It’s HUMP Day Everyday
2006 Bactrain Camel HURCULES #615/616
By: Cathy Droz
I don’t know if riding a Camel has been on your bucket list, but it sort of was on mine. I figured I’d never get to Saudi Arabia or Egypt to do so and the ones at the local zoo seemed so depressed going in a small circle.   I wanted to wear the proper headgear ( A turban wrapped around a protective helmet) and learn about these “sweet†spitting animals up close and personal. (As you can see by the video, I got very close.)
When planning a trip to Cabo this August, I noticed Camel rides were a popular tourist attraction. The extra fascination for me was that they were on an eco-farm , on the beach far away from the hustle and bustle of the Cabo downtown. You would have a traditional Mexican lunch complete with tequila tasting and a tour of desert vegetation. The cost was $120.00 per person which I felt was reasonable to experience a bucket list item. The only downfall was “no camera useâ€â€¦ you needed to hang on with both hands and the photographers, with their drones would like to sell you photos. That included the camel review which we needed to use their camera person. All in all, the photo package including my video piece was $85.00.  Again, for the experience worth every penny.
FACTS ABOUT CAMELS
People have kept camels for more than 4,000 years and still depend on them for survival all over the world. Read on to learn some interesting facts about camels and discover what makes them such unique animals!
- There are two types of camels: One humped or “dromedary†camels and two humped Bactrian camels.
- Camels have three sets of eyelids and two rows of eyelashes to keep sand out of their eyes.
- Camels have thick lips which let them forage for thorny plants other animals can’t eat.
- Camels can completely shut their nostrils during sandstorms.
- Thanks to thick pads of skin on their chest and knees, camels can comfortably sit in very hot sand.
- Two camels laying on the sand
- Their humps let them store up to 80 pounds of fat which they can live off for weeks and even months!
- When a camel finally does find water, he can drink up to 40 gallons in one go.
- Camels are very strong and can carry up to 900 pounds for 25 miles a day.
- Camels can travel at up to 40 miles per hour – the same as a racehorse!
- Don’t make a camel angry – they can spit as a way to distract whatever they think is a threat
- Mother camels carry their calves up to 14 months before giving birth.
- Some calves are born completely white and turn brown as their adult coat comes in.
- There are over 160 words for camel in Arabic alone.
My Favorite Three Things
- The Exterior color – Light and Dark Camel – Smooth like butter
- The Cargo area can hold up to 600 pounds of cargo, not humans
- They can go 6 months without food – Sounds like an electric car to me
Hats off to Cabo Adventures and their staff who take wonderful care of their animals. We rode Camels, played with donkeys, and talked to parrots while goats stood by our side. Masks were worn throughout, and the staff was caring and respectful…
What’s on your bucket list?
MPH – 40
Cost:Â $120.00
Photos:Â $85.00
Experience: Priceless
