-smelling group of reenactors quickly settled into the ancient pace of animals and man on foot.

On day one the grassy areas on either side of the paved highway were soaked from recent rains and each human’s feet became equally soaked. Blisters immediately set in and, though we hoofed the rest of the trek on the pavement, virtually every member of the reenactment would nurse their feet the entire week. Team member Gil T. Hernandez, pictured below with Virgie, said, “The blisters, the pain and the thorns in my feet could not make me quit or turn back.”

Echols' partner, 2nd Lieutenant Edward L. Hartz praised the camels, writing in his journal, "…it is doubtful whether by any other means of transportation than the camel the journey could have been performed…as was done in this case, without the loss of an animal…the superiority of the camel for military purposes in the badly watered sections of country, seems to me to be established."

Our camels faired more or less the same, the exception being Virgie, a camel I dearly love, but whose lack of one eye usually causes me to leave her at home: "Hey mister- what happened to that camel's eye?" is one of my least favorite things to have to answer. Most folks say something like, "Oh, poor thing," which couldn't be further from the truth. Virgie does fine with just one eye, but the natural areas to the sides of the road on which we generally spent our days trekking really did a number on her back feet. Mesquite thorns, combined with her lack of seasoning, led to our putting her in the trailer the last half of the trip. The other animals may have been tired each day, but I don't believe any of them were sore-footed like Virgie. For the record, Virgie didn't lose her eye- Texas A&M Veterinary School took it. Early in life an abscess ruptured behind the ocular orb forcing her eyeball forward, but the prestigious university was unable to save it and had to do a process called enucleation. Despite the monocular vision, she really does fine. She just doesn't look so good (pause for comedic effect). Sorry, it was too good to pass up. Virgie’s feet have healed just fine, by the way.

Along I-10 our curious caravan received all sorts of looks, honks and waves from motorists who often exceeded the posted speed limit of 80 mph. Frequently, hypnotized by the highway, it seemed drivers didn't even register what they'd seen until they passed us and we'd hear the tell tale "bbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbb" of the rumble strips that alert drivers they've crossed the solid line onto the shoulder. One vehicle passed us, stopped and backed up a good quarter-mile at probably 30 mph to get a second look! Another gawker got a bird's eye view from his small plane, passing over us, banking and flying lower with each pass. Occasionally 18-wheelers would go by, stop ahead and wait for us to catch up, their drivers stepping out and crossing the median to take pictures. Certainly the looks we got were no different from those Echols and his contemporaries received as they passed through the sparsely settled region that summer of 1859.

Every day fell into the same routine: wake up around 6, eat breakfast (lovingly prepared by cook Fred Van de Valde), break camp, load equipment onto trucks and trailers, saddle and pack or harness animals, then roll by 9. Glen Korth, Ft. Lancaster volunteer, and Rolly and Gloria Lumpkins, parents of team member Jeremy Lumpkins who was in the role of Lt. Echols, would start moving all the vehicles and camp equipment ahead. We'd see them pass us on the pavement, knowing the next camp would be just a few hours down the lonely road. At the trail's end, the group would take care of the animals and begin setting up the period, canvas tents.

Day four, Tuesday, was a planned day of rest or, at least a planned day of not moving. No rest would be had, however, as our camp played host to a group of folks from the Region 18 Education Service Center in Midland, Texas (www.esc18.net). These ladies and gentlemen, who serve as liaisons between the Texas Education Agency and local schools, brought a satellite broadcast unit to our remote camp and we presented three one-hour programs on science and U.S. and Texas history to students across the region, even taking questions from the kids, interacting with them via satellite. What a gas!!! Kudos to the folks at Region 18, and to Cheryl Dowell at Ft. Lancaster, for organizing such a high-tech way to share this historic tale.

Most of the days’ temperatures averaged in the mid-70’s and it made for very pleasant walking. There was, however, an odd day that reached 98 and at day’s end we all took a dip in a century-old stone stock tank, fed by an equally antiquated windmill. WHEW! Cooooooold water! This was also the evening dear Brenda Rathjen of Midland, Texas’ Permian Basin Petroleum Museum drove out to meet us with 3 or 4 gallons of ice cream- perfect timing! Pictured here is our infantry detachment on that scorcher of a day.

