I have been so looking forward to writing this post; you see I have been on the most amazing adventure. However, this post should really come with a warning, so here it is…
This post will make you fall in love; quite a bold claim I realise, so it might be advisable to get yourself a cuppa (or a glass of something bubbly!) depending on what hour of the day it is that you are reading this…and if you are sitting reading this and you are in England then oh my, I take no responsibility!
So warning done, now for the adventure.
It started a month or so a go when the lovely Mr. R booked an anniversary trip of a different kind (don’t worry, this is ‘U’ rated honestly!). So on Saturday, after counting down the days, we got up early with the boys and headed on a short road trip. Destination…
To say I was excited was an understatement, it took every ounce of control I had not to burst through the gates looking insane. You will be pleased to know that I think I managed to appear fairly normal!
We were greeted and welcomed into the most amazing farm house by Trish, Zoe and Helen
We were made to feel so welcome and were provided with as much coffee, tea and squash as we desired. The girls allowed us to relax and take in the view as they chatted and answered all of our questions that we could think of about alpacas; whilst Pip and Tavish the farm dogs snuggled up to us for a bit of fuss.
After a laid back cup of coffee or two we pulled on our boots and headed outside to be greeted by these lot
Right to left
Teddy, Zeus, Tex, Arnie and Brownlee…
all adorable and all ours for the next two and half hours, well not quite, I think Trish had sussed that I was verging on gaagaa over them!!
Arnie chose me to be his walking buddy, he led the pack and was well behaved; gentle and funny. His top lip got all jittery when he stopped to have a scratch.
Inquisitive and cautious he constantly surveyed the path ahead, peering his neck around corners to check it was safe to continue; his ears a constant twitch.
We wandered and explored and all the time Trish and the girls guided and chatted and generally put us at ease. The countryside was just glorious…(Mr R. had ordered the sunshine) and walking with these beautiful creatures filled me with an incredible peace.
We paused for a long while next to a babbling stream, drank more juice and paddled, whilst these guys watched us. We had time to take photo’s too
and Yarny and Arnie bonded a little more…
(Did you know that alpacas have the most delicious smell; a bit like popcorn).
Eventually we wound our way back through orchards and fields back to the homestead, where I tried to put Arnie in the car without Trish noticing. Alas, this did not work and I had to settle for one more photoshoot in the glorious sunshine.
Before we were treated to more luxurious hospitality, in the form of mince pies and hot cross buns…we had a little chuckle at the clash of Easter and Christmas nibbles, I don’t think I have ever come across that combination before.
Crochet blog 
That looks like the most perfect day! I really enjoyed reading this after a rather trying day with plumbers/children not doing what you want!! Alpacas are definitely the best!!
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What a great adventure!! They look so sweet.
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What a wonderful adventure! Your wonderful Mr. R certainly knows how to please you! I am a bit jealous – though I just returned myself from an adventure of a lifetime!
I boarded a Cruise Ship – the beautiful Westerdam, operated by the wonderful Holland America Lines! I was scheduled (and had paid for in advance) a Cruise to Alaska! But when my little group disembarked the ship in Seattle – after we had cruised Alaska – I stayed aboard as I had decided to continue the Cruise and go to Hawaii! My entire adult life I have wanted to take a Cruise – and Alaska was the first place I wanted to go. We stopped at Juneau – where, besides walking along the main street, and talked to a few “natives” of that beautiful place, I rode the Mt. Roberts Tram to the top!
The highlight of this cruise, of course, was our venture into Glacier Bay! What an incredibly beautiful cruise that was! Viewing those awesome glaciers, which are constantly changing was absolutely breathtaking! Our captain turned the ship and was ‘sat’ in the water watching the Hubbard Glacier – the colors that reflect in that giant ice were so breathtaking! In fact, I would love to take this same cruise again – we have no idea how much natural beauty there is in this world. Even the five days on open ocean going toward Hawaii (and returning, of course!) were inspirational to me. The ever-changing ocean – a deep, beautiful blue when the sun is shining, and seeming reflections of black – and all the colors in black that we saw when the ocean became rough as we rode out the “tail end” of a storm! Just breathtaking! And there was no time for boredom as there were activities onboard all day and much of the night! From wonderfully produced stage shows, to the Piano Bar where the amazing Stryker entertained us with his incredible talent and humor – to the B.B. King Blues Club – and if that’s not enough, – well there is always something to do. One day we had a “class” on how to make a Hawaiian Lei – and they gave each of us in attendance the lavender “string” and huge mounds of orchid blossoms to string and make ourselves a lei! It was truly an adventure of a lifetime….I even splurged and took a Helicopter Tour when we were on the beautiful Island of Kauai! As I already stated – there is so much beauty in nature!
