Tale Of Two Camels

 Just a little sideline. While we were visiting our friend Deb in the east of S.A. , a local newspaper wanted to do a story on her. Being publicity shy as she is, Deb was reluctant. Din offered to write a story for her to submit and Deb agreed. It had not been published by the time we left, so here it is for your enjoyment.

A Tale of Two Camels

Coco and Ziggy are siblings from another mother. They are the third and last generation of Debi Robinsons wagon trekking camels. The camels have done over 20,000 kilometres across this sunburnt land.

It all started when Debi was 5 years old on a station in the Northern Territory. A cloud of dust out on the horizon slowly became bigger as the day wore on.

In between lessons, jobs and dinner she would race out and sit on the top step of the Homestead. It was exciting as visitors were scarce.

Late that afternoon Angus Scobie arrived with his cart and donkeys. He travelled from station to station doing leather work and shoe horses in preparation for the big muster.

A light was lit and she knew would grow up and get a wagon and donkeys and be a Hawker.

The years went by and Debi’s dream stayed with her but no longer with donkeys or being a Hawker but as a camel trekker and Adventurer.

She built a 20ft wagon, gathered and trained 12 camels, 5 children, 4 chooks, 2 dogs and a Nanny Goat named ‘Sheep’.

Many adventures, good times and hard times, but they covered many kilometres. Working across country getting fencing jobs or other work offered for replenishing of supplies. Museums are of a particular interest of Debi and the saving and restoring of the old ways.

Her children are all independent and capable adults who have followed their dreams, passions and professions.

Debi Coco and Ziggy have now downsized pulling a much smaller wagon Debi rebuilt from ruin on its way to the dump.

The wagon ‘The Overlander’ is over 100 years old. This wagon once belonged to Edgar Scobie the father of Angus. He delivered mail and stores on the OOdnadattta Birdsville and other Tracks. Finally this wagon was put out of business by Tom Kruse and motorised transport.

This wagon has done many treks with Debi Coco Ziggy and Thackery the dog, laughingly said to be a cross between a Chihuahua and a Swan. He is the size of a big black bear.

Thackerys job in camp is to gather firewood, clean Coco and Ziggys eyes and ears, when they ask sweetly. A loyal loving and protective friend. He sits shot-gun up on the duckboard of wagon.

They have now found Shangri-La in the Mallee. The camels have space to roam about chewing choosing not to go too far, for too long from the wagon Debi and Thackery.

A stone cottage in need of repair and restoration for Debi to get to her saddle making, leather work, blankets and everything camel.

Volunteers rally to support this legendary lady and her camels. The house has started to take shape and they are proud that Debi now has a Vanity Basin with hot and cold running water.

There is bets going on amongst her friends about weather or not Debi will ever leave her wagon to sleep in the cottage. Doubt it.

Life is great for these two amazing camels with great stories to tell. They are the last of this legendary hard working camel herd family from the back of Alice.