Trudge, trudge, trudge. Trudge, trudge, trudge. Here we go . . . up the dune. Here we go . . . down the dune. Up the dune . . . down the dune. Maybe if I sing the words, the walking will get easier in this heat. Here we go . . . up the dune . . . YIPE! Goodness gracious! Where did you come from?

So sorry . . . I hope I did not frighten you.

Frighten me? Of course not – I always expect to come across an elephant in the middle of the desert. Are you lost? Did you make a wrong turn somewhere?

Yes, I may have lost my bearings. I was running away from the circus and saw a shimmering opening in my path. My only chance of escape was to pass through the opening and the next thing I know . . . I am here in this desert. My name is Elliot – what is your name?

Clara. Clara D. Camel.

Clara D. Camel. What does the D stand for?

Desiree. My mother was a bit of a romantic.

Clara, would you know where I could find some water? I could use a drink and a mud bath.

Of course . . . just follow me and walk this way. Trudge, trudge, trudge.

That is an old joke. Trudge, trudge, trudge.