CAMELS ACROSS OZ ??!

I met a camel driver last year after the Simpson trip. He was walking from Broome to Melbourne ( I think) with three camels carrying his gear. He was just north of William Creek and had been on the 'road" for about 4 months at that stage. I had a chat and gave him a few lollies. he was sponsored by Australiangeographic i belive.

Andrew Harper walked from South of Exmouth Gulf on the Indian Ocean to Rockhampton on the Pacific Ocean with three camels and a dog in about 1999. He travelled almost 5000 km following the Tropic of Capricorn. He had no backup vehicles or support.

This is reported on pages 6-7 of the book "Tanami" by Kieran Kelly. Kieran and Andrew went on to treck the Tanami with camels, largely unsupported, following the notes of the explorer Augustus Gregory. It is a very good read and details all the hardships of the trip undertaken in mid 2002. I gained a huge respect for the toughness of these two blokes and the camels and after reading it.

I also saw the documentary about the bloke who walked from south to north with his little dog. It was very sad when the little Jack Russell died after taking a dingo bait.

My thoughts are always with the early explorers and also these latter day adventurers when we speed across the outback in our airconditioned 4WD wondering if we should have curry for tea or a pot roast and knowing that the beer will be cold in the car fridge.

Kings

I read a book about a young woman that did "somewhere" in Queensland to Broome with camels. It was a good few years ago though. I wish I could remember her name. Fascinating read.

Bilbo

There's also a commercial tour operator doing guided walks accross the Simpson with Camels. You have a camp cook and they supply the gear and you have to assist with the cameleering.

The tour departs Old Andado and terminates at Birdsville.

We have some friends in Cairns that did it a couple of years ago....It takes 3 weeks and cost is around $5,000.00 per person.......Hmmm $10,000 for Rick & Julie to walk accross the Simpson???? Think we'll do it in the Landcruiser....Just lazy I guess.
We're off to the Red Centre for 2 months in only 3 weeks time....YIP YAH!!!!
Keep Well all and have a great Easter.
Rick & Julie

Would agree Andrew Harper is the one. He does do camel trips if you are interested and I cannot remember the name but they are on internet.