Thank you, Winter- A letter from Floki

As I graze, I enjoy the sound of snow crunching beneath my hooves. I'm an Alpine goat! The shift from summer was wonderful; the winter sun invigorates me, and sometimes I simply gaze at its warmth. This is my goat yoga, and it gives me a sense of completeness, and I've 'herd' something about vitamin D.

Another great thing about the cold weather is the extra treats. My brothers and I don't just have stomachs; we have rumens, which are four-compartment bellies that help us digest all the hay and plants we can eat. But anyway, back to the treats—we go on walks before snowstorms and carry back the good stuff so our bellies stay full and we can keep warm. It's our routine. Our dad walks around saying things like 'a fed goat is a live goat,' and I certainly agree!

He told us about an old-timey homesteader's bible he read, talking about stocking up for your goats so they survive the winter. So now he gathers corn stalks, bundles comfrey, and hangs leafy branches in the barn to dry—we also get a weird-tasting triangle tree each winter and oh yeah, back to the snow—that means we are one day closer to spring, seeing the river and wearing my pack. I love my goat pack! We all have different jobs and mine is to eat, follow, and be friendly. That's why my full name is Floki The Follower, and I am trained to be a pack goat in an outdoor adventure company that offers a one-of-a-kind experience like no other in West Virginia. My goat brothers are proud of that. Imagine embarking on a guided trek along the Greenbrier River Trail, accompanied by me, Floki, your friendly neighborhood pack goat!

Look at what we eat in the Winter!

P.S. - Become a member of my 'Friends of Floki' fan club and let's go on a hiking adventure together!

Bring treats.

I like raisins.

Love, Floki