Avir on his camel in the Negev
One of the highlights for Avir’s stay at the camel range was his camel ride. Here he looks delighted at the prospect of take this little ‘ship of the desert’ out for a spin. These particular camels are all females and have been specially trained to provide a smooth ride for their travellers. The best camels for this are the females who are well fed, pampered, clean, sedate and do not spit! Of course, other camels can be trained for various reasons, such as carrying large heavy packs, for racing or even as breeders. Avir was very interested in learning about camels and the integral part they play in the arid conditions here in the Negev. Generally, camels are released to the wild herd once it reaches thirty five years of age. This camel ranch is remote, quiet and peaceful, with the exception of the occasional camel being agitated by other camels, especially during feeding time.
To the right-hand side of this photograph, you can see the narrow camel track heading up over the hill. The camels will follow this trail for the one-hour ride. On their travels, Avir and his friends stopped along this ancient incense road to look at the ruins of the city of Mamshit (pronounced Mamsheet), which was built in the first century B.C. to become an important ‘station’ stop during the Nabatean Period. The guide described how the camel trains would stop there to rest, trade, or store goods, spices, carts and even animals, which they would return for, once they had finished their trading at the various shipping ports along the Mediterranean. The guide also explained more of its history during the Roman occupation in the second century and what it was like during the Byzantine Period in the fourth to the seventh Century. Avir highly recommends this camel ranch and the desert ride if you’re heading for a stay in Israel!