Llama vs. Alpaca

Today Jim, Kathy and I went on a run.  The original plan was for the three of us to head to Rockwood Reservation, come back to the car then finish the run on the Al Foster Trail for a total of 12-14 miles.  This gave Jim the chance to cut the run shorter since he is still building mileage.  Jim's back hurt, Kathy's glut was bothering her, I felt great.  We all cut the run short at 7 miles.  This was wise to not to further damage to aches and pains.  Kathy and I are still recovering from a marathon we ran only two weeks ago.

On the way to Rockwood Reservation we pass a field with llama and alpaca.  We had a short discussion about what was the difference.  We stopped to say hello to the llamas and alpacas.  They seemed very friendly and came to the fence to greet us.  I had to do further research.  Here is what I learned:

• Llama have long banana shaped ears.  Alpacas have shorted spear shaped ears.
• Llama are large - twice the size of alpacas
• Llamas were bred as pack animals and can carry heavy loads
• Alpacas were bred for their luxury coats.
• Llamas have a longer face than alpacas when viewed in profile
• Both are shy, quiet and easy to train and handle.  They are very intelligent and rarely bite, kick or spit.
• Alpacas and llamas can be interbred but the offspring will be neither as strong as the llama or have as beautiful coat as the alpaca.
• The Incas bred them 6000 years ago.

I guess I would be a llama.  I do not have beautiful hair but I can cover great distances.