There was a big morning ahead with quite a big group so, Katie and Leon were coming to help. Then last minute, I wondered if Emma would be able to sit in the jeep and keep one of the visitors company. The lady was a wheelchair user so couldn’t come on the actual walk part. Emma was desperate to see the alpacas but this way, she could really help as well whilst sitting down! I drove in and let the ducks out. We went to the barn and there was no sign of Rascal. Strange. Emma opened the tin and put his food out but he didn’t turn up 🤔I filled the hay bag and drove to the gate to pick the ladder up. I hung the banner and then drove down to the alpacas. Emma was delighted to see them all.
I put the hay in the podfield and then got the buckets ready. I also shut the boys in ready for the walk. I left Emma sitting on a folding chair, under strict orders to stay put! I went to the barn and called Rascal again. Still no sign 😔 I put his uneaten food away, collected the wheelbarrow and went to muck Barry out. Katie and Leon arrived just as I finished but Leon wheeled the wheelbarrow back for me. We checked the barn and called Rascal repeatedly. It was time to wait on the lane for the visitors.
This was a first for me. We’ve had people with limited mobility before but not a wheelchair user so we were going to do our best to be as inclusive as possible. It’s not easy on a hill farm though! Katie and Leon walked down with the visitors, I couldn’t have managed without them! I drove with the lady in the jeep and there were two lambs standing on the wall 🙄 They looked at me as if to say “Who do you think you’re looking at?” Cheeky buggers. I parked the jeep up and Emma got in so she could talk to the lady. I caught Vader and Casper and we were able to take Vader to the car. He was his usual charming self, also quiet and gentle enough to be petted. I was proud of him 😇
We left them to admire the alpacas from the jeep while we went on the walk. The little girl who had this as a birthday treat, got to walk Vader. We also did selfies and group photos before completing the walk. Back at the alpacas, Leon took charge of the hand feeding in the podfield. Everyone that wanted to hand feed, got a go. I put the main food out and then fed the boys. We went to the main field and the lady was pushed in her wheel chair. Once I’d put food in the trough, she came into the field with everyone else. They all fed alpacas and after eating, it was Livia that went up to her and got really close. She’s never mastered personal space, that one. But today it was just the right thing. She was more gentle than usual too and the lady loved it. I was proud of Livia too 😇 Fair play, she taught Vader to be a great asset and behaved well herself too!
It was time to leave. I drove us back in the jeep and Katie and Leon went on the fairy door hunt, which was funny. They hadn’t been on it before, which I hadn’t realised. “You’ll have to màke us a list of things and photos of all the alpacas for us to learn who is who!” She’s probably right. I’ll have to do that. Back at the top, the little girl had her activity pack and keyring and they said their goodbyes and thank yous. We had another search for Rascal but didn’t find him. Time to go home.
I was gasping for a cuppa and then got dinner on. I got the washing in and made the bed. I also did the bins and then had dinner. Neil messaged to say he had a migraine so Skye and I left for Tregurnog after dinner. She was very pleased to see the sheeps but they weren’t happy to see her and they ran off. All but one that is. In the distance I saw one ewe bouncing along like a gambolling lamb. I knew exactly who that was – Munchie 😂 She’s such a great big kid, honestly. We checked the rams next and they were fine so we went home.
Later in the evening, Neil managed to get to Garth Hall and searched high and low for Rascal. Unfortunately, he did not manage to find Rascal anywhere. Hopefully he’s off on a jolly🤞The organiser of today’s visit messaged to say that the littlest visitor had enjoyed the activity book that Katie made so well done for that Katie, it was a great idea! I was also told that she appreciated how much we included her daughter in all the activities. That’s good to know for next time I’m asked 😁
It was a busy day. Emma finally came back but Rascal went missing 🤦♀️
Helen x
