Hunting season is right around the corner for most of us, but the packing season for Marcus The Public Land Llama and his team started months ago. From stargazing in the desert to trekking through mudslides and catching trout in the backcountry, there has been no shortage of excitement for the team and their guests exploring the surrounding public lands.
One of these recent trips, however, presented a new challenge for Beau Batty, owner of Wilderness Ridge Trail Llamas.
“It has always been my dream to take a llama deep into the Frank Church–River of No Return Wilderness in Idaho,” Baty said. “The only way to really do it is by means of a jet boat up the main fork of the Salmon River.”
Beau had never attempted to take one of his highly trained backcountry llamas onto a boat before. He had no idea how a llama would respond. Despite friends telling him it couldn’t be done, he put his faith in Marcus’ abilities and training and was optimistic they could make it happen.
The plan worked. Marcus loaded up on a jet boat and made voyage up the Salmon River. Like a dog with his head out a car window, his fur and face flapped in the breeze as the splash of river water occasionally sprayed from the sides of the boat.
With Marcus along to carry more supplies, the team was able to navigate and explore the deep canyons and rugged mountains of the Wilderness like never before.
“We got to see country I never thought possible because of Marcus. It was such a cool experience, and he really did great.”