Whenever we go on one of our Saturday jaunts we try to find something a bit different to do. I think this month we succeeded in doing just that. We went to Hensting Alpacas in Otterbourne, Hampshire. We had to forgo our usual brekkie and make do with eating a sausage and bacon baguette in the car while we waited. Well worth it though, we had a lovely morning.
The farm is right on the river Itchen and it is a lovely family run business. You are made so welcome right from when you arrive at the gate. It all starts at 10am and lasts for a good two hours. Derek and his wife Hazel and their two children are obviously very proud of their farm and their alpacas and really want you to enjoy the experience.
You start off with a short health and safety chat and then you get to meet the alpacas. You learn all about how they live, how they are cared for, really fascinating. Then they put halters on them and introduce you to your alpaca. You all walk in line down to the river. You walk on grass all the time so very easy going and lots of time to take photos.
The normal price is £49.95 for a two hour session but you can often get offers on Groupon or on their website. When we went we paid £24.95 for the two of us sharing one alpaca. I think one animal between two of you is fine, gives you more chance to admire the lovely scenery and take photos. Here are some of ours.
This was our first alpaca, Saturn, who was a bit stubborn. He took a bit of persuading to move. We always ended up at the back.
Half way round they swapped everyone's alpaca and we ended up with Galaxy who was much more lively and I thought he was lovely.
Jan trying to get Galaxy to take a drink but he was having none of it.
He enjoyed the treats though.
Such a beautiful place to go for a walk. Bit different to walking the dogs.
The next day we had to get back to normal and walk our own four legged friends. We went over to The Queen Victoria Country Park at Netley. They had a dog show on that day but it did not seem to be very well supported this year. There were a few stalls and demos but not too many people. We had a wander and then we walked the grounds because it is a very nice area to walk. Well worth a visit, right on the the shore, play areas and train rides in the summer. It is a very historical place as well, once a military hospital which opened in 1863. Lots of information on the website.
Once again we turned to bacon butties to keep us going, and very nice they were too.
We had a go at the doggie agility, Jan did quite well even though I think it was Peggy who was supposed to do the jump.
Me and Alfie were absolutely rubbish.
Also during the week we did a home visit to Jan's. In a few week's time Jan is going to look after my two dogs while I go on holiday and we thought we should do a trial run. The dogs all know each other very well but we needed to be sure they would get on ok in Polly and Peggy's home. Especially as Alfie is quite new to the group. All went really well. Alfie took himself off to check it all out and I think Peggy was a bit surprised at his speed charging round the bedroom when she was trying to take a nap.
Well Polly and Peggy, can we come and stay?
Not a lot about brekkie in this week's blog but hope you find it interesting.
More soon ............................ Margaret x
