Well, we actually met Joe, Jane, Jack, and a few others. In addition to a large buffalo herd, the ranch breeds camels.
My brave daughter-in-law
The camels come up to the train for their vegan pellet treats from the naive tourists (Remember: This is WY not CA!).
The warning: If you drop a pellet, don’t lean over to retrieve it or the camel will most likely chomp down on the top of your head. I felt safer taking pictures than putting my hand and head in harm’s way.
excellent close-ups, I especially like the second to last.. did the camel try to spit on anyone? weird question but they are known to do that sometimes.
They didn’t, but the guide gave all sorts of cautionary warnings about how to feed them because they can be quite mean.
Interesting and fun! I recalled one of our many Arabic international students (we used to be a host family) tell us about his father’s camel herd and his own camel. He was a Saudi Bedouin tribesman and these animals were a big part of his life and culture. He spoke most lovingly of his camel, of the close and faithful relationship he had with her.
Very much the same way we in this culture speak of our dogs and cats, as part of the family, as individuals whom we love very much.
It was interesting that the guide had such warnings about them. My daughter-in-law was raised in Mongolia, and the same is true of their camels as a culture–like family pets. Her hubby, my son, rode on a camel and had a good experience, too. Maybe it’s because these are Yankee camels.
I notice they were a good deal plumper and more smug-looking than the Arab’s camels in the students’ family photographs. In defense of the guide’s warnings: I understood that they are much like a “one-man dog”, and not at all affectionate or interested in anybody besides their loved ones. With them, they are exuberantly loving, and even cry tears of joy at a homecoming.
Interesting.
I do rather like camels… from a safe distance that is! Great pictures Lilly. He looks like quite a character!
The one with the read halter apparently had a mean streak, but he took a good photo.
Great pictures, I don’t think I am brave enough to feed the camels though!
I wasn’t up for it. Much rather take pictures.
I am in total agreement with that decision. LOL