Glogirly right here. Final week Ellie and Waffles teased you with a sneak peek of my upcoming mountaineering trek with the Llamas. I am please to let that I am safely again dwelling with the kitties after every week within the Weminuche Wilderness in southern Colorado. The Weminuche is about 90 minutes outdoors of Ouray, Co. I traveled with 4 buddies and eight llamas, It was one of the bodily difficult issues I’ve ever completed. It is one factor to take a chair elevate as much as 12,500+ toes at a ski space. However’s fully totally different to achieve these heights on foot in an space few ever journey. The air is skinny above tree line and it makes every step tougher, however the views are that a lot sweeter if you attain them by yourself two toes.
Why llamas? The llamas carried the majority of our weight and made out journey extra of a “glamping” journey. They carried the coolers with dry ice, meals, tents, chairs, range, sleeping luggage…they even carried a poop tent we arrange at every campsite. They’re very docile creatures for essentially the most half and luxuriate in touring in packs. Generally we even took them on day hikes with us so we might lounge in comfortable chairs on the high of the mountain with snacks and drinks. Every llama can carry about 70 kilos within the “panniers” which connect to their saddles. Although we had particular treats for them, they principally simply graze on the recent grass and drink from the streams and lakes.
Nonetheless, this was roughing it as a lot as I ever have roughed it.
We skilled each type of climate conceivable. Sizzling solar, chilly nights, wind, rain, and hail. Base temperatures have been within the mid 60s through the day, however with the extraordinary solar it felt a lot hotter. In a single day temps dipped into the very low 30s. However we had the gear to make all of it very comfy.
This is only a small smattering of a few of the photographs I took alongside the best way.
Simply beginning out on day one with Llamas in tow.
Houdini was one of many lead llamas. He favored to stroll alongside of us versus following.
Our first campsite at about 12,000′.
One of many Highland Mary Lakes. As soon as we arrange camp, this was dwelling for 3 nights.
All eight of the llamas on considered one of our day hikes. As soon as we arrange camp and slept the night time, we might maintain our camp in place and take a day hike. Usually with the llamas so they might eat recent grass and likewise so we might convey meals and chairs on the hike.
That is Cruz posing for the digital camera.
Increased than I’ve ever been on foot. The place the Colorado Path and the Continental Divide Path meet.
