Alpacatrax

On July 9th 2005, my fellow fiber enthusiast (well, sort of) Alex and I visited the Arnow (Elyse and Joshua) Alpaca farm, Alpacatrax, in Elizaville NY. The Arnows had an open house from 11am-4pm. Everyone was able to walk among and pet the lovely and sweet creatures that so unselfishly share their luxurious fleece with us. The highlight was their new baby alpaca, 3 months old! So cute! Did you know that alpacas have no top teeth? Their defense mechanism is spitting; it won’t hurt, it’s just icky!

The Arnows had a lovely spread for lunch of make-your-own-sandwiches and side dishes and chips. The best feature was a demonstration by their daughter – she was teaching spinning! (which I was all to eager to try my shaking hands at!). Even my Alex tried his hands at it and I think we did quite well for our first time. I wish you could have seen the others spinning along as though it were nothing – practically making thread! It was amazing to see.

The Arnows also had fleece for sale, three kinds - straight from the alpacas, fleece cleaned but not spun, and of course spun and ready to crochet (or knit). I made a small purchase of two 200-yard skeins of grey sport weight yarn. The Arnows are a wonderful family and I encourage those of you who have not visited, to do so in the future. Their number is 914-764-4778, website www.Alpacatrax.com .