Intiwatana (Inti)

Intiwatana or "hitching post of the sun" is a carved rock pillar whose four corners are oriented toward the four cardinal points. The Inca were accomplished astronomers, and used the angles of the pillar to predict the solstices. These pillars are found at many Inca sites.

Baby Inti | Adolescent Inti

Inti befriends all of our farm animals, but is especially fond of our "rescued" dog, Joey, a bouncy, wire-haired mutt. He returns the love by frequently licking her lips and face, usually after she's nursed (yes, still nursing and almost two years old). This video records a mutual licking event after Inti was spat upon by Glacier. Inti responded with a "spit face," complete with drooling, and Joey was obliged to clean off her lips.

Inti was born December 2, 2004. Her coloration and behavior are remarkably like Kimmie (her mom). We joked that we should not be charged a stud fee since she looks so much like her mom. Inti is smart and fearless but very submissive. She is desensitized to touch, but does not like to be touched. She will “freeze” to let us remove a cactus thorn.

Inti does not hesitate to cross different substrates. Once when I was unloading a pickup load of hay, I was surprised when Inti joined me in the back of the pickup. It was too high off the ground for her to reach, so she just jumped up into the truck. When the hay was unloaded, she jumped back out of the truck.

(left)

Inti comes into the house without hesitation. She knows that carrots and treats are in the kitchen. After she is given a treat, she knows the way outside.

Inti likes kushing on an old futon mattress.

(above)

Inti enjoys kushing on an old futon mattress we put out for the dogs. She sometimes shares the pad with them. Her mom, Kimmie, is in the background on concrete in front of a fan.

(left)

Inti enjoys hiking. Here she jumps over an old elm log in perfect form.

Inti standing.