Other team members included Trey Williamson, an area cowboy whose sole purpose was to ride with the group and catch any runaway animals (he got bored quickly and, thankfully, his skills were never called upon); Kade Kothman, wagon and mule driver (pictured below); mounted infantryman Mike Baker and his horse Badger; camel drivers Gil T. Hernandez and Frank Gonzales; infantrymen Cody Golden, David Golden, Doug Collins, Jim Pryor and Robert Preston. Also in the infantry were three high school students Clayton Dowell, Tobi B. and Nathan S. who were given a week's excused absence from school to be a part of the reenactment. Clayton took on donkey duty and did a great job, while Tobi and Nathan marched with the infantry. At the front and rear of the caravan were Glen Korth and Gilbert Gomez, of Ft. Lancaster, driving their pickups with flashing lights to alert unsuspecting motorists. Randi C., another area high school student was given the week off from school to shoot photographs and she fit right in with all us smelly old fellers! Debbie Hall, back at Ft. Lancaster State Historic Site, fielded numerous phone and email inquiries about the highway hi-jinks. Ft. Lancaster Site Manager Chris Elliott should be very proud of his team.

The final member of our team, Jim Hale of the American Camel Company, took on videographer duties. Jim and I dreamed up a similar reenactment in 2006, to memorialize the 150th anniversary of the landing of the U.S. Army camels and, along with the aforementioned Gil and Frank (plus Ernest Geigenmiller) we strode 215 miles in 15 days that May and June. Jim and I often lamented that we didn’t have any great video footage of that event and swore it wouldn’t happen again. Between Jim and me, this trip provided over 8 hours of raw footage and we hope to turn this into a memento for all involved. I have to add- Jim did double duty as camel wrangler and videographer and deserves a much better friend!

Final thanks to the various folks that hosted us along the way: Sheffield Community Park, Cannon Ranch, Watts Ranch, McKenzie Ranch and the Yeager Ranch.

Once we arrived in Ft. Stockton, pictured left and below, we were able to put one part of the trip behind us and gear up for the next. This West Texas town’s sesquicentennial would attract over a thousand folks to the historic frontier post and, for a weekend, the old fort was really alive again.

Lovingly cared for by the City of Ft. Stockton and operated as a museum, this site once stood in a strategic location guarding Comanche Spring, some of the only reliable water in this stretch of desert. The camels’ association with Ft. Stockton includes both of Echols’ forays into the Big Bend area in ’59 and ’60 and the folks at the Fort have always been big supporters of my efforts to perpetuate the camel’s role in their area’s heritage.

The Saturday event was well attended by the public and upwards of 200 uniformed reenactors helped to interpret the unique history this location possesses. From saloon girls to Buffalo Soldiers, stagecoaches to chuck wagons, cavalry and, of course, camels, Ft. Stockton put on a wing-ding of a party. Mingling with the public all day, sharing stories not only of the historic U.S. Army camels, but also of our own fresh (and perhaps painful) accounts of the past week’s trek, was really fun. Kids were mesmerized by the camels and adults were, well, they were mesmerized by the camels, too.

Big thanks to JoAnn Thomas, Molly Yeager and Martha King of Historic Ft. Stockton for their tireless efforts to preserve and share their community’s unique tale and to all the other wonderful folks in West Texas who made our arrival into Ft. Stockton so smooth.


Ibrahim Visits The “Nile”

On Friday, October 23, Ibrahim and I spent part of the morning with the gals of Baylor University’s Kappa Alpha Theta sorority, in nearby Waco, Texas.
Homecoming week at Baylor culminates with a parade (said to be the oldest and longest collegiate homecoming parade) and this year the ΚΑΘ’s had an Egyptian-themed float. Their hook? Baylor “a-Nile-ates” the Cowboys. The float had a bear-headed sphinx, a Pyramid and an actual running Nile river, plus a fake camel, pictured below, left, meeting Ibrahim! For the day of judging (actually one day before the parade), the members of the sorority thought it’d add extra color for a real camel to help greet the judges.

