Is your Mama a Llama?

I can't believe I'm starting a blog. Seriously.

I love reading blogs, though, so I suppose it was only a matter of time. And since I bought a llama today, my blog name is perfect: Llama Momma. Actually, I'm only part-owner of the llama. And he lives in Ecuador, I think. A friend actually coordinated the llama purchase. Let me explain.

Two years ago I got a call from my Aussie friend, who was turning 40. She wanted to do something outrageous, and so she organized a llama hike with a few other friends. (I was priviledged to be invited!) Now, if you've never been on a llama hike, you really must go. We all flew into Salt Lake City, Utah, rented a car, and drove to the middle of nowhere. Our guides let us stay in their "guest house" overnight, and the next morning, we were on our way. We each carried a day pack with water and snacks, and our llamas carried the rest. For the next two days, we hiked beautiful trails with our llamas. They really are amazing creatures. And that business about llamas spitting? It's not true. Only llamas who have been mistreated actaully spit at people.

We wanted to get llama tattoos to commemorate our trip, but Salt Lake City seems to be a bit short on tattoo parlors.

So here we are, two years later, and we've bought a real llama instead. My friend emailed the old llama gang, and we all pitched in $37.50 and bought a llama for a family who lives in Ecuador, or someplace where a llama would be useful. I think I'll get a llama photo or something in the mail.