It wouldn't be the desert without Camels

So, I was out doing a training mission with my squad when a herd (?) of camels came strolling by. It was almost unbelievable. Of course we had to play with them. I got out of my Humvee and was just standing with the guys when one walked right over to us. Fantastic. So we all goofed around, took pictures and a couple of videos before it decided to be on its way. The whole time I was thinking... despite the heat and endless miles of absolutely nothing but sand still didn't hit me as hard as a camel walking up to our patrol... I'm in the desert.

So, the next thing that really made me think i was in the desert was this...

That's right.. not a serious one, but a sandstorm indeed. This was about 8 in the morning just the other day, just outside the berm of the training area. Thank God for goggles. Needless to say, respiratory infections are no fun. I woke up at about 140am or so, because sleep wasn't all that easy, and was already a little congested. This... this definitely made it worse. At the same time I was hating it, it was actually kind of cool - almost, surreal. Regardless, thank god for good goggles.

The heat is something that I can stand, and really has not bothered me. I drink about 9 or so liters of water a day. I sweat a lot, but I'm used to that anyway. Again... It is only spring, so it is bound to get worse.

So right now, I'm sitting in the computer center just working on this and uploading more pictures and reading the news. I'm guessing I'll have a couple thousand pictures by the time I leave here.

I like the news. It comes with being opinionated.

Here is what I think about the headlines thus far today:

"Risk Suicide to Quit Smoking?" - Isn't this kind of counterproductive (yet, it doesn't take as long)?

Iran: U.S., Britain Helped Mosque Bombers - Unfortunate attack, but don't blame us that we didn't help you... you should probably stop sending weapons to Iraq.

Maryland Woman Fined $310 for Killing Police Officer - Excuse me?

Prospective Juror in Pot Trial Caught Smoking Joint - Not for it... but hilarious...

Genes Reveal Platypus Even Weirder Than Suspected - Honestly? You think? Look at the name?

Nude Hiker Tells Women He Was 'Getting Close to Nature' - how about go to a zoo, smell a flower, plant a tree or mow your grass... all of those seem like healthier choices... I hope he walked through poison Ivy.

Anyway, enough for now. I will update again before I leave. I hope all is well with everyone and I miss you all.

You can view more pictures at http://s300.photobucket.com/albums/nn36/bulldog2c/