BUSH SAFARI - KNOCKING AROUND THE OUTBACK - ELLIS

How do you answer the calls of nature when a mixed party is forced to spend the night in a small boat on Cooper Creek?  What do you say to a couple of tourists heading for the bore in which the Prime Minister of Australia is taking a bath?  Do you save your beer or your binoculars when your boat sinks in the middle of Lake Eyre?

Not only humour but also danger and excitement can be part of Rex Ellis's safari.  In 1971 he led the first tourist party across the Simpson Desert - a risky undertaking in this harsh environment and Rex has also led some unusual desert safaris - in boats!  One of these, in 1974, was the only crossing of Lake Eyre from north to south.  There can also be frustration when vehicles bog and break down, but there is the compensation of the solitude and unique beauty of inland Australia, and its fascinating wildlife - sometimes too close for comfort.  Rex describes some hair-raising incidents, including a wild boar charging through the camp, a snake in a sleeper's swag, and the unwelcome pursuit of his camel string by a wild bull camel capable of killing a man.

This large 229 page softcover is illustrated with black and white photogreaphs.  The cover has some light rubbing and edgewear and there is a crease to spine.  Internally there is original owner's name inside front cover and light browning to page edges only, but is otherwise tight and clean.  A wonderful read!    .