Ibrahim and I arrived all dolled up in Middle Eastern best (never mind that the Pharoahs had no association with camels, the Sahara having seen its last camel hunted to extinction in prehistoric times, only to be reintroduced by Romans at a later time, but I digress) and the I-man (as we call Ibrahim) was happy to nibble on the grass in the lot adjacent to the warehouse in which the school bus chassis-cum parade entry was constructed. Soon the judges arrived and the ladies of Kappa Alpha Theta worked their magic: the recirculating waters flowed thanks to an ingenuous pump system, the bear mascot sitting on his Pharaonic throne looked majestic and Ibrahim greeted the judges with a camel kiss. Shortly thereafter a “fight” ensued between an Oklahoma State “Cowboy” and the Bear while the judges were entertained and treated to sweet treats and punch from a nearby “temple”.

For all their efforts, sadly the Thetas didn’t win. Thanks to Joi Terry for her hard work in getting Ibrahim and me involved.


Training In Mexico Continues…

Ok, quick recap: August, resort in Cancun dreams up camel rides on the beach. Resort needs camels trained. Resort calls me to provide training of camels and staff. September, I return to see much progress. October, I return again, seeing continued progress and determining things are ready to launch.

I’ve foregone flowery language and lengthy description about the previous month’s Cancun activities because it occurred to me that I’ve done a great disservice to the hombres I’ve been working with south of the border. True, I’ve introduced you to Emilio, Federico, Raul, Mauricio and Fernando (not to mention camel luminaries such as Flaco, Shy, etc…), but I’d like to devote this space to giving you a little more insight into the lives of these wonderful gentlemen I’ve been honored to work with for the past three months.

Emilio Gonzales is the brains behind the endeavor. My buddy Jim Hale of American Camel Company (mentioned two stories back) received a call from Emilio in the summer looking for someone to take on the training duties and Jim recommended me. Now, Jim and I have both been approached by a half-dozen resorts in Mexico over the years about starting just such an operation, but none have ever followed through. Emilio, along with his business partner, Jose Luis Martinez, have really done this thing the right way.

Emilio (“comandatore” en Espanol) has followed through with everything he’s ever promised and more. For example: I was very impressed with the quality of craftsmanship on the saddles local tradesmen created from an original pattern of mine and simply mentioned that the aluminum (instead of steel) used in his saddles would be really light- even my 9-year old son, Pecos, could pick it up easily. Emilio presented me a brand new saddle on the October trip! Muy bueno hombre.

Federico, at left, is Emilio’s childhood friend and, in my words, lieutenant in the hierarchy under the palapa (thatch hut made by Mayan-descended artisans under which the camels rest). Federico is a stabilizing force among the men and carries himself like everyone’s uncle. FedexRico, as I call him, lived for a time in Houston, Texas and has an affinity for Hall of Fame baseball player Nolan Ryan and former Houston Oiler Earl Campbell. Campbell now has a product line of sausages, which I pick up each trip and bring him. In reciprocation, Federico has given me some t-shirts and a couple of very colorful, traditional Mexican blankets. Mi tio (“my uncle”).


Raul is the head trainer of the camels and has taken to this like a duck to water! Raised riding horses, working around large animals comes very naturally to Raul and he’s taught me a thing or two. He is a major fan of Star Wars and we enjoy discussing the movies. Raul is a university-trained and degreed artist, specializing in stone sculpture; he even represented Mexico at a symposium in Lebanon in 2001. Lebanon's where he saw his first camel, in fact! Raul's shown here with some of his work. He and his wife, Fernanda, have graciously put me up (and put up with me!) in their home since my second trip to Cancun and I can’t thank them enough for their hospitality.

Mauricio, left, is descended from the Maya, though he’ll tell you there are no Maya left these days, only Yucatecos (those from Yucatan). Mau is a meticulous mechanic with the camels. His exacting eye means that every blanket, every knot, every rope will be in place before any trip goes to the beach from the corral. He catches me when I do something less than perfect. Mauricio’s grasp of English is fantastic and he displays a cunning use of it:

me: I missed you very much.

Mauricio: I missed me very much, too!

On the trail, I spend a lot of time with Mau, laughing and quizzing him about growing up “Maya”. He’s promised to take me to some small villages where his father, who still speaks Maya (along with English and Spanish), can translate as I bore the locals with questions about their culture.


