Meeting interesting people has been a great and rewarding opportunity for me during my years as a travel writer. For example, because of my interest in the environment, I recently met a man who has become a self-appointed steward of the land on which we live. He has made it his life-long task to inform virtually everyone he meets to respect and enjoy nature. The man to whom I'm referring is Stuart Wilde, owner of Wild Earth Llama Adventures in Taos, New Mexico.

For many vacationers to Taos, a trek with Wild Earth Llama Adventures in New Mexico's Sangre de Cristo Mountains is their first exposure to wilderness hiking. I soon experienced there is probably no one better than Stuart Wilde who can share with them his incredible knowledge of plants, wildlife, local history and wilderness survival skills.

What makes Stuart and Wild Earth different from most trekking companies is that the transportation he provides are llamas, or as he calls them, "yamas". As a relative to the camel, llamas are one of the oldest domesticated animals. And, they are well known for their gentleness. By nature, they are great hiking companions, always eager to follow adults and children.

The llamas are gathered at the trailhead. It is here where the love affair begins with the visitors and their assigned llamas. For the novice, Stuart takes it nice and easy. Along the journey, he will stop and point out a fragrant wild herb to the hikers. Later in the excursion, don't be surprised if that herb appears in a specially prepared gourmet picnic lunch to be enjoyed in a pristine alpine meadow. Not only is Stuart a master naturalist, environmentalist, and historian but he is also a great chef.

There are custom llama treks for families and guests of all ages and fitness levels. You can be certain that Stuart will provide his visitors with "a wildness experience of a lifetime".