Gardening gloves to rub down camels at the end of the day and well-worn walking boots will be in the small pack that physiotherapist Fiona Schwab will soon be taking to the Simpson Desert.
“I don’t really know what I’m in for”, said the 53-year-old from Applecross who’s about to embark on a 12 day trek with a team of camels from May 19-30.
Five cameleers and a small handful of ecologists are undertaking a scientific and ecological survey. Fiona is joining the team to have an adventure.
COVID postponed the trek from last year, then heavy rains in April flooded inland rivers and delayed the trip even further. Now its scheduled for the end of May.
“That was exactly when I was registered to walk 35kms in Perth in the Walk for Women’s Cancer to raise money for cancer research at the Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research.
“I decided to combine the two. The camels don’t know it, but they are going to be doing the Walk for Women’s Cancer with me,” Fiona said.
Harry Perkins Institute Director Professor Peter Leedman AO said “This is the first time camels have been involved in the annual Walk for Women’s Cancer and the first time someone has attempted the 35kms in the Simpson Desert, but what a first to notch up.”
Fiona is unsure how far the camels will walk each day. It will depend on the sand dunes and the weight of the camel packs which can be as heavy as 250kgs per camel.
“I don’t know what distances we’ll be covering. All I know is that it will be as fast as a camel walks,” she said.
More than 700 walkers will head off at dawn on May 29 from the Harry Perkins Institute in Nedlands. One walker has already completed his 35kms in Madrid — and Fiona, along with up to 18 camels will complete their walk in the Simpson Desert.
To support Fiona Schwab search her name at www.walkforwomenscancer.org.au.
