The solution

Day: 36

Sunrise:
07:04

Sunset:
17:15

Heart Camp – 16.06.2000

After a hearty breakfast, Jo, Tom, Petro and I discuss the saddle construction. As already mentioned, now is the last opportunity to make some modifications. Each of us has different suggestions and after rejecting some ideas several times, we agree to weld a carrying frame to Goola’s, Hardie’s and Jafar’s saddles that should look like an “L”. It is the only way to keep the often bulky load away from the camel’s body. The luggage still hangs low so that the center of gravity is well below the hump. As a result, there is little movement in the shoulder area of the animals and the chance of chafing on the saddle pad contact surface is reduced. Nevertheless, a certain stability is guaranteed. As soon as we have come to a successful conclusion with our exchange of ideas, Jo, Tom and Petro say goodbye to us to drive to Goomalling. Petro, who is also a very good welder, will make the frames with Tom, while Jo sews more saddlebags for Jafar and Hardie. “I’ll call you tomorrow on the radio!” says Tom as we say goodbye and once again we are alone in our camp. I use the day to give a few interviews, look at the photographs in the book in daylight, look after the camels and get some rest. In the evening, I transform our fireplace and dig a heart into the red earth. “Instead of flowers, I’ll give you this fireplace,” I say to Tanja, who is as happy as a little child. “We call it a declaration of love in the bush,” she whispers and gives me a kiss.