[pct-l] goats and nps land (was a boy and his dog...)

[dsaufley at sprynet.com (dsaufley@sprynet.com)]

Burros would be my pick, were there ever a need for a pack animal.  The old-time miners from yesteryear knew this, I think.  Burros have fared the best with the least amount of logistical needs.  Those I've seen positively thrive on foraging, can carry weight (including a moderately-sized human), and were doing about 10-12 miles a day without issue.  Their hooves were worn to natural perfection and required no trimming or special care.  They do exceptionally well in desert environments.  I suspect that the mileage of those I'd hosted may have been limited by that of the horse that was with them, and have not explored what their ranges are potentially.

Horses and llamas, and even Sid the goat, seem to need much more in the way of regular hays or feed to sustain their weight, not getting enough sustenance from available vegetation.  The burros on the other hand appeared to be in their element, doing what they were evolved to do, on every level.  And, they were sweet, adorable, docile companions who bonded well with their humans.  

Though I no intentions to use a pack animal at this time, if I did I would follow Joanne's example, and go ultralight.  She applied the same principles that light-weight thru hikers use, having been one herself.  Her saddlebags and gear were all of lightweight construction, and she had a well-prepared minimalist approach to what she really needed out there.  This allowed her to get by with one animal, rather than a string of them, keeping things simple.  

L-Rod



-----Original Message-----
From: goslowgofar <goslowgofar@yahoo.com>
Sent: Jun 25, 2005 9:06 AM
To: pct-l@mailman.backcountry.net
Subject: Re: [pct-l] goats and nps land (was a boy and his dog...)

According Yosemite's Wildlife Biologist, goats may carry diseases that could affect the bighorn sheep that the park is trying to reintroduce to the high country.  If that's true, that's a shame; I have been impressed with the goats that I've met on the trail (outside the park, of course!) and could see using them in the future when my knees won't allow me to carry a lot on my back.  They appear to be less work than llamas (is that actually the case?)...
Katy

Carolyn Eddy <ECPG@peoplepc.com> wrote:
Goats are generally allowed where packstock are but there are some trails 
closed to goats that are open to horses and llamas. No real reason, just 
because they are not traditional. Mostly on NPS land.

Carolyn Eddy
"Sweet Goat Mama"
www.goattracksmagazine.com 


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