Read the blog of one of Nature Conservancy's scientist, Sanjayan, on
crossing the world's oldest on foot in order to map a propossed
national park in Namib.
http://www.nature.org/wherewework/africa/features/
I especially like the last part of Day 3:
No Country for Used Camels'
The reason for our high mileage — much more than expected — is because
of the camels that support us. They are unable to negotiate the steep
ground, ravines and rock falls.
Yesterday, just when we thought we were a couple of hours from camp,
shooting a gap in a narrow canyon, we were stymied by a rock fall that
proved impossible for the camels. It meant a lengthy, soul-sapping
detour.
By the time we dragged into camp, we were too tired to do much of
anything. Even eating dinner was a chore.
You see, the camels are not fresh; they are second-hand purchases and
the sins of their previous owners plague us. The camels take turns
being unruly, spooking easily, and refusing at times to negotiate
ground that only they are able to discern as problematic.
Last night one ran off and with it went my brand-new, 3-pound MacBook
Air and 160 pounds of water — both precious cargo out here. It took
many hours before this break for freedom was curtailed.
“This is no country for used camels,” says my friend, Richard Jeo. It
is a feeble joke, but I can't even find the energy to respond.
All I can do is wonder if maybe the camel knows what lies ahead.
_______________________________________________
The next Louisville Computer Society meeting will
be May 27 at MacAuthority, 128 Breckinridge Lane.
Posting address: [email protected]
Information: http://www.math.louisville.edu/mailman/listinfo/macgroup
