A Rio Grande Bosque Llama Trek: A Perfect Autumn Day

I had the best time taking my clients on a llama trek along the Rio Grande Bosque last weekend!  The weather in Albuquerque is superb these days as the season is changing to autumn.  And although my lead llama seemed a little anxious, and walking often at a fast pace, my client handled her pressing ahead and straining to get the first peeks around every corner very well. And in reality, he became sort of her trainer for the day.  That is really is something to keep in mind when bringing customers into the world of llama trekking: they should expect to be integrated into llama handling process and may be doing some maintenance training and discovery.  This can be fun and exciting for new llama handlers on an adventure.  In fact, together we discovered that it was the blind corners that caused Dalai to want to quickly approach them -- so that she could see what was there.  That was one source for her wanting to get ahead- there were likely others (like when we got close to the parking lot, she knew we were headed home for the day). I believe if she walks that trail again in the near future, she will be more relaxed; as she had only done that walk once or twice in the last year and may have been anxious to know who was at every corner.  Dalai is definately the llama who needs the most control or awareness of every situation.  So, to test that theory,  I hope to get out to the Alameda/Rio Grande open space and walk the trail again - and also visit that awesome camel!  -Lynda LIptak