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Just a regular evening walk in Berkeley, for llamas

July 22, 2010 10:14 am by Tracey Taylor

Walking with a friend on the steep streets up above the Claremont Hotel last night we chanced upon the neighborhood llamas taking their evening passeggiata.

I am told the llamas reside on Vicente Road, hardly the bucolic idyll one imagines for these exotic creatures. But no doubt they have a good life there. We’ve seen three out before, but yesterday there was just a pair of them, and they were looking a little frisky, keeping their walkers on their toes.

A woman also out on a stroll turned to her companion and asked, “Are we really in Berkeley?” To which the answer can only be, “Where else could you possibly be?”

3 Comments

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  • tizzielish

    Thanks for this delightful post. Sometimes berkeleyside shares lovely, light notes that present our fair city as the delightful place it can be. Thanks.

  • BerkeleyMom

    I recognize Dave Kinstle, a Maybeck High School science teacher and expert llama wrangler. He (and his llamas) led a lovely walk on the paths near the Claremont Hotel this past Spring as part of the Maybeck celebrates Maybeck event at the newly re-located high school on College Ave. Traffic was stopped as we crossed a few busy streets though no one seemed to mind!! For once–drivers were all smiles at the passing parade.

  • Amanda Clarence

    Dave Kinstle!
    He was my teacher at Maybeck for many years,as was his wife,Kate (walking the other llama next to him)!!
    How funny! I had no idea that they had llamas.
    I now live on a 6 acre farm,just outside Grass Valley,that used to be a well known Llama Ranch,run by a very well known,prominent llama breeder,trainer,expert. She wrote the first book on raising llamas–Sandi Wilson.
    We only have two llamas left on the property,they came with the house. They are pretty amazing,intense animals to care for. Very regal and good with our kids.
    How funny to see 2 of my old teachers walking the streets of Berkeley with a couple of llamas!
    Hey Dave and Kate!
    ~Amanda Clarence–Maybeck class of ’92