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Llama Liner
Photos and text by Llarry

Click on image to enlarge
llama.jpg (32531 bytes) I made the wooden framework for the "llama liner" myself. It includes a sawhorse-like assembly in the front that fits into the seat anchors and has a piece of plywood facing the rear, two L-shaped side assemblies that hang off the front piece and also tie into cupholders on each side, and a rear bar that I normally leave attached to the liner.
llama2.jpg (32229 bytes) The liner itself is made of heavy duty vinyl and has marine gradesnaps all around to secure it to the wood. With a quartz interior, we went with gray vinyl. Once the llamas are loaded and we're ready to go, I will bring the tail piece up. When loading, it protects the bumper from llama toenail scratches.
llama3.jpg (31619 bytes) The liner comes up to just above the bottom of the windows. We can store some stuff behind the front seats (inside the "sawhorse") but seriously long trips would leave us short of room.
llama4.jpg (36939 bytes) Here's Cocoa-puff, our one year old girl, getting ready to jump in. It's been a while since she's been in the van so she's a little wary.
llama5.jpg (30317 bytes) We discuss the situation briefly. I decide to lead by example.
llama6.jpg (32627 bytes) Okay. Got the front feet in!
llama7.jpg (25839 bytes) Once in, they lie down so they can enjoy the view. Llamas are born semi-house trained. We've had a couple of accidents but generally they will wait for pit stops. Most of our trips are no longer than an hour, but in 1994 we took two llamas on a long trip from Maryland to Maine (in our previous van, a Dodge Caravan) for a llama conference and vacation and brought them back a week later.
llama8.jpg (26133 bytes) Now big brother Rocket jumps in. He's started down in front but you can get an idea of the limited headroom for them. An excellent view of the southern end of a north-facing llama!
llama9.jpg (28572 bytes) Two llamas in and ready to go as soon as I close the tail piece.
llama10.jpg (24825 bytes) They generally will keep their heads up and stay alert during travel, although for these pictures we did not go anywhere. With the dark-tinted windows, toll takers have only a brief glimpse and we've gotten some incredible double-takes from them. I once followed my wife who was driving the llamas somewhere -- when just in the right light, you see the llamas and think you're looking at something like a stuffed horse's head, then they move! No wonder we get odd looks on the road.
  

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