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March 26, 2017

3/26/2017

7 Comments

 
Good Afternoon,
     Tis a dreary day on the mountain, shrouded in clouds with the occasional light mist pestering crew members as they scurry around camp toting linens and brooms.  We had 0.65" of rain at measurement this morning, accompanied by a high yesterday of 50 degrees and an overnight low of 38.  We expect similar temps today, although with fewer views from camp.
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Alan inspects Earl's saddlebags before departure. Today's team picked up right where they left off. We'll see how Tuesday's squad rates!
     Today marks our first Llama trip of the season.  Coming out of their winter break, they'll need to shake off the cobwebs and rediscover their hiking hooves.  We always fly in enough supplies that the first few loads for each team is light enough for them to get comfortable with Trillium Gap again.  The returning starters catch on real quick, but we'll have several new faces to get trained up this spring.  We appreciate everything these critters do for us, and we are especially grateful for the work and care done by our wranglers - Alan, Chrissy, and Bonnie.  If you are fortunate enough to see these hard workers on the trail, be sure and say "Hi," but please make sure you pay attention to any advice offered by the wranglers.  Sometimes the trail gets narrow, and its important you are kept safe while the llama train passes by.
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Kramer, a bit apprehensive about being this season's first featured llama.
     We currently have enough Llamas in rotation to feature a different one every week of the lodge season.  We'll start with some of the experienced veterans, some of which you may already know, and eventually highlight our younger but equally interesting packers.
     For this season's first featured Llama, we are proud to introduce...Kramer (aka "Little Deer").  Kramer is a well balanced combination of cuteness and consistency.  He's had experience in various spots in the train, from lead to anywhere in between.  His narrow and dainty frame compared to the rest of the herd gives him the appearance of a deer, but he can pack weight all the same.  When Kramer first came to work for the lodge, the Householders referred to him more as a wild deer, but with their commitment through training, they've developed Kramer into a fine LeConte Llama.  So here's a salute to our favorite "Little Deer!"
     In other exciting news, former crew members Brad ('13-'15) and Nicholette ('14-'15) officially tied the knot yesterday.  Join us in wishing them the best in their journey forward together!
     Have a great rest of the day.
7 Comments
Meg W.
3/26/2017 03:49:11 pm

Yay!!!

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doug y link
3/26/2017 04:02:41 pm

Two of my Lodge t-shirts, from my first year of staying up there in 2004. depict one of the llamas from that time, Sparky, since retired I believe. I never tire of seeing these interesting creatures trod by me as I pass them on the trail, or when they overtake me going in either direction since I hike much slower than they travel; I am always wondering just what's going through their minds as they carry their loads seemingly with little effort and with their ears standing up at full attention ! Of course, I always give them a wide berth as they pass for they also seem to demand the right of way and they deserve it. I am quite impressed with the sheer logistics of performing this thrice weekly supply trek for it entails much more in doing it successfully than I believe most people realize. Much praise to the llama wranglers. I truly admire and respect what they do in connection with the weekly operations of the Lodge. A great job indeed. G'day

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Nykky
3/26/2017 04:50:36 pm

So glad they made it up!! What days are they coming up this year ? I know it changed last year, but I cannot remember to what days...

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Pat N
3/26/2017 07:58:06 pm

Hi to my special llama buddies! Lookin good, Kramer! Hope your first trip went well. Also, congratulations to Brad and Nicholette!

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Sharon S
3/27/2017 09:00:21 am

To echo Doug Y's comments, the llamas and their handlers are very impressive. With the closure of Alum last year, we made our annual trek via Trillium. So many times I looked down at the path and wondered how in the world the llama train could make it--and so quickly--without falling.

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TwistyP
3/27/2017 09:20:38 am

Congratulations, Brad and Nicholette! Please provide a picture, if possible.

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Sherleen
3/27/2017 01:18:47 pm

Congratulations to the newly weds. Appreciate the work involved the wranglers do .....AND...last but not least, I enjoy the stories from the mountain top.. Thank you. Be safe.....all of you . :-)

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