http://www.pleasantjourneyalpacas.com/
As we travel around, we are fortunate to stay overnight in some amazing places. We are members of Harvest Hosts. It gives its’ members free overnight dry camping at several kinds of businesses all over the country. Tonight we are sleeping with some alpacas. We are staying at Pleasant Journey Alpacas. All Zoom Zoom did was call the day before to be sure they have space and are accepting company! We were met by one of the owners, Susan Kacsh, and she directed us where to park and waited for us to give us a personal tour! They have almost 100 alpaca on the property. She and her husband, Glenn, have been raising these cuties for around 13 years. Not only do they breed and show their alpacas, but they also board other owners’ alpacas. It is a beautiful operation. Susan explained that these critters don’t take much upkeep on a daily basis. Couple of hours each morning is all, unless it is breeding time or sheering time. The alpaca get sheered once a year. Probably one of the most amazing things is Susan knows ALL the cuties names. They had 3 babies born Monday. One they named Mr. Wesson and another they named Mr. Smith. They have an Abby, Miracle and even a Clancy! Susan makes alpaca yarn for their shop and Glenn makes beautiful yarn bowls and other woodworking art. They sell other alpaca related items in the store too. If you go to their website it will connect you to the store. Here is a tidbit Susan also shared with us…they are ready to retire! They are going to sell the entire 35 acres: all barns, equipment, the house, and of course their alpacas! Just give them a call and they will give you a tour (and training!)
Management office and store.
Greeter.
Greeter.
Abby, head greeter.
Head of Security. It carries a BIG bark and an even BIGGER bite! If I remember correctly this breed is called a Maremmaso. The Kacsh’s own 3 of these dogs.
Second in Command.
Third in Command. I like cuddles.
Our campsite – great view of the alpacas!
Do chocolate alpacas give chocolate milk?
Sitting pretty!
Zoom Zoom is a chick magnet!
Susan Kacsh, owner. This little one was born Monday.
Zoom Zoom and his women!
Wait, mom, I’m not finished yet!
Cheese!
Nap time!
Boys trying to be boys.
Pumpkin snack.
The ranch is surrounded by groundhogs. Great for us, not so much for all the land owners.
Thank you Susan and Glenn we had a great stay here.
Random alpaca facts…(or not)
1. OMG, so cute! (That’s a FACT!)
2. They pee and poop in a communal dung pile. Easier to clean up!
3. Sometimes they spit at you if they don’t like your outfit! (That’s a FACT!)
4. Alpacas can live up to 20 years.
5. Alpacas come in two breeds-Huacaya and Suri. Susan and Glenn own all Huacaya. They board Suri for a client.
6. In the winter, alpacas prefer to wear alpaca socks on their feet. (That’s a FACT!)
7. They weigh between 110-190 when they are full grown.
8 . Alpacas don’t have teeth in the top-front of their mouths. This gives them the appearance of having an underbite. (No braces needed)