Falcor, the actor. Thanks to http://www.icanhascheezburger.com for reading my mind! This photo was too perfect to not share!
For those of us who were raised in the 80’s, the movie, “The NeverEnding Story” contains some iconic images that have been burned into our brains for life. For me, the heroine of this tale was Atreyu’s mighty Luck-Dragon, Falcor. I had countless dreams as a child where me and my white dragon-dog were soaring high in the clouds, fighting evil doers the world abound. Tell me he wouldn’t be the best pet ever?! Remember that scene at the end of the movie when he was chasing the bullies through an ally in New York? I can think of a few people I wouldn’t mind hunting down with a flying dragon. Can you?
I never really expected to find an actual live creature, who embodies all of my deep seated dragon fantasies, while road-trippin’ across the USA. I am happy to report that I had the pleasure of meeting a real Luck-Dragon in the flesh. As it turns out he doesn’t actually have the ability to fly and he is neither dog, nor dragon, but man, is he ever cute!
Entering the Blue Ridge Parkway: America’s Favourite Drive. USA — Karina Noriega
Karina and I were making our way through Virginia down the famous Blue-Ridge Parkway when we decided to follow a sign that lead us to a little alpaca farm called Peaceful Heart Alpacas. The owner Linda was kind enough to give us our own private tour of her property, and she even introduced us to a friend of hers who made my dreams come true.
The real life Falcor at Peaceful Heart alpacas. Blue Ridge Parkway: America’s Favourite Drive. USA — Karina Noriega
As it turns out, Falcor is a quiet guy. He doesn’t have much to say at all, unlike the movie actor/mechanical robot who was always talking up a storm in my favourite childhood movie. When he looked at me with his puppy-dog eyes his level of adorable rocketed so high on the cuteness-scale, I wanted to jump on his back and go for a ride. Alpacas are very friendly, unlike their cousins (the Llama), and they are so incredibly soft it would blow your mind. In my estimation, the texture of these fibers can be easily described as a medley of cashmere and bunny-rabbit fur. The sad news though is that an alpaca from a quality blood-line could cost a farmer upward of $20,000 or more so you had better get saving if you want to purchase your very own Falcor.
This wonderful encounter is just another example of adventures you can have on the road when you are open to new experiences. With a little imagination I met the dragon of my dreams and even though he was missing his wings I do believe it was luck that brought us together.
~ An Extraordinary Story By April Beresford ~
Outlook @ Blue Ridge Parkway: America’s Favourite Drive. USA — Karina Noriega
Karina's Extraordinary Life 