Visiting an Alpaca Farm
The family wanted to take a break from unpacking, so I searched social media sites for events or attractions in the area. I stumbled across a free Alpaca rescue farm and thought that it would be a great experience for all of us. After a quick 30-minute drive, we arrived at an adorable farmhouse surrounded by fenced areas housing alpacas! We were greeted by the owner who was extremely welcoming and shared with us the history of their farm and how they transitioned into a rescue farm. The owner even gave us treats to feed the animals and let us in.
Meeting the Alpacas
We were able to go into an area with 10 of the farm's friendliest Alpacas. They gently approached us, scanning us for treats, and we happily obliged. Observing closely, we discovered that these charming creatures have no upper teeth, only a row on the bottom. Their fur felt incredibly thick and soft to the touch. It was fascinating to watch the Alpacas take turns establishing a pecking order, jumping and playfully chasing each other around. Some alpacas seemed to be cheerleaders, hyping up their "brothers" during these lively interactions. They have an interesting war cry, sounding like a mix between a donkey's loud bray and a horse's scream.
The Farmhouse
After an eventful meet and greet with the Alpacas, we entered the cozy farmhouse that was filled with an array of handmade items. It was fascinating to discover that the proceeds from these products supported the care and well-being of the animals. The farmhouse showcased a variety of goods such as adorable stuffed animals crafted with Alpaca fur, cozy clothing like sweaters, socks, and hats sourced from these gentle creatures and other local farmers. Seeing the kids excitedly selecting two bags of Alpaca fur to experiment with needle felting brought smiles to our faces. Warren and I decided to bring home a charming Alpaca ornament to add to our Christmas ornament collection, creating lasting memories of our visit to the farm.