Born and raised in the desert of West Texas, Doug first became interested in camels during a job as zookeeper in Nashville, Tennessee. Through self-study he learned as much as he could about the historic use of camels in the United States military in the 19th century, and eventually traveled to the Sinai desert to study camel training with the Bedouin there.

Nowadays, most of Doug's time is taken up with guiding camel treks in the Chihuahuan desert of Texas, along with working with troubled youth from around the United States. Thus he brings together his two loves -- camels and children.

On altering all his plans to join The Friendship Caravan: ?After checking out the website, I immediately knew I needed to be involved, at ANY level. I had no idea I'd end up being Camel Director and Permanent Caravaneer, but I definitely wanted to be a part of such a unique and important event. Having lived and traveled with the Bedouin, I feel obligated to share with the
American public how wonderful these people and their culture are. The time is ripe for this cultural interchange and there's no other way to undertake such an endeavor other than to jump in feet first!

"I feel compelled to help push this vision through. Globally The Friendship Caravan is needed so badly; locally the Caravan will change lives."

On camels: Atta Allah (God's gift) is one name given to camels in their native, Middle-Eastern lands. I have discovered that this is true. These animals have taken me places, both literally and figuratively, that I never would have dreamed of while growing up in West Texas.

You may discover more about Doug at the web site of Texas Camel Corps his adventure travel company: www.texascamelcorps.com

Tony Caird

“Camel Dundee”

Tony grew up in Western Australia and left his home in Adelaide at an early age, wandering the outback for a decade, working as a wrangler on cattle stations in the northern territory. During this period he got hooked on camels. “They got into my blood: we would muster them into the yards with the cattle, and I started playing with them, teaching them to whoosh and stand and lead.”

He did his first camel trek into the Simpson dessert at age 18 and has been catching and training wild camels ever since. He says he could not imagine his life without camels.

On participating in The Friendship Caravan: “Apart from the extraordinary challenge of trekking a team of camels across the States. I firmly believe there must be a way to solve the problems of relations between the West and the Muslim world without the use of force and the taking of innocent lives. If this camel train can help to start people thinking in other directions than the use of force, and more to the use of mediation and negotiation, then it will be worth every step taken. We must leave a legacy for the younger generation that says we can benefit from one another, regardless of race, color or religion.

Annette Caird

Annette grew up on a dairy farm in the Otway ranges in Victoria, Australia. A great lover of animals, people, and nature, she has spent a great deal of her life traveling throughout Australia, and plans in the future to do volunteer work in the Middle East. A passionate photographer, she recently traveled with Tony throughout North America, where she was overwhelmed with the beauty of the landscape and people. She and Tony enjoy traveling together and have trained and trekked with camels throughout the Simpson Desert in central Australia.

For Annette The Friendship Caravan represents a “dream of peace that showcases our beautiful world”.