Traveling along the Mt. Hood National Scenic Highway 26–Oregon -- where once volcanoes spewed and mammoth floods scoured deep gorges.---where exquisite geologic wonders, waterfalls, temperate rain forests and wild rivers flow free a wonderful place to be---We were headed to the Alpaca showing in Redmond Oregon- where these beautiful Alpacas were brought for miles around to win ribbons - -- and to show off their beautiful fiber.
Faith, Hope and Charity collectively known as the Three Sisters (near the city of Bend, Oregon) — South Sister is the highest and youngest, with a well defined crater. Middle Sister is more pyramidal and eroded. North Sister is the oldest and has a crumbling rock pinnacle. Photo below from Mt. Bachelor Village, in southwest Bend is not far from the three Sisters mountains and Broken Top mountain.
I have become totally mesmerized by the Alpacas. From start to finish they have beauty, charm, grace and investment potential both as an animal and as a by-product--fiber. The pleasure of owning the beautiful and gentle alpaca is a reward in itself. The prospect of enjoying shared family activities with this very huggable animal while reaping the financial rewards of owning and breeding alpacas increases the pleasure many times over.
The highly prized fleece of the alpaca has inspired many to start in-home "cottage industries" which involve shearing the alpacas and spinning the fiber of their own animals into yarn that can be made into high quality apparel while others market the fiber through the support of organized fiber co-ops.
An ideal Alpaca's look begins with the head, a dense top knot, and well-covered cheeks converging with the wool cap to form a close V at the eyes, which are brown. The ears are shaped like an arrowhead and erect. The muzzle is soft and wedge shaped. The jaw should fit together correctly, with the lower incisors meeting the upper dental pad.
Julie Skinner part owner of Snowmass Alpacas is an expert on Alpacas --she is giving a talk on the care and raising of Alpacas. Snowmass Alpacas is located on a beautiful 700-acre ranch in Sandpoint, in the northern Panhandle of Idaho, with a 1000 alpacas, and is home to the Skinner family - Julie, Don and their four young children. They have been in the business for over 30 years.
There was a fashion show and auction - this is Sandra Rumney from Sleeping Giant Alpacas located in Montana. Sleeping Giant Alpacas is owned and operated by Jeff Rumney and Sandra Rumney.
After all the awards and ribbons were given out - there was a delightful and delicious meal - I took the before picture - forgot to take a picture of us all eating..... but you get the idea.
l'alpaga indique qu'au revoir pour les amis maintenant chers de blog revenez encore bientôt
Fin
Be sure to visit other Outdoor Wednesday participants
