
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: WEDNESDAY, May 9, 1990                   TAG: 9005090391
SECTION: EXTRA                    PAGE: E-6   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: Cathryn McCue
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

LLAMAS STEAL BOUCHER'S SHOW

The scenery is lovely, with views alternating between rolling hills, farms, occasional mountain peaks and ancient geological patterns revealed on cliffs hundreds of feet high. But for a group of 25 guests accompanying Rep. Rick Boucher on his annual wilderness trek last weekend, the main attraction by far was the llamas.

Eight of the furry beasts helped carry gear on the six-mile walk - and kept the group thoroughly entertained. Even Boucher remarked laughingly that the large turnout of guests probably had much to do with llamas being on the itinerary.

"Llamas are gentle animals," said Randy Huddle, a llama wrangler with N.C.-based Rolling Thunder Farm, which loaned six animals to the group. Two more came from Virginia Highland Llamas in Bland.

Llamas have galloped into popularity in recent years as pack animals, sound financial investments and just plain good pets.

"They don't bite, and generally don't kick - but give them a little respect at the rear," Huddle said by way of introducing the llamas to the group. Although llamas have a reputation for spitting when they get mad, Huddle assured the hikers that the animals usually only spit at each other. -

by CNB