Barry Watts could have easily jumped on a plane in the Northern Territory and returned back to the Manning within a day. But where's the fun in that?
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The veteran nurse is leading the Shar Jem Gypsy Camel Trek, a 3500 kilometre journey from Hermannsburg to Taree on foot.
Mr Watts has an outback Santa Claus aura about him, just replace the sleigh and reindeer for a wagon and a caravan of camels.
Speaking to Manning River Times about 400 kilometres west of the Queensland border, Mr Watts said everyone on the journey is up for the challenge.
"It's going to test our tenacity, will and capacity," Mr Watts said.
By his side on the journey is a group of trustworthy companions.
Twelve-year-old twins Tyler and Tashiem have helped Barry in the last few years renovate the wagon and care for the camels.
Mr Watts said the boys are in his care and will have a fresh start in Taree.
"The boys love Taree," Mr Watts said.
"When they were there last, they loved going down to the beach."
They'll settle in quite well in the Manning. They barracked the Blues home in the second State of Origin game last Sunday, watching the game under the night's sky near Harts Range (northeast of Alice Springs).
It's going to test our tenacity, will and capacity.
- Barry Watts
Josiah Farthing, from Merewether, is also along for the ride.
"I've known three generations of his family," Mr Watts explained.
The trek is named in memory of Mr Watts' lifelong friends Sharyn and Jemma, who both died of cancer.
Jemma was just 28 when she died of melanoma before her mother, Sharyn, succumb to a brain tumour.
"On the trek, we're able to pay respect to them," Mr Watts said.
Along the way, the crew will raise funds for World Vision. That venture has been highly successful so far, with many passersby opening up their wallets while having a chat.
"We were talking to people on a bus and they gave us $150 towards World Vision," Mr Watts said.
WATCH: The Shar Jem Gypsy Trek team prepares for the journey ahead.
Mr Watts longed for an opportunity to attempt something memorable.
"The journey is for me, the memory of Sharyn and Jemma and to get the boys out of Hermannsburg," Mr Watts said.
With the help of cameleers, Mr Watts trained the camels to steer the group home.
"You can train a camel in three days but it took much longer because I was working full time," Mr Watts said.
"It can take six to eight years before they are safe in public."
He's yet to decide where the camels will end up after the journey is complete.
The group will call the wagon home for the next few months.
It is decked out with all the bells and whistles needed to cook a hot meal and store their camping gear.
A lot of work has been put into it since Mr Watts purchased it seven years ago.
There's no need for accommodation either. Pitching tents and rolling out sleeping bags each night near the campfire gets the job done.
Their journey across the territory has highlighted the effects of the drought that has gripped the nation.
They can see barren, dry and dusty land as far as the eye can see while some areas are strewn with dead cattle.
The group completes about 100 kilometres a week or 20 to 25 kilometres per day. This would put them back home by about Christmas.
I'll be home for good, I love Taree and can't wait to get back.
- Barry Watts
With the unpredictable nature of the trek, no timeline has been set.
Mr Watts hopes to come through Nowendoc and the back of Wingham before arriving in Taree. He's yet to determine the exact location of where the trek will terminate.
Mr Watts plied his trade as a nurse in remote communities in the Northern Territory for 13 years. He can't wait to get home, albeit slowly.
"I'll be home for good, I love Taree and can't wait to get back," Mr Watts said.
The group is always looking for volunteers who can drive the support vehicle, walk along or steer the wagon at times.
This includes dropping food and water to people and camels, scouting the track ahead and escorting the animals and wagon when passing through towns.
Company is always welcome, whether it's for a day, week or month.
Wingham's Blake Ballard spent several days with the crew. He'll share his experience with the Times next week.
You can keep up with the team on their Facebook page, Shar Jem Gypsy Camel Trek.
To get in touch or donate, visit www.cameltrek.com.au/
While you're with us...
Did you know the Manning River Times is now offering breaking news alerts and a weekly email newsletter? Keep up-to-date with all the local news: SIGN UP HERE.
