Page 25 - QARANC Vol 20 No 3 2023

MEMORABLE DAY WITH
ALPACAS
On a Wednesday morning in September, members of the Association and guests arrived at a farm in the Brecon Beacons National Park for a magical morning.
We spent time looking at a herd of alpacas and admiring the different colours and patterns of their coats. Louise told us about the herd, explaining that she and her husband Nigel would be looking after us on our morning trek.
Alpacas, we discovered, are smart, gentle animals, easy to handle, and with individual personalities. They are shy, curious quiet and intelligent.
Then it was onto the exciting part being paired with your alpaca. Following a demonstration on how to hold the rein etc. we finally started on our experience of walking with alpacas.
As we were in Wales we had typical welsh weather, starting off in the rain through farm fields heading upwards along tracks to Mynydd Illtyd and the trig point.
On the way we saw the shy side of the alpacas when we came near to sheep grazing on the mountain. The alpacas went into alert mode with ears raised and refusing to go forward. As such we all had a stop for a few minutes until the sheep moved off the path.
The alpacas went into alert mode with ears raised and refusing to go forward. As such we all had a stop for a few minutes until the sheep moved off the path
We continued walking at a nice slow pace till we reached the top. By this time the sun was shining, the sky was blue and there was a breeze blowing. At the trig point we had a 360 degrees view of the Brecon Beacons including Pen y Fan and in the distance the Sugar Loaf.
All around us was the appearance of patchwork fields in various shades of green, brown and gold. Time for photos and to admire the stunning views.
Then it was time to return on the way uphill the alpacas were slow and steady. On the return journey the alpacas knew they were going home to have some food, as such they were going quicker. When we got back to the farm, we had the opportunity to feed the alpacas. What a lovely experience, fascinating to watch their antics. some of them butted in to get at the food.
A lovely and magical experience where many shared memories were made.
Following our visit, it was off to the pub for lunch. A good day and a wonderful new experience enjoyed by all.
Lt Col (Retd) Valmai Davies
The Gazette QARANC Association 25
WELSH BRANCH ENJOYS