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For most people, living next to a herd of llamas would be entertaining—probably a great story for cocktail conversation. For Lisa Wolf, it became a life-changing experience that revealed a special relationship with the animals and set her on a new career path connecting people with llamas. “These days, many people ache for connection to the land,” Wolf says. “Such connections are immensely healing yet can be very difficult to achieve for people who live in the rush of modern urban life. Llamas can provide a secure bridge into the wild—where walking with llamas eases the soul and heals the mind.” We caught up with Wolf about her packing outfit, Burns Llama Trailblazers, her mission to foster deeper connections with nature, and how Danner boots help her do it.
Outside: What’s the mission of Burns Llama Trailblazers?
Lisa Wolf: At Burns Llama Trailblazers, we strive to prepare our llamas for life as working companions for their people. In turn, we train people to interact with their llama as skilled partners.
We put our llamas through a rigorous training program beginning the day they are born. By the time our llamas are six months old, they have gained the manageability skills required to be excellent companions. They are then trained to carry loads while working in strings and dealing with challenging obstacles in extreme off-trail conditions in backcountry settings.
That makes our llamas trustworthy and skilled backcountry companions able to facilitate the yearning people have for connection with the land—our llamas are excellent teachers. We believe filling that need is essential for dealing with our current environmental crises.
What inspired you to become a llama trainer and backcountry guide?
I didn’t plan this. I was busy refining my artistic skills and hoping to gain gallery representation when I moved into a cabin next to a herd of llamas. My own llamas had been killed by dogs, and I was craving llama companionship. I mentioned to the owner that if she was going to breed llamas, she needed to give them something to do. She said, “Have at it.”
When she and her business partner purchased their new herd sire, Wahoo, he proved to be an untrained handful that I couldn’t resist. When Wahoo was fully trained, I took a group of friends on a pack trip to nearby Steens Mountain, and Wahoo led my string of eight pack llamas. Everyone loved it, and I never looked back.
Why use llamas for long-distance treks?
Llamas are like people: not all are inclined to undertake long treks, but the ones that are do so spectacularly. Their padded feet do not damage the trails. Their size is easily compatible with humans, and they can fit in small vehicles compared to horses. Their calm nature makes them excellent trail companions; they’re unlikely to panic, and their awareness and vision will spot the mountain goats before you do. Llamas drink about the same amount as you, eat very little, and a fit 300-pound llama can carry 75 pounds of gear.
They’re also very nimble, which is great for technical terrain. Once, during a Pack Llama Trail Association pack trial, I was lining up a group of llamas to negotiate a break in a rimrock cliff that was jammed with loose, sharp boulders. The slot was barely wide enough for the llamas to fit through with their packs. The ranch kid standing next to me asked what we were doing. I said, “Just watch.” The llamas negotiated the climb easily while the ranch kid stood with an open mouth. He was used to horses, which would have been stymied. Then he said, “I want one of those.
How often do you hike with llamas in the backcountry?
Llamas are like humans: they get fat and lazy if they sit around. So I have to exercise them, often taking up to eight llamas out at a time. I’m always in front, pounding my feet across the ancient lava beds, through the brush, and down the canyons.
In this part of Oregon, rock is everywhere. It eats boots fast. I need sturdy, tough boots that last. I need high tops that keep debris out and strong uppers to shield against sharp llama toes. Soles need to be durable and well designed for traction so I don’t spend too much time on my rump. The boots have to stand up to weather extremes. I’m on the go every day, so my boots need to be easy to care for, and since even durable soles eventually wear down, it helps if they can be easily recrafted. And Danner boots have everything I need and more.
My current favorite boot is the Danner women’s Stronghold, because it’s durable, gives me stability in rough terrain, and performs admirably in the challenging conditions I face.
What’s one of your most memorable experiences with llamas?
What experience with llamas isn’t memorable? OK, here’s one: I stood on a hill overlooking the llama camp during a pack trial in Idaho. I wasn’t much for hanging out with people at the time and had sought refuge with my super-packer, Sid, who also seemed inclined toward solitude. As we stood there in companionable silence watching the goings on far below, I draped my arm over Sid’s shoulders and let my mind drift. And then the world shifted. Suddenly, instead of a human and a llama standing on the hill, there was just one of us, melded together, knowing complete companionship, trading thoughts without words. My life hasn’t been the same since. Llamas can do that if you are ready.
Danner Boots are Built to Go There.
