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photo page 33 |
After thousands of pictures with our ancient 1 Megapixel camera Sonja decides its time for a new era, because the old Photosmart
did not have zoom, lost depth in all landscape pictures, and its flash did not reach far. Sonja surprises Henk with an advanced
Olympus 6 Mp camera! |
First try: what a difference! |
That weekend we have a perfect opportunity to try out the new camera: we have planned another trip into the desert, with Ruth
and Yuval, tents and a big camp fire. |
Five old pallets on the roof, the trunk full of tents, sleeping bags and Yuvals mobile kitchen, we reach Be'er Ora, 15 minutes from
Eilat, and trek into the mountains. A deserted valley will be our camping site, and we unload the car. |
The boys immediately start the demolition, because we will need a big fire tonight. |
The reason: try out of a "poyke": a cast iron cooking pot to make stews on a camp fire.
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The pot is not ready for use yet: it must be heated carefully and oiled on the inside a number of times, until the oil smokes.
The fire is nice and hot, as the pot comes out glowing red and catches fire as soon as the oil is added.
Slightly less hot next time Yuval.... |
Meanwhile we set up camp and pump the air beds. We have hauled this equipment across Europe twice, on our trip to and from Israel, but
never used them. This is also a first for Sonja, who has never camped in a tent.
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The tents are set, and the night has fallen. Yuval fills the poyke with a big chunk of turkey, lots of vegetables, potatoes and
a hand full of herbs. The poyke soon squeaks and bubbles.
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Henk and Yuval check the concoction: headlights on and a bottle of water to dilute the brew.
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After two more hours (slow cooking!) and lots of sniffing the aromas, the poyke is ready. |
Wow, delicious: we eat till we reach the bottom.
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There is still plenty of wood to burn, so another pallet goes into the fire.
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This is not a good night for watching the stars, as the moon is almost full. But it is a good night for apprentice campers, as the
valley is brightly lit all night and we can easily see where we go. | |
Catching the mood without flash: we try every option of the new camera. |
After a good night sleep we watch the sun come up against the mountains across the valley, but, as the tents are in the
shade, we fall back asleep for some more hours. Then, Yuval makes breakfast on two gas stoves: pancakes with syrup! |
Camera on the tripod, timer mode, and see here the fellowship of the poyke.
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Besides all camping and cooking gear, we also managed to put the bows in the car. Some 15 minutes from the camping site we
locate a shady area underneath a big tree, because we have to keep out of the sun on this last hot day of the summer
(30 degrees in November!). Target set, bows assembled, and soon we are shooting in this wonderful area: what a sight!
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Just one slight disadvantage: if you miss, the search for the arrow takes you halfway across the plain.
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Elegant action shot of goddess Diana...
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We take turns in shooting, make tea, and shoot some more...
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Still life with 2 bows and a land rover.
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On our way back, Sonja spots two doggies playing in the desert. As they come closer to the jeep.....
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Oops, no doggies, but wild wolves! They circle the car, watching us with their yellow eyes and then walk on into the desert. What a
spectacular ending of a fabulous weekend!
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