We had a last minute notification last night that there was a walk booked. We didn’t know the system had gone live. There will likely be some teething problems so please be patient. We hope the system to make booking easier for customers and us!
The aim was to be at Garth Hall early enough to sort the boys out and weigh and feed Hennessey before the walk. When the boys were in the other field, they were easy to get in. A walk could be run by one of us. In the newer field, it usually takes three of us to get them in. There were only the two of us so it could take a while. I was later than I wanted to be and Josh was even later than me. I got down and Leo was in the top feeding area. I decided to shut him in there. I got some food and he saw me and came out. Bugger! El Cap headed into their feeding area and Leo followed. Ooh. I shut him in there. Result! I headed up the field with the bucket. Hector wouldn’t let the others anywhere near the feed buckets. Josh arrived. After lots of shouting and several arguments, Tex and Atlas went in. Barrier shut. Josh headed up while I put the bucket away.
I met them by the cowshed and we went to feed Elsie. She likes meeting people and literally doesn’t mind who feeds her, as long as she is fed she’s happy. After that we walked and chatted. We harnessed the boys straight away because Josh needed to feed Hennessey (we didn’t have time before the walk) and then go to Tregurnog. Atlas was a bit nervous about coming out because Hector likes to attack him but once he was out he started trotting. He thought it was mating time again! Sorry butt, it’s work time. They walked really well, they are chilled when together. We stopped at the top for the obligatory selfies. I took a few photos for them too. We walked round and I showed them the views. I was expecting Josh to pass us at any time. No sign. We then headed back down the slope and there he was staring at one of the Pantglas fields. It looked like there was a surveyor in there. Probably something to do with the dualling. Hennessey is now up to 8.85kg.
I sorted the food and we went into the cria field. After that we fed Garth Vader and the rest of the weanlings. Finally the girls had their food. They crowded round us to be hand fed. Arwen nudged me for a cwtch. She hasn’t done that in a while but she was very cwtchy today. I think the couple enjoyed themselves.
When I got home for dinner, I saw that we had a letter from Curlew Mill. Our fleeces have been weighed. 243kg! Even more than we thought. We have to decide whether to just make various sized blankets and scarves or to do a knitting yarn run as well so we can sell yarn and socks. Not sure what we’re going to do yet.
When I went back after dinner, I could hear Leo performing again. He is really grumpy at the moment. Somehow he had managed to shut himself back in. But he was still trying to lay down the law. When he came out he went off after poor old Tex again. I was pleased to notice that some of the mammys were sheltering from the heat in the pod. Josh let me know that Eden’s due date is actually June 21st but it could be anytime between June 6th to July 6th. I’ve apologised to Eden and we are friends again.
When I fed everyone I checked the water. Neil had the evening off so water was down to me and Josh. The girls in the main field didn’t have much. The smaller barrel wasn’t completely full so I managed to carry it, in stages and tip it into their bath. They didn’t have much though. Josh promised to come up after he dealt with the booking system. While I waited I got to use the new poover hose. Alpacas are shy but inquisitive so they followed me round the field. Closely. Really closely. Often in my way. The poover has a quite, ticking over noise but I have to turn it right up when I’m poovering. Every single time I turned it up they all jumped and scattered. All round the bloody field. Then they would come back, stand in the way when I wanted to drive forward and get scared again when I turned the poover up! Just as I was heading to the gate I gave them the slip. I put my foot down and got to the gate as quickly as I could. I jumped out, just as about 5 of them ran to catch me up 🤦♀️ I had a breather but I needed a drink. It was all the way over the livestock trailer. I went towards the gate with the intention of walking over for my drink when Josh arrived. He helped me drive out.
He fed and weighed Hennessey and took the large barrel over to put in the bath. I started bagging poo. Josh finished before me so he helped me bag up the poo. I got a lift up then. Josh left and I fed Elsie. All finished. Long day, especially in the heat. And me and Eden are friends again.
Helen x
