I woke up. I was sure I could hear it raining. I forced myself out of bed and looked out through the blinds. It was raining. Bugger. I got dressed and got all my waterproofs on and walked Skye. Half way around the estate and the rain had stopped. Ooh. Good sign. By the time I’d had breakfast it was brightening up a bit. I got 3 waterptoof coats in case and 2 pairs of waterproof trousers. We had sheep to gather before the walk.
Neil and Jordan went down by the houses on the quad. I was the spotter up the top by the quarry. I saw 2 disappear off but when I rang to warn them, I was told it was Munchie and Daz. An ewe appeared off in the distance in the cabbage field. I went to send her the right way and Rhianydd arrived. Then my phone rang: “Mam they’re coming up by the quarry!” I turned and they were running off at full speed towards the cabbage field and away. I went off at breakneck speed (for me anyway) and I managed to send them in the right direction. Go me. It was only 9.25 and I was already tired 😂 We got those in easily and shut the wellfield gate. All went really well. “We need the Bedw lot next.” It was 9.45. I didn’t have long. Neil and Jordan went off on the quad and me and Rhi watched the gaps at the top. My phone went off. The visitors had arrived. I gave them a quick ring and said to meet us by the gate.
Once again I was privileged enough to help someone tick ‘alpaca walk’ off their bucket list. While we were doing that, Jordan, Neil and Rhi sorted the sheep. A few were given a mineral drench to boost their health. We now have several for market on Thursday. Jordan had to leave at 11 so she was gone before I finished. Neil and Rhi just finished when the visitors and I came up. They then went down to give the mineral drench to the ram lambs. I left at about 12.15 to do dinner. While I was eating dinner I got a phone call to say the new rams had been delivered! Beyond excited! I wolfed my dinner down and went back with the money.
Neil had already moved them down to the alpaca pod field. They are big beauties! “Are you raddling them?” “No I’m ####ing not!” I can’t say I blame him. They are beasts. I don’t think he’d come out alive. I didn’t push my luck. I was afraid he’d tell me to do it myself 😂 He hitched the trailer up and we went up to get some ewes. He took whoever came for the bucket. They will be the first to lamb…end of February. Hopefully.
Then for the big walk. This is it Emma Lewis – you’re in the blog! We’ve known each other so long, we count as family. I haven’t seen them all for a while but it was great to see them again. Emma is such a fan of the blog that she was way more excited the the kids. And being older, Natalie’s sons appeared relatively disinterested, however they were the first to grab an alpaca and they did love it. With seven of them, they had to share the walking but everyone had a go. As usual my boy stole the show – Natalie and Faith loved him. With the walk over with it was feeding time. They had all been fed in the morning and weren’t as interested as usual. But fair play, Livia, Eden and her mother Betty Boo can always be relied upon to eat. Ted also strolled over and was petted. He isn’t averse to being fussed over either 😁
Then the long walk back up. We headed to the barn so I could feed and water the rams. Elsie had her bottle and then the swing! Once again that was a treat that nearly everybody had a go on. While the walk was going on, Neil had gone to Tregurnog to check there. I had a message to say the eggs had been dropped off in the porch just as I was leaving Garth Hall. When I got home I took the dog for a nice long walk. Neil took the money up to our neighbour to pay for the rams. I think I was finished a bit before him. What a long day but we got so much done. Neil sorted all the sheep and took delivery of the rams. I took 11 people on alpaca walks. And we’ve got new rams. The ewe that was stuck on the fence has also been put to sleep. Phew what a day!
Tomorrow there’s a visit in the afternoon – it will feel like a day off compared to today!
Helen x
