Our first introduction to Alpacas was purely by accident! Having some spare time, prior to an appointment, I was glancing through a magazine which contained a one page article on Alpacas and unknown to me the bait had already been set. We were in the process of purchasing a Bed & Breakfast on a small acreage and were looking to raise animals. It appeared from our new found information that Alpacas were easy to care for, small enough to handle and the possibility of a good return on our investment.

	We met Barb & Daniel Eslake of Rainbow Forest Acres and they proved to be a wonderful source of information. We were introduced to a myriad of new terminology; huacaya, suri, conformation, crimp, density, handle and many more. If you are considering purchasing alpacas we recommend you visit alpaca farms, contact the CLAA, attend Alpaca Shows and talk to people in the industry.

For us the attractions were many, from the pure joy of sharing the world with such serene animals, to the investment opportunities. We decided to adopt “quality” rather than “quantity” when starting our herd. In 2001 we purchased a bred female, with cria-at-side, and a good quality maiden, these were closely followed with another bred female and two maidens. We have a sign on the farm that reads “Caution! Our Alpacas will steal your heart” and how true this is, from the first time you look into those big wide eyes that seem to invite you into “their world of calm and peace.”

1. Silky, soft, supple and smooth to the touch. It is prized for its unique silky feel and luxurious handle. 2. Found in 22 distinct colours which can be blended into an infinite array of natural shades. 3. Unusually strong and resilient. The strength does not diminish as it becomes finer. 4. As soft as cashmere and warmer and stronger than lambs’ wool. 5. Easily dyed any colour and always retains its natural luster. 6. Most people can comfortably wear pure alpaca next to their skin.