A Very Unusual Sight
Camels Invade Wears Valley
Last weekend, October 18th, was wet and cold. Cold enough
that snow dusted the top of Cove Mountain. I’m driving along
thinking about staying warm, when out of the corner of my eye I
see something very tropical- Camels. That’s right, Camels.
“They actually don’t mind the cold at all” owner and Camel-
Master Matt Michel inform us. “Remember the desert is
very cold at night.”
The Camels were here Sunday only, giving rides to kids of all
ages, behind Mcgill & Sons Pony Rides.
Michel, who owns and operates the Circle-G Ranch and Safari,
brought the Camels to be part of pony ride owner Alvin Mcgills
Weekend long “Kidfest” celebration. All weekend long kids
were given free pony rides and games. “It was a last minute
plan” says McGill, “we decided to do it Thursday Night and
passed out flyers to Wearwood on Friday.” The flyers were
sent home with Wearwood Elementary School students.
Did the Bad weather make a difference? “Not at all” says McGill,
“We had a great Weekend.”
The camels, named Josie and Buckwheat are not your typical
two-humped camels. Buckwheat is actually a one-humped
variety known as a dromedary camel, while Josie is a mixed
variety, still with one-hump.
Old pros at giving rides and doing live nativity scenes Michels
camels have even been on the big screen-appearing in the
Manchurian Candidate, though the scenes were later cut.
Buckwheat, Josie and a wide variety of other safari type
animals can be scene at the Circle G Ranch in Sevierville. Call
865-932-0070 for directions, hours or more information. Visit
them online at www.ridecamels.com