F.O.M. (Friends of Mel)

“Just thought I'd use a little shorthand since unless you know me, this thread won't mean anything to you.

I think I told you guys that the Inyo National Forest was finally going to make commercial llama packing legit after more than a century of horse packing outfits having a monopoly up here.

And I think I told you how back in February I had made a bid to the FS to become the first llama packing biz in the Eastern Sierra.

Well, I got my notice the from Inyo NF today.

I got the contract.

I'm may be small, but now I'm the only llama packing outfit there is operating in the Inyo National Forest.

I couldn't have done it without all the help you Llama Rama hike members have given me since the first trip we did in '99.

Thanks people...

Lost Tonto”

“congrats, bahama mama!”

“Way to go Mel!”

“I knew it she was all about professional outfitting rather than backpacking...anyone feel used?”

“Good for you Melsy!”

“Hey... have you been to the western most South Fork Lake lately? Looked like llama potty by a tree near our camp yesterday :)”

“My mostest, warmliest, and benificent accolades, salutations, and accusations... uh... congratulations!

After that ranger scare on the last llama hike, I figured they had it in for ya, Mel... maybe Solitary Hiker's renegade perspective staved them off long enough for the process to actually work to your favor. Cool.

That mean I gotta PAY you now?”

“Mel

Don't know you.
But congrats.

Where is your base? My wife has MS and we've talked about doing a llama trip, as we both love backpacking but she just handle the weight of the pack and the hike.”

“Yes, mel. A well deserved congratulations.

You seem to be pioneering the idea of llama pack services in the Sierra. For the same number of annual permits issued, I wonder if the forest service considers llamas a low impact alternative compared to horse packers. Wouldn't be surprised, given the damage they can do.”

“Kewl, Mel! See you next week!”

“Congrats,..sweetie!”

“Good to go Mel!

After a century of horse-packers the trails must be neck-deep in places.

I hear the horse-packers $hit a brick over the issue of allowing llama trippers on "their" turf.

Does this mean you'll be needin' an assistant llama-skinner?”

“The truth comes out...it's all about the money!
This time next year you'll be rolling in the stuff, right? 8^D”

“WWWOOOOOOO HOOOOOOO! You go sister mel! Congrats n the contract. I miss you around here.”

“Congratulations Mel and best of luck with your business.”

“I tried to go llama packing once but the damn thing wouldn't stay in the pack.
Anyhoo, congrats Mel. Sounds great.”

“Way to go Mel!!!! .....You da Girl!!!!!!!!”

“Well done!! Smilin for you. MP”

“It's always a good thing when someone can make a living doing what they love. I'm still working on that.

Congrats Mel.”