Snuggly Toes are made from 100% alpaca fiber, which is warmer than wool. The fiber is spun, crocheted and then felted making a durable, thick fabric. They're cut out in the shape of a foot, and go nearly into any shoe.
Walking on these wonderfully warm insoles warm your feet. Last winter I used them in uninsulated boots for all my chores. In this part of the country, that means walking on a foot of snow for months. My feet were never cold.
Snuggly Toes are an American product, produced by a small, environmentally friendly farm. They cost $29.99 a pair. Shipping is $3 a pair. You can purchase them on line at www.SnugglyToes.com Or, call 719/783-9619 or e-mail Meredith@SnugglyToes.com.
National Alpaca Days is a great time to meet alpacas. In Westcliffe, you can visit four farms in two days, plus see finished alpaca products. For more information, visit www.westcliffealpacas.com
National Alpaca Days September 26 and 27, 2009
Springtime Farms is a small town, American farm started and run by a very un-farm-like person. At least, she didn't grow up farm-like. But more about her in a minute.
First, the most important thing: the alpacas. The passion at Springtime Farms is the alpacas, specifically huacaya alpacas. There are 29 huacaya alpacas at Springtime Farms, and they are the pride and joy.
Huacaya alpacas are little-ish balls of fluff with inquisitive personalities, a gentle demeaner and long necks and big eyes. It's hard to do them justice in writing, so let's take a little journey.
Imagine setting up a chair in the middle of a small field. Now have a seat.
The air is fresh and dry as you relax into your seat. The view ahead of you takes your breath away. It’s stunning. A mountain range like you've never seen is laid out in front of you. It's miles away, across a wide, flat valley, but the peaks are so tall the sight is mesmerizing.
The mountaintops are capped with pristine white snow. Above the mountains is a sky so blue, you think it must be imaginary. A few puffy white clouds drift by.
A gentle breeze brushes past your face, and you have a feeling of calm.
There is a stillness; a quiet. It can’t get much better, right? But wait. You turn your attention to something closer. Something right in front of you -- alpacas. Long legs and even longer necks dot the field. Tessa, Paco, Patti and Ethan are reaching those long necks to the ground to grab a spot of hay.
Millie and her baby, Babygonia, are lying by the fence. Their heads are up, but their entire bodies are relaxed. They are at peace.
Suddenly, a blur to the right catches your eye. Little Wisp comes cruising between the other alpacas and you. She's on a tear. Her little legs are just a flying as she heads toward the end of the field. Charlie Charlie Chaz is in hot pursuit. He's right behind her.
The fence is only a few feet away when Little Wisp pulls up and practically bounces straight up in the air. She bears to the left, bouncing through the curve. At the exact same spot, Charlie Charlie Chaz mimics her motions.
They hop behind to you to their starting point.
The other alpacas look up for this first round of chase, but resume their routine for round two. Little Wisp and Charlie make two more circles. They run, run, run one way, and bounce back. Run, run, run. Bounce. When the game of chase is over, they head back to their moms.
Again it is quiet. You may hear a gentle hum now and then. The hay crackles in the alpacas' mouths. The wind blows through the grasses, but there's nothing more. There's no hustle and bustle. No rush to get anywhere. No cars honking or TV blaring. Just quiet.
Then, Noah saunters over. You remain still, knowing an alpaca kiss is on its way. He comes a little closer and stops. Then reaches his long neck to sniff you. His little nose brushes your nose, then he sniffs around your mouth and under your chin. A paca kiss. And just like that, he's done. He's checked you out and said hello. It’s over in ten seconds. It’s ten seconds that’s left you grinning like a fool. Not a bad way to spend ten seconds
Springtime Farms
That’s the best way I can describe being with alpacas. I’m Meredith O’Neil, owner of Springtime Farms.
I fell in love with alpacas nearly five years ago. I’ve owned and been caring for my alpacas for four years. With very few exceptions (I have taken a few vacations), every day I’ve fed, watered and cleaned up after the huacaya alpacas here at Springtime Farms.
Springtime Farms has grown in the past four years. I’ve added goats and chickens. I continue to try to grow food. Trees have been planted, fences put up and a greenhouse has been built.
This year I’ll grow herbs, put in an acre garden, and have more chickens and goats. Goat cheese and soap are on the agenda too.
Farming is definitely a new passion for me. I grew up in suburbia. I remember driving by cows when I was little. I saw them in the field, at a distance. But I only remember being up close and personal with livestock once.
There are many ways to get involved with alpacas, and you don't have to scoop poop every day. Boarding is available at Springtime Farms. It includes twice daily care, feed, and minor veterinary-type activities, like nail trimming and worming, if necessary. The alpaca owner is also welcome to three overnight visits a year which include breakfast. Depending on the time of year, breakfast will include fresh eggs, goat milk and fresh bread. Alpaca owners are, of course, welcome to visit any other time during the day.
Springtime Farms is located in beautiful Westcliffe, CO. Westcliffe is a high mountain valley about an hour west of Pueblo. The view and the atmosphere are fabulous! For more information, see www.custercountyco.com or www.downtownwestcliffe.com.
Alpaca Information
Why buy alpacas? There are many reasons to buy alpacas, but the main reason for some is the income tax deduction. The price of the alpacas, vet bills, transportation costs, feed, and boarding fees can all be deductible. That said, I am not a tax expert. Talk to your accountant about your situation. If your specialist doesn't know about livestock deductions, give me a call. I can pass on a phone number.
Besides the tax deductions, people just fall in love with alpacas. Many people also jump into farming full-time because they want a different livestyle. They want out of the corporate world.
Alpaca 101: Alpacas are camelids from South America. Yes, they are related to a camel. They're also related to the llama.
Alpacas are raised in the United States for their fiber (hair) and are bred for the babies (crias). They have been in this country for over 20 years, and they are holding their value well. People invest in alpacas for a number of reasons, including the farm lifestyle, a love of the animal, and the incredible tax benefits.
The fiber is sheared once a year, in the spring. Except for their pride, alpacas are not hurt during shearing. The fiber can then be spun into yarn and knit or crocheted. Here are some of the products I've made from my own alpaca fiber. Alpaca fiber is warmer and softer than wool. If you've never felt alpaca, give me a call or drop me an e-mail. I'll send you some. 719/783-9619 or Meredith@SnugglyToes.com
