Llamas in Lewisville

May 1, 2009 · By Deb Phillips – The Photo Gal 
Rivermont Llamas on Yadkinville Highway in Lewisville, North Carolina is home to a number of llamas who spend their days grazing and basking in the sun. Deb Phillips, photographer.

Rivermont Llamas on Yadkinville Road in Lewisville, North Carolina is home to a number of llamas who spend their days grazing and basking in the sun.

Diverse Population

It’s not every community that can boast of an outstanding llama population among its fine citizenry — but Lewisville can!

When traveling west on Yadkinville Road from Winston-Salem, you’ll eventually drive by the home of some prestigious llamas on your right, just shortly before crossing the Yadkin River. Their home is actually Rivermont Llamas, which is located at the original home place of Sattsgate Farm.

Photo Sessions

As I mentioned in Lessons from a Llama, my first encounter with the llamas occurred one day in February when I spotted several of them being backlit by a gorgeous sunset. I managed to click off a few good shots of them before the sun dipped out of sight. But to round out my photo coverage, I knew I’d need to return on another day.

A few days later, I pulled off the road at Rivermont Llamas, where some of the llamas were standing at the front fence basking in the morning light.

As I approached the llamas, to my disappointment, they scurried off toward the middle of the field. Unfortunately, I didn’t have a long enough lens to cover the considerable distance, so it appeared doubtful that I’d get any decent shots of the timid llamas.

Patience Required

On a hunch, though, I decided to hang around for a bit, and I began walking the perimeter of the property. Every time I glanced at the llamas, they were all watching me intently. I just kept walking. Time passed, and the llamas remained huddled in the center of the field — still watching me.

Meanwhile, I happened upon some beautiful low-hanging tree blooms, and I spent some time photographing them. (Those photos were featured in the Springing Forth post.) When I finished photographing the tree blooms, I resumed my walk around the edge of the property.

I was on the verge of calling it quits, when — all of a sudden — three of the llamas began making their way toward me. It was as though — after much deliberation on their part — a consensus had been reached among the “head honchos,” and they had finally decided that I was “safe.” So here they came!

After a long period of careful observation, these three llamas decided the visiting photographer (Deb Phillips) was a friend, and they came forward for introductions!

After a long period of careful observation, these three llamas decided the visiting photographer (Deb Phillips) was a friend, and they came forward for introductions!

What a Surprise!

I couldn’t believe it! The three llamas were heading directly toward me! Two of the llamas came right up to the fence, where I was standing in amused disbelief. From then on, it was as though I was their long-lost friend!

So I let loose, photographically speaking — shooting close-ups, wide shots, and long shots. It was great!

A Name to a Face?

Too bad no one was around that day to tell me the names of the llamas, particularly since we had become such good buddies.

But if I were to come up with a name for the llama in the top photo above — not knowing whether it’s a girl or a boy — it might be “Dolly” or maybe “Ollie.” You know, like Dolly Llama or Ollie Llama!

What do you think?! Take a look at all the “pretty” llama faces in the Rivermont Llamas photo gallery and throw out a few name suggestions in the Comments section below. Go for it!

Comments

4 Responses to “Llamas in Lewisville”
  1. George Hoyt says:

    Deb – great stuff on the llamas. A TV show before your time featured Kukla, Fran and Ollie. That seems like a delightful name for your new friends. Beautiful photography. I love reading your blogs.

  2. Hey, George! I apologize that I’ve had you on my mind and haven’t dropped you a line. (Happy Belated Birthday!) Thanks for the name suggestions — those sound very fitting.

    Thanks also for your compliments on the photos, and for keeping up with the blog. Most appreciated.

  3. Kris Smitherman says:

    Hi there, my husband does some side work for Rex Jennings, and used to help with the X-mas tree biz until Rex retired from it, but he told me to go on your site to see pics of the roller mill ( I had talked with him about Merrikay Brown’s book on L-ville). Funny that you have pics of llamas!!! I told my son there was a llama farm, and now I know I’m not completely crazy. Thanks for posting the pics – they’re beautiful!! Kris Smitherman

  4. Hello, Kris! It’s always fun to hear from folks who visit the website. I haven’t been by the llama farm lately. Hopefully, they’re still there! Thank you SO much for stopping by the website and for taking time to leave a comment.

    All the best to you and yours,
    Deb

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