On the Trail with Pepper the Llama

Jada and Pepper

1Jada and her grandpa signed up for a llama trek in the hills. Each hiker would walk beside a llama that carried a small pack. Jada laced up her nonslip boots and met her llama, Pepper. Pepper had fluffy brown wool and a calm, sleepy face.

2Jada had overpacked her bag. When the guide, Mr. Ortiz, set it on Pepper's back, Pepper sat right down on the dusty ground. "Pepper dislikes heavy loads," Mr. Ortiz explained. "A llama may refuse to walk if its pack is too heavy." Jada took out her extra sweater, a thick book and a breakable jar of jam. Pepper stood up at once.

3The path up the hill was rocky and steep. Grandpa talked nonstop about the birds he spotted, but Jada watched Pepper. The llama placed each padded foot with care, even on loose stones. Jada loved Pepper's gentleness. When a branch snapped, Pepper's ears twitched, but she did not run.

4At the top, the group rested in a grassy meadow. The view was enjoyable, with green hills rolling on and on. Then a cold wind blew, and the sun disappeared behind gray clouds. Jada shivered. She wished she had kept her sweater! Grandpa smiled and handed her a spare jacket from his own pack.

5The walk back down was slow, but Jada did not mind. At the end of the trail, she gave Pepper a soft pat and said goodbye. Jada was overjoyed when Mr. Ortiz said they could come back next spring.