Fernando, left, was one of the first fellas added to the team after the camels’ training had gotten underway. Originally from Mexico City, Fernando was recently laid off from working in the airport industry where his rich voice made him a natural for public announcements. Walking with the camels and guests, it’s not uncommon for Fernando to begin quoting his former employment rap: “May I have your attention ladies and gentlemen…” and he trails off into some goofy commentary about where parking is allowed and not to leave baggage unattended. He’s also a lover of ‘70’s AM radio rock and at any minute can bust into Queen or Rod Stewart! No trip from the jungle to the beach is complete without Fernando’s singing soundtrack.

The camel ride starts at El Dorado Royale’s rancho, winds through the jungle and ends up on the beach. Once at the beach, the groups dismount, enjoy some fresh fruit and water and have some time to stretch their legs or play in the Caribbean surf before returning to the corral. Passing through jungle and mangrove allows the guests to experience the natural beauty of the Yucatan in a unique way, all the while learning about local culture and folklore from the guides. One of the more interesting cultural tidbits I’ve picked up is a Mayan legend of two brothers.

The brothers, Tizic and Kinich, both loved the beautiful Nicte-Ha and fought for her affections. Equally valiant warriors, the brothers died in each other’s arms. In the afterlife, they begged the gods for forgiveness, and a chance to return to the world of the living to see their beloved Nicte-Ha once more. The gods granted their wish and Tizic was reborn as the Chechen tree, above and below, full of toxins and capable of creating a nasty rash to those who scrape up against it unaware. Kinich was reborn as the Chacah tree, bottom, whose remedy to the Chechen is found in its bark, when boiled and soaked into a towel for use as a compress. Today, the brothers longlingly watch over Nicte-Ha who, having died of grief, was mercifully restored to life as a beautiful white flower. The Chechen and Chacah trees are often found growing near each other and occur throughout the area.

The outfit has added Damian and Ricardo recently and I look forward to getting to know them better. Another 5 camels have arrived and training has begun for them as well. I know the guys can handle anything that comes their way and I look forward to a long relationship with Camel Safari, Mexico.






Camels Come Out at Debutante Ball

October 31st, Halloween, most camels were out trick or treating, going door to door looking for carrots or apples, but Marianne and Ibrahim were greeting folks at the 94th Annual Steeplechase Debutante Ball at Ridglea Country Club in Ft. Worth, Texas. Marianne and Ibrahim were honored that the folks at Ridglea would allow them on site; good friend Paul Arellano, pictured above and below with the two camels, and I spent the better part of the night looking at one another and shaking our heads as if to say, “What in the world are we doing here?”

The event was Moroccan-themed and couldn’t have been pulled off anywhere but Cowtown! While all attendees arrived in the finest apparel, none were squeamish about veering around the valets and visiting with the camels. Paul and I enjoyed talking with each guest while the light, almost white, Ibrahim and chocolate-hued Marianne merrily munched on hay.

Big thanks to Mike Harrison of Party Designs for getting us involved.


November Calendar of Events:

Nov. 2: Bremond, Texas. School education programs
Nov. 7/8: Corinth, Mississippi, Corinth Civil War Interpretive Center. Living History Programs
Nov. 11: Gatesville, Texas. School education programs
Nov. 14: College Station, Texas. Brazos Valley Worldfest
Nov. 18-23: Cancun, Mexico. Camel training


Egypt/Sinai Update

I’ll be in Egypt/Sinai from January 5-27 and, along with quality time spent with my two “families” in Cairo and in the desert, I plan on scouting out some new areas like Siwa oasis and Alexandria so that I can add these interesting places on future trips. The photo above is of an area just north and east of Jebel (Mt.) Mlehez and gives you an idea of the vastness of the Sinai desert.

There’s still time to hop on board. Itineraries average $200/day per person (air not included) and this covers everything, including most meals and tips. Remember, these trips are based on home-stays, not hotels and offer a real look at Egypt and Sinai. Combined with sites such as the Pyramids of Giza, the Egyptian Museum, Petra in Jordan, the 1,600-year old Monastery of St. Katherine, hiking Mt. Sinai and camel trekking with Bedouin in the Sinai desert, this experience is unlike any other kind of travel you’ve ever done. As rich as this may seem, the real benefactors are the two families who take us in during our stay: it’s my way of tithing, I reckon, and I make sure that these folks are well taken care of.

