Our Road Trip to Alpacas of El Dorado for New Alpacas and Growing Our Herd

There's nothing quite like hitting the open road, especially when your destination is Alpacas of El Dorado in Somerset! Our recent trip from sunny San Diego was not only filled with stunning scenery but also serious excitement as we set out to pick up our two girls—Rheya and Champi—for breeding. We also welcomed our newly purchased girls, Minted and Blues Bayou, along with Gold Strike and, Atlantis. This journey was built on our passion for alpacas and the growth of our herd.

Our visit to El Dorado Farms was truly special. Scott and Laurie Findlay, the incredibly welcoming owners, greeted us with open arms. Catching up with them, we shared our excitement and insights about alpaca breeding. Discussions on breeding strategies and herd experiences flowed easily, highlighting how vibrant the alpaca community is. The warmth of friendship combined with our shared love for these remarkable animals makes every visit unforgettable.

As if the day couldn't get any better, we enjoyed a delightful meal at winery Element 79 in nearby Amador County. The food and wine matched the beauty of the location. Sharing this experience with good friends while indulging in the region's fine wines added an extra layer of joy to our road trip. It reminded me that nurturing these relationships is just as important as nurturing our herd.

I was excited to learn that all our girls were confirmed pregnant before we left on our trip! This means we can look forward to new cria joining our farm later this year and into the next spring. The average gestation period for alpacas is about 11 and a half months, so the excitement of awaiting their arrival is building. I can almost picture their cute faces and dream of the future champions we hope to showcase in upcoming events.

Our new alpacas making themselves at home

Arriving back at the farm, we quickly settled everyone into their new pens with their new friends. It’s heartwarming to see them mingling and finding their place within our growing herd. New family members such as Minted and Blues Bayou brought a zest to the group that is exhilarating to witness. I can't wait to observe how they adapt and grow over time.

As we move into the future, I’m filled with hope and excitement. With each new addition to our herd, we are growing not just in numbers but in our bond with these wonderful animals. Watching them thrive and nurturing them brings unparalleled satisfaction.

Reflecting on our recent road trip to Alpacas of El Dorado , I realize it was much more than just collecting new alpacas. It reinforced our bonds with friends and the community, filled our hearts with joy, and inspired us for what lies ahead. Here’s to a future of delight, cuddly cria, and many more adventures to come!

The boys enjoying their new pen!