In the summer of 2016, backcountry adventurers Bob Jonas (founder of Sun Valley Trekking Co and Wild Gift.org) and Sarah Michael (County Commissioner 2001-2008) rented 2 pack goats in June for a 6 backpacking day trip from Fairfield to Baker Lake. Then in July, they test drove 2 rented llamas for a 7 day traverse of the Pioneer Mts from Trail Creek Summit to Copper Basin. As “aging” backpackers, Bob and Sarah have had enough of lugging 50 lbs on their backs. The summer experiment with these pack animals stemmed from the desire to extend their years traveling in Idaho’s Wilderness.
This slide show and story will enhance the community’s cultural quality of life by giving practical information for novices who are thinking about using pack animals for backcountry travel. It will appeal to families who want to take their kids camping away from a trailhead and will appeal to backpackers who love exploring the backcountry but no longer want to carry their tents, sleeping bags, camping stove, air mattress, and food on their backs.