Trips require a minimum of 4 guests, maximum of 10, and run on-demand. For a DVD of the trips and a cd brochure, please email.


Camel Calendars Available

One of my favorite friends and one of the best photographers I’ve ever known now has a camel calendar for sale. Check out Lorraine Chittock’s latest endeavor at: http://cafepress.com/animaltribes.

Lorraine has trekked the famous Darb Al Arbain (“40 Days Road”) from Sudan to Egypt and her book detailing the experience, Shadows In The Sand, has some of the most compelling images of life in a caravan. The images on the new calendar are, in fact, pulled from the book and there is a kid’s version and an adult version. Other offerings include Cairo Cats, Los Mutts and more. Explore more about Lorraine’s interesting life at lorrainechittock.com.

Thanks as always for your interest in my camels and their exploits.

Doug

September '09

Howdy folks and welcome to another month gone by with the Texas Camel Corps. It's amazing just how much activity can be squeezed into thirty days. Let's get to it!

Back To Work With VisionQuest

After a 2-year hiatus, I was back in Elfrida, Arizona working with VisionQuest (www.vq.com) the first week of September.

This residential treatment program works with kids who are adjudicated, but also takes in Foster kids. The 10 young men selected for the CamelQuest seemed excited and I can't thank the Elfrida staff enough for all their hard work. Ken B., particularly, was available and really hands-on with the kids and camels during our instructional time. Big thanks also to Leslie A., education staff from California for the time she put in, creatively combining education and barn time, all the while keeping it relevant to her academic mission.

After a couple of intense training days (twice-daily sessions) our group headed off property on camelback (pictured above), toward the Swiss Helm Mountains. Forecasted storms drove us to keep the experience close to the ranch, anticipating flooding in virtually every area we considered for trekking. Fortunately, we'd only see a sprinkle at most- enough to keep kids under shelters, but not enough to get my saddles wet!

Half the kids rode, while the other half hiked. Adventure staff Mike B. and Dave B. were along, as was the aforementioned Ken, plus myself making 4, so we were in good staff-to-youth ratio and the ride went without a hitch, more or less. If you ask VQ youth Alexander L., though, I think he'd tell you there was a hitch. Perhaps it was in his camel's "get along". Alex's camel, Jericho, is still a bit green, having given only short rides around the VQ property and, more recently, around my farm here in Texas, where we've been care-taking the camels since Nov, '08. This would be Jericho's first CamelQuest! I didn't let Alex know that beforehand.

As we were leaving the barn area Jericho did his best frog impression, hopping, trying to pass Sam (our biggest camel to whom he was tied), but Alex, quite an accomplished horseman, rode it out. In this picture he's shown here in the saddle for the first time, about to rise up on Jericho. I could not be any more proud of this young man. After 5-8 minutes, Jericho settled into his destiny as countless camels before him have done and the caravan was on its way. We arrived at camp with virtually no drama and the kids set up their shelters, did some light rock scrambling then dinner was served. My now famous cactus soup was on the menu and all but one youth proclaimed it a culinary masterpiece ("too greasy" was Jason's complaint).

The evening's shower ran the boys into their tarp-shelters and really only one youth had any trouble going to bed in a timely fashion. The youth, Terrence, flitted about for roughly an hour, but finally hit the hay. Terrence had two or three instances on the trip where it appeared the rules simply did not apply to him (his m.o. I'm told), but still, his behavior was better than we all expected.

Morning found us with a hearty breakfast of granola, fruit and orange juice (fuel for one more brief climb), then we saddled camels and headed back to property. The second group to ride was not as confident, nor focused, so we had a bit of a rough ride back, though without accident or injury, my ultimate litmus test. We'd split the group of 10 young men in half, along no particular lines. Among the second group were standouts Tommy and Mario, both of whose young camels decided to do a little jumping (Jericho being one, Marianne the other), but the rodeo was short-lived. My hat's truly off to these two young men for maintaining their composure.

