So, we've been hiking, hiking, hiking here on DayTrippers...which is great. But, after Selden Island, I suddenly thought, ANIMALS! We haven't seen cute, little furry faces on DT in awhile...let's do something different this week. I looked in my trusty "Connecticut Magazine" and found an ad for an Alpaca Farm in Watertown....we went to check it out.
The farm is gorgeous. We just missed the foliage, but it didn't matter. There are beautiful views of rolling hills all around...and the alpacas barns and fields are actually nestled right into a slope...it looks cool. We met Jim and Penny Mullen....really nice folks who now have nearly 60 alpacas on their 25 acres. They raise them, breed them, sell them...and Penny also sells fleecy yarn which she gets every year when the alpacas are sheared. The Mullens host several thousand visitors here each year....thanks to their "Open Farm Days" and private tours.
The Mullens say, visiting the alpacas is a great way to teach kids appreciation for the animal kingdom. The alpacas are good with little ones....they very rarely get scared or fidgety....and hardly ever spit! Although Mike and I got between a small spitting match between 2 alpacas. ...we couldn't stop laughing. Gotta dry clean that scarf!
Generally, alpacas are curious and gentle....and super, super soft. They have really distinct, different personalities....and funny hair do's! We met Maguire....and Ronan...who is apparently a ladies man....although he didn't really seem to care for me. Should I be offended? Nah, we'll blame it on the big, scary camera.
We enjoyed our trip to Southwind Farms...and the Mullens have two "Open Farm Weekends" coming up, right around the holidays. ...November 28th, 29th....and December 5th and 6th. Have fun....Hangin' with these animals can't help but make you smile!