I have been know to do a lot of crazy activities with animals. From swimming to yoga, I love interacting with them in any possible fashion. So, when an Alpaca Open House popped up on my Facebook news feed, I was ready to go on one amazing Alpaca Adventure!
On a brisk fall day in the Lancaster countryside, I put on my boots and fall gear to venture to the nearby farm. Only a short drive away, Graystone Ridge Alpacas in Pennsylvania hosts an open house for the community every fall to give people the opportunity to interact with alpacas. There are farms all over the world that offer the opportunity to interact with an alpaca or llama, and it is just a Google Search away.
And guess what, the entire event and parking is free. Since it is a fundraising event, there are boxes located throughout the property accepting donations to make these open houses possible. If you plan on attending, please consider bringing some cash to support the farm.
What is an Alpaca?
Originating from South America, Alpacas are long haired mammals. They are often compared to llamas due to their physical similarities. However, alpacas are prized for their soft fur that come in multiple colors. Besides being adorable, they are soft and docile, which makes them great for farms and even as pets!
The Obstacles of Being an Alpaca
My experience started with an Alpaca Obstacle Course. As soon as I got out of my car, I was greeted by the staff members demonstrating the skills of these fluff balls on an obstacle course. Although it was nothing super impressive, it was very entertaining to see them maneuver through posts and jumping over small hurdles.
While they walked the alpacas through the area, hay bales were set up for the audience to sit and watch the event. The farm employees shared fun facts about the alpacas as we all watched so we can learn a little more about them. Since they did not want to tire the alpacas out, the obstacle course was only offered twice a day with plenty of time for them to rest and graze.
Feeding the Alpacas
As herds of alpacas milled around, we were allowed to walk into the pens to pet the alpacas. Luckily for me, I got there right in time for the feeding. We were offered handfuls of tasty treats for the alpacas. With a hand extended with my palm flat, I soon had a set of alpaca lips licking my palm for food.
Perfectly okay with me now that I had food, I could reach out and pet them. Boy, they are so soft! Like giant cotton balls, your fingers sink into their plushy hair with every stroke.
BRB I Have to Take My Alpaca for a Walk
Not only do you get to touch and feed an alpaca, but they will hand you the reigns. Let me repeat. You get to take an alpaca for a walk!
After waiting in line, we were assigned our very own alpaca for a walk throughout the fields. I was assigned this beautiful man with a head full of luscious hair. He probably had a name, but I decided I should name him for our little romantic walk. So, this is my new best friend: Bowie.
Bowie was a stubborn fellow. We walked maybe 10 ft before he just decided to stop. I do not mean he needed a break. This guy decided to stop moving and pretend to be a bolder... all while looking me straight in the eye. Not wanting to tug on him to get him moving, we just stood there and people (and alpaca) watched. Not what I had in mind for a walk but at least it gave me the opportunity for a photoshoot together.
Finally, after being seen by a volunteer, we were off moving. She instructed me how to handle Bowie and get him moving with the lead. Once we got moving again, we had a delightful time together strolling through the field.
Taking Their Softness Home with You
If you are not ready to let go of your new furry friend (like I was), you can take a piece of them home with you. Most farms have a place for you to buy various alpaca products. It can get a bit pricey, but each item is made with warm and soft alpaca fur. Most are handmade!
You can usually find anything between socks and a stuffed animal shaped like an alpaca. Also, by purchasing a product, you are supporting the farm and the care of these animals.