Once back at the ranch, we gave hugs all around and proceeded to call it a day. Before I left for Texas, though, Alexander L. gave me a very thoughtful thank you letter and a pencil drawing of his camel, Jericho. It would be an understatement to say I was impressed with Alex's manners and decorum. Someone, somewhere along the way has taught this young man well. I hope we continue the good work with him and the other youth in our care at VQ.

Thanks to all the Elfrida staff and congratulations to Dave Boyle, former Wilderness Instructor, for his promotion to Chief Administrator.

Camels Visit Juvenile Justice Center

On September 10, camels Richard and Ibrahim, both Arabian camels, visited with the young men and women at the Williamson County Juvenile Justice Center (pictured at left) in Georgetown, Texas, just north of Austin.

This was my second visit to the facility, the first being back in the spring, sans camels. This time, en route to another engagement in nearby Austin, it was my pleasure to stop in at the request of Ms. Angie Hoard and share the camels with the kids in the alternative education program.

Arriving in military boot camp style, the teenagers marched to an open field on the northwest side of the facility where I’d placed the camels and they sat down, ready for the presentation. I was so impressed with the questions and comments some of the kids made. One youngster, who must’ve only just turned 13, simply could not get enough of the camels and I devoted quite a bit of time to his inquiries. I reasoned, “For thirty minutes, this young fella’s gonna forget that he’s locked up, away from his family, and I wanna help him be a little boy.” Even though some of the other young men razzed him, I think it’d be fair to say he had a great time.

Thanks to all the staff at the JJC and Angie Hoard in particular for inviting us.

Lawrence of Arabia Rides Again!

After visiting the Williamson County JJC, the camels and I headed south on Interstate 35 for a theatrical, 70mm presentation of Lawrence of Arabia in Austin, the Texas state capital.

We’d been asked by Brooklyn Barbieri, marketing queen at the historic Paramount Theatre (pictured at left), to bring a couple of camels to help promote the screening of this David Lean classic, starring Peter O’Toole and Omar Sharif. The Paramount’s Summer Classic Film Series was wrapping up and Brooklyn wanted to go out with a bang! Actually, last year I’d sent the theatre an unsolicited pitch for the very same idea, but timing and budgets didn’t allow. This summer, though, Brooklyn planned ahead and I was excited to be a part of it (and to see LOA on the big-screen).

Bueno amigos Paul Arellano, Rio Tenango and Leah Priese, all Austinites, were on hand to help. From taking pictures and shooting video to crowd control and poop patrol, the realities of placing two camels in a theatre’s drop-off zone along Congress Avenue was made much more manageable thanks to these fine folks. At times, city buses were just inches away from the camels. “Ho hum, just another day,” said Richard the camel.

The Paramount’s patrons were clearly enthralled (see image) with the camels and we had a really great time chatting with folks as they arrived and headed inside to watch this Oscar-winning masterpiece. Seconds before the curtain rose, the camels were placed in the trailer, Paul took my keys and headed to his house (the idea of sitting for nearly 4 hours didn’t interest him at all!) and Leah, Rio and I took our seats in the balcony.

WOW! I own the DVD of Lawrence and have seen this film 3 dozen times (maybe more), but this was like seeing it, literally, for the first time. The big screen is precisely the way this movie should be experienced. From the blowing grains of sand to the wide expanses of the desert, only a theatre can do justice to this classic.

Big thanks to Rio, Leah and Paul for their incredible assistance; thanks to Brooklyn for having us and a huge howdy to all the friends who came out to say hello (Pam!).

Second Training Trip In Cancun A Success

The week of September 13-18 took me back to sunny Mexico. For new readers, I’ll recap: a resort in Cancun has camels that need training; the workers also need training; my first trip in late August laid the foundation; in my absence between trips Raul and Mauricio (muy bueno camelleros) were to continue the training. Pictured here is our first group.

Upon arrival Emilio, the camels’ owner, picked me up and we headed straight for the ranch. Raul and Mauricio (and the newly-hired Fernando) met me, with camels saddled and ready to ride! I was so proud of the guys, not to mention the camels. Now, on trip numero uno we’d already ridden every camel, but there were a couple of tough ones in the bunch, Mushie and Clarabella. Clarabella, however, was saddled and performed perfectly (the jury’s still out on Mushie, unfortunately). Clearly Raul and Mauricio had done their homework!

