» Hiking

Hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park

Annette Johnston — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 16:05:01 +0000

I had an opportunity to go hiking in the Rockies last week. It was truly gorgeous, with the huge, snow-capped mountains in the distance. Quite different from my hikes in Michigan!

I went hiking with a friend to Bierstadt Lake. My hiking book said it was an easy, pleasant hike to a subalpine lake. The hike was certainly pleasant, but sure not easy. I was huffing and puffing all the way. Dollie would have loved the hike, but she stayed home in Michigan.

Have you hiked in the Rockies?

Hiking with Dollie Llama

Annette Johnston — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 22:38:55 +0000

I invited a group of friends to go hiking with me and Dollie Llama herself at the Wadhams/Avoca Rail Trail just outside of Port Huron, Michigan. As we arrived at the trailhead, I saw a beautiful blue sky, and the temperature was just perfect. I unpacked the food and Dollie. I spent some time brushing and combing Dollie. I no sooner finished, than the sky turned black and it started to rain hard, so I hurried Dollie back into her trailer and took shelter in the gazebo. The rain came down in sheets. I said to myself that it will stop soon; it doesn’t rain that hard for very long. Just then, the hail started. The hail came down the size and shape of ice cubes; I’ve never seen anything like it. At least it didn’t cause any damage to my truck or trailer. I said to myself that it can’t get any worse than this. Just then, the hail stopped and the rain started up again. It turned so windy that the rain was coming sideways, and I got wet under the gazebo. At least Dollie was fine in her trailer. Finally, it stopped. My friends came anyway, and we had a lovely hike. That Michigan weather sure is something else.

Dollie Llama Enjoys Spring Weather

Annette Johnston — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 21:10:10 +0000

Dollie Llama, Robin (the horse), and little Hershey(mini donkey) are enjoying the nice weather. I’ve been leaving them outside all night, just bringing them in for grain, then turning them back out again.

They all got a clean bill of health with the vet. Everyone behaved well for the vet. Dollie is usually the troublemaker, but we blindfolded her, and she was fine.

Dollie has been going hiking down the road with me, and the two dogs. She sure enjoys it, especially when anyone stops near us and rolls down the window. Dollie charges over and sticks her head in their window, and starts trying to kiss the driver. I try to hold her back until the person tells me it’s ok. Some people in our neighborhood look forward to seeing Dollie and getting kissed. Sometimes their kids will come out of the car to pet Dollie, and then she is more than willing to kiss them too!

Have you ever been kissed by a llama?

Lots of Snow in the New Year

Annette Johnston — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 22:51:57 +0000

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas. All the critters here on Frolic Farm enjoyed the holidays. Dollie Llama did receive her brand new, bright red llama halter with jewels on the noseband. It looks beautiful on her. She wore it on Monday when we went for a short hike down our snow-covered road. In the winter, Dollie also wears a cute red and white striped scarf tied around her neck, so you can imagine how darling she looked. She has a matching leadline too. Dollie is quite the fashion-plate.

We had a huge snowstorm on Jan. 1, with very heavy, wet snow. The snow unfortunately accumulated on top of the peacock aviary, and was too heavy for some of the mesh. The mesh tore in several spots. Consequently, I had to lock up the peacocks and pheasants in the barn until I can make repairs to their pen. They are not too happy right now.

The snow does look pretty on the trees and bushes though. I do hope it melts soon!

Camping Adventure With Dollie Llama

Annette Johnston — Wed, 10 Oct 2007 20:07:30 +0000

Not everyone gets to go camping and hiking with Dollie Llama. A couple weekends ago, a friend and I packed up Dollie and our camping gear and headed off for a weekend of fun at Highland Recreation Area (near Waterford, Michigan). We set up the tent, then took Dollie out for a nice, long hike on the beautiful trails. We saw a few horsemen, but it was quiet otherwise. The weather was perfect too. For once, we didn’t get lost and managed to find our way back easily. Dollie loves hiking and camping. She follows along behind me, and carries her daypack, filled with our water, her treats, her spritzer bottle of water (in case she gets too warm on the trail), binoculars, first aid kit, etc.

For dinner, we had a feast. I prepared my famous hobo dinner, which is a full meal in a foil packet, cooked in the campfire. For dessert, we had my equally famous carmel apple cobbler baked in my Dutch oven over the campfire. We had whipped cream on it too. Yum!

Dollie had worked up a good appetite, and ate her llama chow, and lots of hay. She slept overnight in the horse trailer. (I had removed the center partition so it is a nice stall for her, and plenty of room for a llama.)

Several people came over to visit Dollie while we camped, and she always enjoys the attention.

We hiked again on Sunday morning, then left the campground at midday. We had a spectacular breakfast, prepared in my Dutch oven over the campfire. I call it Cowgirl Surprise; eggs and milk over bread cubes, with cheese, sausage, and onion. Delicious!

That is probably it for camping this fall. I will probably take Dollie on one more hike, possibly to the Wadhams/Avoca Trail outside of Port Huron MI to see the fall colors.