Friday Morning, July 17

When looking for local things to do for Cousin’s Week, I came upon this alpaca farm owned by the Longeneckers. I rarely drive on this road, and was not aware there was an alpaca farm so close to Manheim.

Donna Longenecker is on the left. It is easy to tell that she loves their alpacas.

They had “circus week” a few days before our visit, and some of the white alpacas still had markings from the paint.

The Longeneckers breed their alpacas for their fiber.

Donna had stories about each one and their personalities.

They also have angora goats.

Free range chickens round out the menagerie of animals at this barn.

Alpacas only have lower teeth and upper molars – but no upper front teeth. For that reason they have an interesting way of chewing their food.

Donna said this one always has a hungry look because of her big eyes.

Donna told us a cute story about this bell.

They installed it, hoping to teach the animals when it was time to eat.

A few days later, the alpacas (or goats – I forget which) reached over the fence and began ringing the bell when they were hungry. 🙂

Jared was interested in the fiber that was displayed in bags. They had recently been sheared.

Our last stop was their store.

She had several things they had felted – which is similar to shrinking wool.

Jared with an alpaca hat.

Jesse with the hat, a finger puppet, and a pair of socks.

A headband.

These two were next to the driveway as we left the farm. The barn is to the left of this picture.

I was glad we took time to learn about alpacas.