Our next stop was Sitka – also absolutely breathtakingly beautiful! And took a tour around, stopping on that tour to view salmon swimming in the pure, clean water of rivers and streams…we could see Waterfalls and even more beautiful scenery and we went to the Fortress of the Bears – which is where abandoned bear cubs who are found are brought and raised up with a healthy diet and lots of love. Those small bears were so cuddly looking, I just wanted to snuggle up with them – which, of course we could not do. One day there is truly not enough and I DO want to return there!
Last Alaska stop was Ketchikan – oh my! How much more beauty can I take? I absolutely LOVED these Alaska towns…and the people with whom I met were so welcoming and helpful! I’m sure any one of them would go out of their way to assist you if you need it!
After Alaska, we returned to Seattle, from whence we started and my little group disembarked and went home.
I stayed onboard then for our trip to Hawaii! . Even the five days on open ocean going toward Hawaii (and returning, of course!) were inspirational to me. The ever-changing ocean – a deep, beautiful blue when the sun is shining, and seeming reflections of black – and all the colors in black that we saw when the ocean became rough as we rode out the “tail end” of a storm! Just breathtaking! And there was no time for boredom as there were activities onboard all day and much of the night! From wonderfully produced stage shows, to the Piano Bar where the amazing Stryker entertained us with his incredible talent and humor – to the B.B. King Blues Club – and if that’s not enough, – well there is always something to do. One day we had a “class” on how to make a Hawaiian Lei – and they gave each of us in attendance the lavender “string” and huge mounds of orchid blossoms to string and make ourselves a lei! It was truly an adventure of a lifetime….I even splurged and took a Helicopter Tour when we were on the beautiful Island of Kauai! As I already stated – there is so much beauty in nature!
I’ll not recall now all that excitement!
Congratulations on your wonderful adventure – From an older lady who has decided to finally fulfill some of the items on that old “bucket list”, I will advise you, if you are at all able – to see as much of this beautiful planet on which we live It’s now very difficult for me to say which part of this adventure was my favorite!
Of course the entire time onboard the beautiful Westerdam, all of us were treated like Royalty! Some of the Stewards would call me “Mummy Carol” when I appeared on deck and greeted me with a hug! ALL of the Stewards, waiters, etc. were just wonderful – always smiling, always going out of their way to help you relax and enjoy your Cruise! I was so impressed, I can say with certainty, IF (or better WHEN) I take another cruise, I shall choose Holland America and go to whatever destination – I’ve already given them a small deposit for a future “unspecified” cruise!
Tell us, please! Did they have any Alpaca yarn at that lovely Farm?
CD
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Sounds like an awesome adventure, what an opportunity.
There was yarn to buy of course and socks and various merchandise. I treated myself and Mr R to a pair of alpaca socks each xx
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That sounds like a wonderful way to spend an anniversary.
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I’m green with envy!
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What a fun day out. They look so adorable. Was there a yarn shop on site selling Alpaca yarns?
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There was yarn to purchase…all beautiful and natural alpaca colours… Can you believe I resisted buying any!!!! I purchased a very fine pair of alpaca socks instead x
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Oooh, wow- it looks like such an amazing experience! Brilliant! 🙂 🙂
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They are just adorable, and what a great day and adventure. I love them, and all the gorgeous pictures that you got. So great to see, and have you share with us. Thank you. 🙂
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What a gorgeous day out. There’s something so appealing about alpacas!
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Wow what an amazing adventure! Thank you for sharing it and happy anniversary! I saw alpacas up close at Yarndale for the first time and can honestly say that I didn’t smell popcorn- I’ll have to meet some more….
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