The temperature has been pleasant compared to the sweatbox some of the nation has locked in. Our high yesterday was 65 with a low of 51. We tallied 0.25 inches of rain Sunday, mostly in a heavy shower before supper. We have measured rain six of the last eight days.
After staring down squirrels in yesterday's post, I'll stick with the animal theme and introduce you to Cliff, LeConte Lodge llama extraordinaire. Cliff started working with the llama team the same year as wrangler Alan. He also just happens to be Alan's favorite, which means he sometimes gets away with murder.
"He's good about everything," Alan said. "He's the smartest and strongest llama on the farm. If he sets his mind to it, he can get through any fence on the farm. He's also more tolerant of people than most of the other llamas."
His full name is Clifford Clifftops. His last name should be plenty recognizable to anyone who's watched sunset on LeConte. He also knows his name.
"He'll come running to me on the farm," Alan said. "All the others run the other way." Of course, Alan usually has a treat in hand for his favorite worker.
On a warm day when they're working the other llamas will be huffing and puffing, but Cliff just looks at them and yawns even though he's probably carrying a heavier load.
Here's to Cliff and a job well done. Happy trails (in Cliff's case Trillium Gap Trail, but you come up any that suits you best).