alpaca farm

After spending a week visiting family in New York and Pennsylvania, I realized my camera had more photos of alpacas then cousins and grandparents. Opps.

To explain we spent a very chilly hour at an alpaca farm called Oh My Alpacas in Stanley New York. Beautiful area! They are situated on top of a very windy, open hill (brr). The owner, Jerry Wissak, first led us to the location of mothers, females, and young. He reminded us to be gentle with our sounds and motions. The boys were perfect and were rewarded with two bounding alpacas. A mother's instinct would be to pull your child away from charging livestock, but something (as well as the farmer) told me to relax. The boys didn't even flinch. The alpacas loved the boys and the boys loved the alpacas.

I bought some yarn to take home, but the boys would have preferred we take home an alpaca.

We also took gathered some great alpaca knowledge. The droppings are excellent fertilizer because they digest so thoroughly. The more crimp in their coat, the better. They are no longer exported from South America. There are over 200 farms in NY alone. They live from Florida up through Canada. They are fertile whenever the males are around, even if still nursing. They are sheared once a year. The farm sends the materials to a mill about 40 miles away for processing (although Susan Wissak spins as well). They love children (learned that first hand). Their fibers are so warm because they are hollow (like a polar bear I suppose, but polar bears would bound toward my children for a different reason). They are timid. They don't like the top of their heads pet. They prance like Pepe Le Pew.

So much more. Not sure what to make with the hanks of yarn yet, but will get to it soon as it feels incredibly luscious. I suggested they sell through etsy and hope they do!

My point is VISIT an alpaca farm near you, even if its not near you and even if you don't have children to bring. And find some terrific local alpaca fiber to knit up!

http://ohmyalpacas.com/