Open Farm Day in Rhode Island, if anyone is nearby...

[indigoiis]

They ARE a joy to raise. Easy, too. And environmentally sustainable. We both work full-time - we couldn't do that with horses or cows.

We don't charge to see our alpacas. We just ask that people call us first, cuz we are a small farm, and like to spend lots of time with visitors so that they get the complete picture and a good impression.

We did ask a girls' scout troop to donate $5 per scout to ARF (Alpaca Research Foundation) in our name, when we gave them a tour. They sent the check directly. I know that my time is money and that it takes time to show people the animals, but, if people take the time to seek my farm out and are potential future fiber farmers where there is a potential for a business relationship, then it is worth it to me to take 2 hrs out of my Saturday or Sunday to show them the farm. Yes, it's time I could be *biking*, but that's part of owning a biz. We do occasionally get the families looking for a petting zoo kind of thing for their kids, but I try to talk to them on the phone first and assess what they are looking for. Most alpacas don't want to be pet or hugged - and often after explaining that to people, they still want to come just for the educational side of it. And then next thing you know, they are moving to the country and calling me back to let me know that they just bought ten acres and want to come back and see a certain animal. So, it's all good.

But if you charge like a zoo, you're going to get a zoo clientele. That's my feeling.

[redrhodie]

What a fun time I had! I got an amazing boucle hoodie in a beautiful natural oatmeal color. All you wool weenies would be sooooo jealous. Alpaca is soft and warm like cashmere or angora, but it doesn't shed like angora, and is not at all itchy like wool can be. I may need to come back at some point before Christmas to do some holiday shopping. I only managed to shop for myself today. I'm so bad.

The Alpacas are crazy cute, with sweet but shy personalities and goofy expressions. The babies are gorgeous beyond words.

There were yummy desserts, and hot cider, too. Of course, I went straight for the pumpkin roll. That was awesome. Need to spin that off tomorrow!

Thanks for the invite, Indy! See you soon for a ride, I hope.