Sunday, March 19, 2023 It seemed like such a wonderful idea. The snow was still quite deep but frozen hard enough to walk on so Farmer Ed took the white dogs on a walk with their leashes still attached to remind them where the boundaries were before we would let them go. It would also give him a good chance to do a final inspection of all the fencing. I was watching and taking pictures from the barn. Before long the alpacas noticed that humans and dogs were walking on top of the snow. Hmmmm. The last time they tried that they sunk to their chests and decided to commit to life in the barn. But they were ready to try it again. Well honestly I encouraged them because I thought it would be so good for them to stretch their legs. I guess we forgot that they can also step over fencing when more than half of it is buried under snow! arghhhh. Most of them easily jumped over the gate into their favorite middle pasture and when the boy alpacas noticed that the girls could walk on the snow they decided to try it as well. Now we have alpacas running all over the place with virtually no secure fencing! Nooooo! Can the boys actually get to the girls? This would not be a good day for an alpaca orgy. So the focus of the morning changed from controlling the dogs to controlling the alpacas. ugh. Digging out panels that were frozen in ice to reinforce the low spots became the new challenge. That plus getting the alpaca girls back into the main pasture!! All but one (Miranda) jumped right back over when we got behind them and told them to go to the barn. It seems Miranda jumped one way and then she totally forgot how to jump back the other way. After many tries, we finally ended up lifting her over the tiny gate. (Not as easy as you might think) Panels were added above the gate and I think we’re OK for now. The poor guardian dogs never got off the leashes because when we noticed how easily the alpacas jumped over we decided we needed more melting. But the alpacas definitely had fun and that was the bright spot of the day. The guardians are still on sabbatical in the garage where they have been since the fencing disappeared. Have a good Sunday!
Video of the day: I stopped filming when I realized how out of control things were getting but it was fun for the alpacas while it lasted!
Jen Johnson
The girlies seemed so happy being able to run around again, but my anxiety kicked in when I saw them jumping the fence. Yikes! That was a close call getting them all back in before the boys decided to join them. Hopefully you’ll have a nice relaxing day today. You deserve it!
Hang in there. Spring is right around the corner! (That’s what I keep telling myself) 🙂
Linda
Thanks Jen. I was so happy to watch them run until I realized how easy it would be for them to get with the boys! Or even leave the property if they felt ambitious enough. We are definitely taking the day off today! We will postpone our next adventure till Monday. 😀
Michelle Collins
Oh Linda, this made my day!!! I am sorry you and Ed had to parent the teenagers but oh they had fun!!I am so glad most of our snow is gone and the babies are running free again. Try to have a relaxing afternoon 😎
Linda
LOL, glad you enjoyed it Michelle! I did too until I realized how easy it was for them to ignore the fencing! Basic feeding is all we will attempt to handle today. 😀
Brenda Sorensen
Oh, Linda, I’m glad this turned out okay, but I must admit, I had heartburn for you and Farmer Ed!
Linda
Thanks Brenda, I had my own little panic attack and I am also grateful they are all staying where they need to be today. Fingers crossed the storm coming this week does not bring us too much new snow!