Everyday that week, the three gentlemen and I took the camels, saddled and without riders, from the corral to the beach, back and forth, multiple times. By late in the week Emilio had gathered up some friends (guinea pigs) to come for the first test ride and on Wednesday the 16th (Mexico’s Independence Day), five folks arrived, perhaps bleary-eyed from the previous night’s celebrations and grito (shout) of Viva Mexico!!!! Pictured from left: Fernando, Raul and Mauricio with Flaco (skinny) the camel.

To say the hour-and-a-half ride went perfectly would be close to the truth. If I had to point to any hiccups, there was only one split-second where Shy (one of the younger camels) spooked as I emerged from the jungle after taking a picture, stepping on a twig and snapping it which startled him. Muy orgulloso (very proud)! The following day we had another group of riders and the boys’ homework since then has been to continue the test rides until I return the last week of October, when we’ll kick this thing off for paying groups.

On a personal note, I’d insisted to Emilio that putting me up in a resort was unnecessary and I’d be happy to stay with one of the rancheros if possible. Raul and his wife Fernanda offered their home and, as any of you folks who’ve ever traveled with me to Egypt know, this made the trip! Living in Raul’s neighborhood, shopping at the local stores and eating at the taquerias (taco stands) showed me a side of Cancun (actually the adjacent town of Puerto Morelos) that tourists simply don’t see. My kind of travel.

Muchas gracias to Emilio for keeping me employed, y tambien (and also) to Raul and his lovely wife Fernanda for the accommodations and amistad (friendship). Viva Mexico cabrones!!!!

Ms Jane's Preschool Visits Farm

On September 22, roughly a dozen 5-year olds and a handful of adults from Waco, Texas visited our place for an educational program, camel rides and some general fun on the farm. Pictured here is one youngster who had to muster up some courage to ride!

These farm visits are something I’ve started doing more and more to generate some income that doesn’t require hauling the camels hither and yon. The cost is $7 per child (adult chaperones are free) and I LOVE doing it! I get to share my home and life with the guests and they leave, I hope, enriched and entertained.

The morning dew still had the ground wet, so we threw some wool blankets down for the folks to sit on and we shared stories about the camels before taking each child for a short ride in the field, around our windmill and water tank. The look on each little one’s face reminded me of just how unique my livelihood is and the kids really seemed to have a good time. Following the barn time we settled in underneath a huge Burr oak tree in our backyard for arts and crafts. Most of the kids chose to draw something they’d seen on the farm: a camel, the windmill or our dog Gwen and some of the creations were really great. In the image below, one of the kids rides Richard.

Ms. Jane was fantastic with her charges and it was obvious why she’s still in business after more than twenty years. Before leaving she said she’d see me next year with another batch of kids. I’ll be looking forward to it!

Lunch And Lecture At Permian Basin Petroleum Museum

On Thursday the 25th, yours truly was the guest speaker at this Midland, Texas museum that celebrates the area’s rich, literally, energy heritage.

The talk came about as the result of an inquiry I’d made to the museum, trying to gather information on one of their collection’s oil paintings featured in last month’s blog. The piece, titled “Camels in Texas” is by Tom Lovell and is painstakingly accurate, down to the soldiers’ uniforms, the camels’ saddles and the native drivers who accompanied the U.S. Army camels of the mid-19th century. Education curator, Brenda Rathjen, took an interest in my email and asked if I’d be willing to come speak. I jumped at the chance.

Brenda requested that I talk about the historic U.S. Army Camel Experiment and I prepared a PowerPoint presentation called “Camels Don’t Spit” (see image above). I felt it was imperative that myths and long-held misperceptions about camels in general be a part of the overall message. I appeared in period military uniform and discussed all the various aspects of my business, the Texas Camel Corps, from education programs to guided trips in Egypt. To add color, each table had camel-related artifacts from around the world such as blankets, saddlebags, etc as centerpieces.

