Eager
to share my first camel experience in the benighted states of
America, we sortied across the border to Bellingham one Saturday
morning. On a scale of 1-10 (one is epic fail, ten is nirvana) the
result was a resounding 1.
This
photo of the border crossing from Vancouver shows you what we had to
deal with right off the bat. Typical depressing autumnal BC coastal
weather. But this was JUNE!
Nonetheless,
our cheerful host Madeline tried to make the best of a rotten outlook
as we duly signed waivers. Waiting for us in the drizzle and mud were
two wet, discontented-looking bactrian camels ―
Norman and Lexie. With two riding camels available for a party
of four, a guide with each, we had to take turns. It was new for me,
actually riding a bactrian, and it was different. We mounted via a
prepared stand rather than onto the animal in a couched
position.
It
was not a surprise to find the absence of a saddle but, at this
well-advertised site for family outings, Norman had no safety
precautions such as a hand grip or even a piece of rope to grasp. It
seems the idea was to clutch the tufty hair on the front hump and
hope for the best. I did not place perfect confidence in the handlers
to avert potential problems with my inexperienced riders. While we
all forced sunny faces, the rain and general air of dampness oozed
grey (some photos have been
lightened/enhanced).
Brenda
on Stormin' Norman gamely tries to show gay insouciance to her
plucky family.
One
of our party looks good here, managing the recalcitrant Lexie who
insisted on trying to couche every few minutes, much to my
dismay as I could only glance backward, awkwardly, from my own perch.
Fortunately Lexie did have a grip handle.
Another
fared quite well on Norman considering the promised trail ride of one
hour ("rain or shine") was aborted to 5-10 minutes around
the barn. To be fair, a full refund was offered.
 |
| Lexie relieved of her burden |
Lexie's
unhappiness was finally acknowledged and she was pulled out of
service, depriving a ride for one of us. But really, we all just
wanted to go to the barn too!
Madeline
shone when she delivered educational information about camels and
introduced us to the other residents, smug and safe from the elements
in their comfortable stalls.
Some
camel artifacts of interest in the office caught our attention as we
departed with regret on all sides. Due to circumstances beyond most
control: altogether a wet, cold, abbreviated, quite miserable 1.
©
2016 Brenda Dougall
Merriman
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