So What's With the Llama?
I am she who has walked with llamas. I adore llamas. I once had an imaginary one when I was younger and throughout the years I've never outgrown my fascination with the strength and endurance of these animals. So when I had the chance to walk with one, I was obviously thrilled.
The trail wound up a large NC hill or a Texas mountain -- the perspective depends on where you were raised. As hikers, we were allowed to choose the llama we wanted. We could pick out of a number of llamas that were milling in a pasture. We could choose anyone except the alpha male - Cuzco. It seemed Cuzco walked at his own pace and wasn't above spitting at people. So our guide would naturally take him first.
I walked among llamas talking quietly to see which one might want to walk with me. I turned to find Cuzco following me. I smiled and rubbed his magnificent crown. "Oh you are a handsome one, but it can not be." As I walked, Cuzco followed until our guide noted that he seemed to 'like' me. She asked me to take his leads and walk a short distance with him. I let the leathers fall slack between us. We walked side by side. It was perfect.
So up along the winding trail Cuzco and I walked side by side. During the picnic lunch, we sat together, and he patiently listened as I told him my point of view on things. As we came down the "hill" the guide stopped each hiker and took pictures. At the moment she snapped her picture of Cuzco and me, he leaned his head lightly on my shoulder. It was the closest thing to a llama hug I will ever experience.
Back at our cabin I reflected on llamas and what I learned as I walked among them. They are as majestic as I thought they would be. I never saw one spit at a hiker. I also feel I am a little more surefooted in life for the experience. At least I hope I am.
The trail wound up a large NC hill or a Texas mountain -- the perspective depends on where you were raised. As hikers, we were allowed to choose the llama we wanted. We could pick out of a number of llamas that were milling in a pasture. We could choose anyone except the alpha male - Cuzco. It seemed Cuzco walked at his own pace and wasn't above spitting at people. So our guide would naturally take him first.
I walked among llamas talking quietly to see which one might want to walk with me. I turned to find Cuzco following me. I smiled and rubbed his magnificent crown. "Oh you are a handsome one, but it can not be." As I walked, Cuzco followed until our guide noted that he seemed to 'like' me. She asked me to take his leads and walk a short distance with him. I let the leathers fall slack between us. We walked side by side. It was perfect.
So up along the winding trail Cuzco and I walked side by side. During the picnic lunch, we sat together, and he patiently listened as I told him my point of view on things. As we came down the "hill" the guide stopped each hiker and took pictures. At the moment she snapped her picture of Cuzco and me, he leaned his head lightly on my shoulder. It was the closest thing to a llama hug I will ever experience.
Back at our cabin I reflected on llamas and what I learned as I walked among them. They are as majestic as I thought they would be. I never saw one spit at a hiker. I also feel I am a little more surefooted in life for the experience. At least I hope I am.