So today was pretty darn cool. I got to participate in a 101-year-old Portland tradition AND hang out with some very nice people and their bea-u-ti-ful llamas. Yeah, another llama story. I’m sorry. I truly appreciate your indulgence.
With a gracious invitation by Lori, I got to celebrate my new membership in the local llama association by parading about town in Portland’s Grand Floral Parade. It’s Portland’s version of the Rose Parade in Pasadena.
I wasn’t expecting to have a llama to walk – I was merely going to enjoy being in the presence of llamas as well as visually adding to our group’s numbers. But, much to my surprise, just moments after we heard the call, “LLAMAS ARE UP!” Lori’s husband, Dave, motioned me to the head of the pack and handed me the lead to Lacoste, one of Rojo’s buddies. Before I knew it, I was walking through an arena filled with people willing to pay for a seat, waving to everyone and nobody in particular, smiling a big goofy grin.
As I was getting my bearings, Dave instructed me how to hold the lead so as to better handle my llama in case he darted off towards the crowd (!?). Just as I was processing that unexpected possibility, Dave also pointed to the television camera boom up ahead and noted to be careful since sometimes the cameras get too close and spook the llamas. What?!? I sort of felt like a bridesmaid who hadn’t made it to the rehearsal. But, the llovely Lacoste did swimmingly and we paraded past the paparazzi just fine.
I was catching my breath and feeling like I had the hang of things just before Lacoste suddenly stopped and refused to move. This began what turned out to be my favorite part of the whole day.
Lacoste had a little business to do. This lead to a smattering of little kids excitedly noting, “Look, Mommy, the llama has to go potty!!” Hard to argue with the obvious. After Lacoste finished up, I pulled him a few steps only to have him stop again. Dave suggested perhaps my llama partner wasn’t quite finished. Indeed, we were treated to Act Two. Instead of little pellets falling daintily one by one to the asphalt, entire clumps the size of large pinecones impressively thudded to the ground to a unison of high-pitched “EWWWW!!s” and giggles. I found this reaction very amusing. And I am certain those kids are still talking about when the llama pooped all over the street. Their poor parents!
But this wasn’t the end of the fun. No, the very best part was this meant Lacoste and I were now at the end of our group. Dave said, “Go ahead and run him up to the front again.” A running llama is quite a sight. It’s something of a lumbering elegance; lots of fur and poundage undulating above four tiny little feet. I love seeing llamas run and now I got to give the folks on Weidler Street a full and complete llama show. Lacoste and I trotted quickly to our front position to claps and a chorus of “LOOK! He’s running!!” It was truly beyond cool.
There’s much more to say, of course, but I’m pooped. Guess Lacoste and I sort of bonded after all.
With a gracious invitation by Lori, I got to celebrate my new membership in the local llama association by parading about town in Portland’s Grand Floral Parade. It’s Portland’s version of the Rose Parade in Pasadena.
I wasn’t expecting to have a llama to walk – I was merely going to enjoy being in the presence of llamas as well as visually adding to our group’s numbers. But, much to my surprise, just moments after we heard the call, “LLAMAS ARE UP!” Lori’s husband, Dave, motioned me to the head of the pack and handed me the lead to Lacoste, one of Rojo’s buddies. Before I knew it, I was walking through an arena filled with people willing to pay for a seat, waving to everyone and nobody in particular, smiling a big goofy grin.
As I was getting my bearings, Dave instructed me how to hold the lead so as to better handle my llama in case he darted off towards the crowd (!?). Just as I was processing that unexpected possibility, Dave also pointed to the television camera boom up ahead and noted to be careful since sometimes the cameras get too close and spook the llamas. What?!? I sort of felt like a bridesmaid who hadn’t made it to the rehearsal. But, the llovely Lacoste did swimmingly and we paraded past the paparazzi just fine.
I was catching my breath and feeling like I had the hang of things just before Lacoste suddenly stopped and refused to move. This began what turned out to be my favorite part of the whole day.
Lacoste had a little business to do. This lead to a smattering of little kids excitedly noting, “Look, Mommy, the llama has to go potty!!” Hard to argue with the obvious. After Lacoste finished up, I pulled him a few steps only to have him stop again. Dave suggested perhaps my llama partner wasn’t quite finished. Indeed, we were treated to Act Two. Instead of little pellets falling daintily one by one to the asphalt, entire clumps the size of large pinecones impressively thudded to the ground to a unison of high-pitched “EWWWW!!s” and giggles. I found this reaction very amusing. And I am certain those kids are still talking about when the llama pooped all over the street. Their poor parents!
But this wasn’t the end of the fun. No, the very best part was this meant Lacoste and I were now at the end of our group. Dave said, “Go ahead and run him up to the front again.” A running llama is quite a sight. It’s something of a lumbering elegance; lots of fur and poundage undulating above four tiny little feet. I love seeing llamas run and now I got to give the folks on Weidler Street a full and complete llama show. Lacoste and I trotted quickly to our front position to claps and a chorus of “LOOK! He’s running!!” It was truly beyond cool.
There’s much more to say, of course, but I’m pooped. Guess Lacoste and I sort of bonded after all.
2 comments:
I'm so pleased that you had fun, didn't poop out at the same time as your partner (the Llama partner that is) and it was relatively decent weather. You lucked out on all counts! Thanks for sharing your story!
Anonymous (= Barbara)
PS: Are you sure the Pasadena Rose Festival isn't a copy of the Portland Festival?
Rose Parades:
Pasadena: 1890
Portland: 1907
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