After the lecture Brenda wrote, “Camels will never be the same in the minds of everyone at yesterday’s lunch! What a wonderful speaker and educator you are and an absolute delight to watch!” Executive Director Kathy Shannon said, “Your presentation was wonderful- you easily managed to keep a room full of adults mesmerized with your stories.”

In this shot, I illustrate the etymology of the word "dromedary".

This was great fun for me. At first, I have to admit, I felt a bit “nekkid” without a camel, but the presentation came easily enough for me, talking about something I know well and love so much. The majority of the folks in attendance were retirees (many from the petroleum industry), people with lots of interesting experiences of their own to share. Some of the guests had reminiscences of working in the Middle East and I think I learned as much from them and they did from me!

Thanks so much to Brenda for thinking my story would be interesting to her patrons and also to Kathy for such kind comments. Special thanks to the Hahl Proctor Charitable Trust for sponsoring the Lunch and Lecture series and also to old friends Chuck and Ann Dixon for taking the time to come out and hear stories they’ve probably heard a thousand times before!

Homeschoolers Visit Farm

On Friday, September 25th, two-dozen homeschoolers and over a dozen parents visited the farm for an education program, camel rides and an arts and crafts project.

The families, mostly from the Dallas area, spent the better part of three hours at the house and I was impressed! The questions and comments these kids, ages, 8-16, threw at me really testify to the hard work their parents put into their education. Obviously older than the youngsters who’d visited earlier in the week, these kids were able to grasp deep concepts of biology and geography which I was happy to share.

For the craft portion of the day, shown in this image, I thought it’d be fun to teach the kids how to write their names in hieroglyphics. I gave each student a piece of “papyrus”, actually stiff card stock, a hieroglyphics key, crayons and markers. I supplied images from books on ancient Egypt to show the students how to make a cartouche, or oval shape, in which to write their names and some of the works were deserving of exhibition in the Egyptian Museum!

Young Curt S., one of the homeschoolers wrote, “Dear Mr. Baum, thank you for letting me ride Richard the camel. I liked Richard because he was cute. My favorite part of the tour was seeing you juggle camel poop. I like your house and the bathroom was cool. Sincerely, Curt.”

Thanks to Kristi with Homeschoolers Hearts and Hugs for organizing the day’s visit and also to the families who clearly put so much time into their children’s education.

Animal Health Supplement Trial Wraps Up

Just a note to let you know that the Steadfast trial, which our camels were a part of, has ended. The last blood draw has taken place and it will be a matter of weeks before all the data is analyzed.

The hope is that certain bio-markers in the camels’ blood will indicate strengthened joints as a result of the granular supplement being added to the camels’ daily ration of grain. Will update.

Thanks to Karen and Ellen from Novus, Steadfast’s manufacturer, and to Dr. Lloyd Hampe for all his visits and hard work on the drawing of blood from the camels.

October Calendar of Events

Oct. 2/3: Del Rio, Texas. Amistad Archaeology Fair, Whitehead Memorial Museum
Oct. 10-16: Sheffield, Texas to Ft. Stockton, Texas. Echols Expedition 150th anniversary reenactment
Oct. 17: Ft. Stockton, Texas. Sesquicentennial Celebration
Oct. 23: Waco, Texas. Baylor University private event (pending)
Oct. 25-30: Cancun, Mexico. Final training of camels for tourist rides
Oct. 31: Ft. Worth, Texas. Ridglea Country Club private event

Egypt/Sinai Update

January’s when I take folks to live with my “family” in Cairo/Giza (pictured at left) and the Sinai desert. I’ve not gotten any commitments , but regardless I intend on heading over in early January and have room and time to still arrange an itinerary if you’re interested.

Keep in mind, you’re living in the homes of locals, not hotels. This is a unique trip that includes camel trekking in the Sinai with Bedouin, all the major historical sites in Cairo, a day-trip to Petra in Jordan, snorkeling/diving in the Red Sea, hiking Mt. Sinai and visiting the 1,600-year old Monastery of St. Catherine.

I’ll need to have things firmed up by the beginning of December at the latest, so please give a call or email for more info. DVD and PDF brochure available upon request.

At left my daughter, Delany, delivers toothbrushes and toothpastes to Wadi Samghi village elder Mileyha.

Thanks as always for your interest in my camels.

Doug