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| Our Llama Treks
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Why not take a llama to lunch? Or a short hike? This year, 2006, we have restricted our llama walks to a a short walk around the home farmlands.
Llamas are experienced pack animals, and they will carry your spare sweater, rainwear, camera, and other necessities. Contrary to much-talked-about notions, llamas do not spit at their human companions. They may have a dispute among themselves in competition for a tasty morsel of food, when it is wise not to stand in the cross-fire, but this is the only way you might see them spit and it doesn't happen very often. Llamas who do spit at people have in all probability been abused in some way. All of the Mabou Ridge llamas are lovingly cared for and they know this.
Llamas are of the camelid family, relatives of the Alpaca, Vicuna, and Guanaco. All are from South America, but only the llama is strong and large enough to carry packs, and can comfortably carry approximately 25% of their body weight. Llamas are sure-footed and hardy, able to climb over rocks and follow along narrow paths. They make such a light print on the path that they have even less environmental impact than the human footprint.
If two people wish to share one llama for a llama walk, they can take it in turns to hold the lead rope. This works well especially for those participants who find it difficult to pay attention to their llama continuously (e.g. children, who may not be used to walking steadily over distance). For safety reasons, children under 10 years of age may accompany their older family members, but are not permitted to lead a llama. When a llama is shared, there is no charge for the llama for the second person.
In 2007, we will provide treks along the Trans Canada Trail, or decide on a longer day trip over the Creignish Hills or the Mabou Highlands, llamas are wonderful companions, and they provide an experience you will not easily forget.
The time allowed for all trips include meeting, brushing, and preparing your llama for the trek, and returning him to his field after the trek. This gives you an opportunity to get to know your llama, and you will soon find that you are developing a special bond with him.
The exception to this pattern is The Ceilidh Trek, where those who wish to do so may meet the llamas at the parking place at Christie's Lookoff on Route 19. This option is provided as being very accessible for tourists whose time may be limited, and who do not have the opportunity to visit Mabou Ridge Centre on that particular day.
All prices include a snack (The Farm Trek), a light lunch (The Old Rail Trek), or a complete and nutritious packed meal (The Highland Trek and The Ceilidh Trek).
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Our Llama Treks
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