Moroccan camels have only one hump so they are called Dromodaries. Camels have two humps. The Berber guides let us call them camels, so during this essay I will call them camels. Camels can survive 5 days without water when they are walking (or working) and up to 10 days when resting. Camels eat grass and sharp cactuses. They have two stomachs and therefore they regurgitate their food. They are ruminants. They have to process their food over and over to get the nutrition out of the food.
Gestation period for the camel is 9 months and camels have one baby at a time. Baby camels drink mom’s milk for the first year. The babies stay with their mother for first two years and then they are more independent. Camels start to work at the age of 3 or 4 and work until they are around the age of 15. Camels live to the age of 30. Camel years are the same as human years.
My family and I went on a guided 3 day, 2 night camel ride into the Sahara desert. We were in southern Morocco at Erb Chebi. Our guides were Berber young men. The first day and night, our guide was Hussein. Hussein was good with us kids, he was funny and he answered all of our questions. The other days of our trip our guides were Ail and Borok. They two were funny good with kids and answered all of our questions. Borok was Hussein’s younger brother.
I was nervous to ride the camels into the desert but then I was happy because I met our camels and my camel, who I named Alex.
The very first time I had to get on my camel I thought wow, this is a big camel. Then it was like a bucking bronco. First, the camel gets up on its two back legs and then its two front legs. On the way down it is opposite. Once I was up on Alex I was about 7 feet off the ground.
The camels walked in a line and the front one, my dad’s camel Eisenhower, had a nose ring with the rope attached to help guide us. The Berber guides walked and held the first rope. The camels were tied together. Often the order was Eisenhower, Sheebani (Mom’s camel), Alex and then Freedom (Wilson’s camel).
Our camels were all boys. Alex, my camel, would sit or stand whenever he sees another camel around him sit or stand. Sheebani, my mom’s camel, would not sit or stand on his own, they had to slap him on the neck and tug on the rope in his mouth.
The scariest part of riding my camel was when the camel walked down hill or side ways on the top of a dune. His big foot slipped in the soft sand and it made me feel like I was going to fall.
During our trip I took good care of Alex by feeding him, patting him, on bumps I tried not to kick him and I sang to him. I was confident in him when we were going downhill.
In summary of my time in the desert I would say it was HOT but great.
We returned last night from four days away where internet was not available with great anticipation as we looked forward to the Travelling Trenholms’ daily posts. The four of you again entertained us tremendously with your writings and your photographs. You are educating both of us with your stories, explanations and visuals. Continued enjoyment to you all. Hopefully the appealing dietary selections expand for Lauchlyn with whom Liz identifies and who loves watermelon as well.
Miss you guys and coming home from school waiting for it to continue.
Most kids would hate coming home from school for more school to come but we are different, at least I am different,
That was a great essay Lulu!
I really enjoyed reading about your experience in the desert
Bon voyage
Merci Marie Helene, on avoir un tres bon experience ici!!!
Excellent report Lulu. Grandpa and I learned a lot about camels. We think Alex was very cute for a camel and lucky to have you looking after him. You were even cuter in your desert outfit. Love the story and the photos. Have fun! Hugs 💕
Thanks, Alex is very cute but very smelly!
Love you bunches Lulu.
Wilson, love your desert blog – I know so much more about Dromodaries/Camels now. As you say, it is easier to say camel. Alex was lucky to have you as his “rider” as you were so kind and caring to him. The desert pictures are stunning – what a great adventure.
We got a bit confused when you said Wilson. But we also learned a lot.
It must have been hot… were you delirious when you were singing to the camel!
Nice work Lulu. Great pics. We are settled in your home now. Its very comfortable.
Thanks our homes aren’t as comfortable as home!
say hello to our friends in our room!
Great story, you kids
all 4 of you, appear to be having the time of your lives. ENJOY.
Absolutely phenomenal.
Looks very hot. Hope you are having fun.
Love Noah
Thanks Noah, we miss you and your family!
Great information Lulu!
Hope you had a wonderful birthday!
Love Jenny
Thanks! My birthday is on October 15th, so still looking forward to it!
Thank you Lulu. I enjoyed your storey
You’re welcome I worked hard on my story.
Looks like a good time was had by all. I love the clothes you got to wear on your camel ride in the desert. Great photos. It is really interesting to read about your amazing experiences.
Thanks we did look a bit funny don’t we! HaHa