Alpacas – March 5

As we mentioned in an earlier post the day began early with the first of several earthquakes.  The risk of a tsunami on the North East coast of NZ was closely monitored and dominated the news.  We had an appointment in Palmerston North mid-morning and so were captive in the car for more than an hour.  We listened to updates from NEMA (National Emergency Management Agency) and interviews with mayors in the affected areas about how they were managing the emergency. We were not in the threat area, but we found it very interesting to hear how mayors were personally knocking on doors to ensure that residents of their communities were getting to high ground, and school principals were walking uphill with their school kids.  After the threat passed, there seems to be a collective sense that the communities did well, there was a plan, and it was followed.

After we finished our business in Palmerston North, we went to visit our newest friends – Jan and Paul.  We met them on Kapiti Island.   They were kind enough to invite us to visit them at their Alpaca farm.  They generously took the time to trapse with us over their farm, which is lush with native trees that they had planted, abundant with fruit trees and vegetables.  And then there were horses and of course alpacas. 

Jan and Paul’s alpacas are Suri. These alpaca coats are so silky.  The fleece hangs off the body in locks that have a dreadlock appearance.  Frances was imagining the weaving potential here.  We only met the boy alpacas, because we ran out of time before we got to the girls and babies (crias).  Next time!

We met 3 generations of horses – Grandma, Mom, and foal.

We enjoyed a delicious lunch together at a local café.  This was instant bonding.  We had much to discuss starting with our shared Kapiti experience and then to learn about each other’s lives and histories.  The serendipity of it all was lovely.