Ashley Embers and his gang, followers of Nic O Demon, decided to attack the caravan this morning. They were trying to knock everyone off their camel and shove tar and nicotine in their face. What a disgusting and cowardly attack!

Myself and several others dismounted and kicked some nico-butt. There wasn't much left of them when we were through. We drug their smelly carcasses out into the sands and left them for the scavengers. I am not sure if even they will want those guys though, as they smell terrible!!!!!

I received a message from the Old Goat and the Sheik this morning. They are both searching for warriors to protect the camps and oasis. They have heard the same rumors that I have, I guess. Nicodemon is recruiting heavily. He has lost many followers in his attacks on our camp and the caravan. I guess he will never learn.

Up until now, the journey has been smooth and pleasant. Everyone has been trying to adjust to riding camels. Once you get into the rolling motion of their gait, it is really easy and enjoyable. Kind of like being in your old rocking chair.

We should be arriving at the first oasis this evening. I will be reminding everyone about the dangers of the trail from Nicodemon and his allies. They will stop at nothing to pull someone back into their clutches. Don't fall for their tricks fellow travelers.

The stone the Old Goat gave me is still hanging from my camel's neck. The words are clearly visible. I refer everyone to them daily. Keep Them Away From Your Face.

Remember always. One step, and then another, will get you to where you want to be.

Hugs and love to everyone on their journey.

Larry the Caravan Master

I never would have thought I could make it this long when this journey started. I kinda thought I would end up caving like every other time.

WELL!!! At 11 PM my time, I will be have beern smoke free for 6 months. That is something that is very huge to me. I know that I will have memories and temptations many times in the future, but, I know down deep in myself that I will never light up a death stick again. I don't wish to undo what it took my surgeon 6 hours to accomplish. I have a new lease on my life, I refuse to break that lease for anything!!!

I only have one thing to say to old quitters, new quitters, and those just thinking about quitting. It CAN be done!!!

We CAN, and ARE kicking Nicotine's arse!!!

I know it is said a lot, but it is very true ...... IF I CAN QUIT, YOU CAN, TOO!!!!!

I send all the love in my heart to everyone that has, or will, be a part in my new life without nicotine.

Keep them away from your face.

One step, and then another, will get you to where you want to be.

Larry the Caravan Master

This morning I sent out messengers in all directions with instructions to notify all the warriors of EXland of the plans of Queen Butt and her minions. I told them to ask everyone to converge on the camp at the end of the trail through NML to defeat her planned attack. I sent a special messenger to go to the mountain and ask the advice of the hermit in Carp's Cave and the Old Goat. I know they will impart great advice and possibly some stratagies for the battle.

Anyone that has a weapon and wishes to join the defence of the camp would be welcomed I am sure. I am loading several camels with supplies and weapons to be sent back to the defenders.

Keep them away from your face!

One step, and then another, will get you to where you want to be.

Hugs and love to all the travelers on this journey.

Larry the Caravan Master

I sent several camels back along the trail loaded with some dates and figs for the camp at the end of NML. I told the bedoin to take them to Queen Tigress. I know she will make sure they arrive at the camp safely. I also sent a note along with Amir asking her to take over care of the camel compound back there. There is a lavish tent set up for her use if she will assume care of the camels.

Since I can move much faster on my own, I am almost back to the entrance to NML. I have heard there are some people milling around there as if they are lost. I will see about getting them organized and on the trail when I get there.

I passed someone in a boonie hat that was traveling across the desert yesterday. He looked to be ready for anything Ol Nic could throw his way. He was carrying a large hammer slung on his back.

 I hailed him and told him about the supply caches at each oasis and that he was welcome to any that he needed. I think he will do fine.

I should be ready to begin another caravan in a few days. I, and my camel, will have to rest before we start back again.

I have posted signs across the desert with the Old Goat's words on them. Remember them always my friends. They are words to live by.

Keep Them Away From Your Face!!!

One step, and then another, will get you to where you want to be.

Hugs and love to all my fellow travelers.

Larry the Caravan Master

I have had a pleasant ride today.

I feel good after thrashing Ol Nic for destroying the supplies and trying to turn travelers from the correct path through NML. I can still see him laying in that puddle of tar and nicotine. What a great site. I don't count him out though. He seems to recover from every beating he has taken.

I have seen a lot of travelers on my return. For some reason today, I see them all in tee shirts. Printed across the front is, " Goodbye Joe! I  got a new camel!" 

I am not sure where that came from, but it is a great thought. I can just see Joe Camel's reaction to that one!

I haven't found any more supply caches destroyed, so I guess we stopped Nic in time. All the supplies have been replaced that he destroyed.

I have replaced several more markers along the trail. Several had been changed by Nic and his gang. They read correctly now.

Safe journey to all. Keep those quits strong. Follow the markers and let your camel have it's freedom to help you along the trail.

One step, and then another, will get you to where you want to be.

Keep Them Away From Your Face! as The Wise Old Goat told me.

Hugs and love to all.

Larry the Caravan Master