I recently got back to yoga after Covid and being pregnant put an extended pause on all my fitness plans. One of the classes I've been taking since I got back into yoga has been a relaxing Warm Vinyasa class led by Jodi Luongo. It's been great for getting back into all the stretches without overextending myself, quite literally. Jodi has such gentle way of guiding you through all the movements and is such a delight to be around.


At the end of class one day, she mentioned a yoga class she was giving at a Llama farm nearby. My imagination immediately conjured a lanky llama trying to awkwardly balance in tree pose. While they apparently can't do that (yet), Jodi described how gentle they were and the way they effortlessly moved among everyone during the class. And if you're lucky enough, you may even get a llama kiss (Spoiler alert: I didn't get one).


So this past Sunday, I booked a spot for the 1pm class, grabbed my yoga mat and we all drove up to visit the magical Rowanwood Farms. In preparation for our visit, we read all the "Llama, Llama" books we could to our 2-year-old. She sang about them the whole ride there and it was such a treat to spend time with them in this beautiful setting.

While I went with every intention of actually doing the yoga class, I honestly don't remember much of that part or how much of the practice I actually followed. My, and most of the other students', attention was on the adorable llamas running, playing and munching on grass nearby. Jodi welcomed the interruptions as part of the practice, even if it meant a brief pause to take a quick snap. They're free spirits and the moment you'd be getting back to the yoga, one of them would come close as if to say "What'cha doinnn'?" Watch the video here for a small preview of what the experience is like.

After class, we had a chance to pet the llamas (who are trained therapy animals), take photographs and chat with AJ Collier, the owner of the farm. AJ has an extensive background in wildlife preservation and was a vet tech for years before that. It had been a lifelong passion of hers to raise llamas and spread awareness about these extraordinary animals. The llamas (all smaller, miniature llamas) are from Argentina, Bolivia, Chile and Peru. The farm regularly hosts hikes with the llamas, parties and other creative activities, like their "Paint a Llama" workshop.


AJ's dedication is reflected in every detail on the farm, the great shape the llamas are in and how attached they are to her too. So much so that one llama pooped on demand next to us when AJ asked. Did you know that llamas could be trained to do that? I know that is a little TMI, but nonetheless very impressive. And to top that off, their poop attracts butterflies. If only I could achieve that level of training with our stubborn beagle.


I can't wait to return to the farm for another yoga class or activity--and hopefully get one of those rumoured llama kisses next time.

AJ with Llucky Llama, her favorite.

The male llamas are kept separate from the females, for well, obvious reasons.

For more information, visit:

www.rowandwoodfarm.com

@rowanwood_farm