CT and Llamas - The Colorado Trail

imported
#1

I have been reading the journalls and this board for awhile now but not yet seen anyone other than Tha Wookie who used pack animals. He used goats and I am planning on using a Llama.

They can carry up to 70lbs each but the less weight the further you can travel per day. Since I am a hopeless gear hog I do not feel like carrying it all, hell my old Osprey pack is heavy with nothing in it. But I think between my hammock, tarp, and other items I will be able to keep the wieght low.

There are a few different places to rent Llamas in Colorado and have already discussed the plan with the owners. It looks like about $800 rental and they even have a ranch on the south end of the Trail so delivery of the animal is easy in the end.

Does anyone have any suggestions or experiences with this type of hiking? I live in Breckenridge Colorado and have spent a lot of time in the bakccountry with horses and solo not to mention with large groups so the basics are…well basic.

Thanks. ~Fever

PackerFever

#2

This woman “Mel” hosts llama trips in the Sierras each year and could probably give you loads of practical info:

SIERRAMEL@GNET.COM

steve hiker

#3

You must be thinking of “Goat Man”. I carry all my gear myself. Out of curiousness, what in my journals made it sound like I used goats? :lol If I were to use pack animals, it would be Llamas. They are nice (sometimes), and are suited for such a task. Horses spook and destroy trails, especially in the rain. Llamas’ hooves spread out their weight better than a horse, hence they are far less impacting. But they can only do 7-10 miles a day. You don’t want to push them harder than that. I have a contact with Llamas, but don’t want to post here. I can relay any questions you have, and post the answers here for you. Just remember not to feed them invasive plants! :smiley:

THA WOOKIE

#4

You are correct, I did confuse you sith the Goat man…I saw him come through town last year and read you journals last fall…just disoriented as usual.

I have been told byt he Llama guy that 15-20 miles several days in a row is not a problem for a Llama. I would love to hear from all sides on this ussue though. The guy I spoke to has several animals whom have thru hiked with no problems.:smokin :cheers

PackerFever

#5

Maybe I was wrong about the mileage, but that’s what I’ve been told by some owners. Maybe it depends on the Llamas and the load. I would look deeper into it, however. I think 15-20 miles is a bit unrealistic for a daily pack animal average. I’m just saying this so you aren’t suprised out there when they won’t go. But what do I know? :boy

THA WOOKIE

#6

Have you seen Along the CT, about hiker/Llamas on the CT? It is VERY nice and has stunning pictures, as well as his personal account. Go to www.coloradotrail.org and then to “Store” button on left.

THA WOOKIE

#7

I don’t think I would plan on having Llamas go 15-20 miles. I have never hike with one, but I did run into some people who did. I don’t recall them doing days that long.

If you are planning on renting Llamas make sure you do a lot of research on it. You might get stuck with a lazy one. :oh

THA WOOKIE - are you taking your goats on the PCT
:wink:

Leif

#8

BTW, I live in the same are as one of the Authors of that book and refuse to contribute anything to him. Besids, I don’t like his stye of writing and I choose to travel the trail without his perceptions tainting my experence. Maybe I wil write my own book…actually I am probaly going to raise money for a local charity on my trip. I now think I will be going solo with a lightwieght rig and gear. :pimp

PackerFever

#9

Leif-
the goats have been acting up lately, keep chewing on my umbrella.
Pack Fever- Send me a copy.

THA WOOKIE