Alpaca Tribe

This is the podcast for alpaca people!

In this episode, we revisit episode 241 from three years ago. Craig Constantine, a good friend from the US, called in to visit and met the alpacas.

Craig has been busy travelling in Newfoundland this summer and discusses it with another friend of ours, Christi Cassidy, on her podcast Moving Along. You can also find him and his work on his website, which includes his own Movers Mindset podcast....

This is the podcast for alpaca people!

In this episode, after the rain, my alpacas came out to eat the willow leaves.

I say rain, but it was more of a shower.

Join me for breakfast and a meander, plus where have the swans gone?

Thanks for listening, and I hope you enjoyed it.

You can contact me by email - steve@alpacatribe.com - or leave me a voicemail from your browser.

Alpaca Tribe is hosted and produced by Steve Heatherington of Water...

This is the podcast for alpaca people!

In this episode, I consider what we call normal.

Understanding what is normal helps with expectations and preparations. With climate change impacts becoming more frequent, we are starting to develop new normals.

I am still looking forward to a 'normal' day but I am not sure if I would recognise it if I had one.

Thanks for listening, and I hope you enjoyed it.

You can contact me by email - steve@alp...

This is the podcast for alpaca people!

Sorry, there have been a few gaps recently - I have been capacity-challenged on a number of fronts, but I am pleased to be returning to routines and rhythms with the alpacas.

Here is a quick catch-up.

Thanks for listening, and I hope you enjoyed it.

You can contact me by email - steve@alpacatribe.com - or leave me a voicemail from your browser.

Alpaca Tribe is hosted and produced by Steve Heatherin...

This is the podcast for alpaca people!

In this episode, a quick update on shearing and valley news, including the swans, with a background soundtrack of alpacas feeding.

Thanks for listening, and I hope you enjoyed it.

You can contact me by email - steve@alpacatribe.com - or leave me a voicemail from your browser.

Alpaca Tribe is hosted and produced by Steve Heatherington of Waterside Voices.

This is the podcast for alpaca people!

In this episode, I meet up with Danny from Boston. We have known each other for almost 8 years, but met for the first time recently. I got to introduce him to the valley and the alpacas. It was a hoot (as Danny would say).

The characteristics of alpaca connections and podcasting connections bear an uncanny resemblance. You can find kindred spirits in lots of places if you look for them. I guess ...

This is the podcast for alpaca people!

If we focus only on the big picture or only on the close-up, we will miss something. We need to do both, just not at the same time. Be guided by what catches your attention, but don't be fooled into thinking just because something demands your attention, it is the most important thing.

Lili in the goose yard reminded me to look at both. It was a call-the-vet moment. She is much improved, but I a...

This is the podcast for alpaca people!

In this episode, I reflect on the intricate dynamics within our alpaca herd and the wildlife that shares our farm. Observing their interactions during breakfast reveals their social structures, while the arrival of swallows and swans captures the seasonal shifts in behaviour. I delve into the delicate balance of territory among species and share poignant moments reflecting on the loss of Hermio...

This is the podcast for alpaca people!

How did we get to be where we are? The answer is a series of small, potentially inconsequential choices and actions. We can't plan for all the twists and turns, and we can't control many things that take on greater significance in hindsight. For us, keeping alpacas started with seeing some alpacas. We went to check out the idea that became a dream that became a lifestyle. We made choices . And ...

This is the podcast for alpaca people!

In this episode, I try to share the rhythm of alpacas. There is time for everything when you are an alpaca.

The days, weeks, and more importantly, the seasons teach us a lot about rhythm. But for me, my greatest teachers have been the alpacas. They tend to be a little slower, and saunter is definitely the order of their day.

Thanks for listening, and I hope you enjoyed it.

You can contact me by em...

This is the podcast for alpaca people!

Spring arrives with ragged edges. Winter has not fully left the stage, but flowers, buds and birds are all busy. Alpacas like the spring too, and as you know, it is one of my favourite times of the year. Come join me.

Thanks for listening, and I hope you enjoyed it.

You can contact me by email - steve@alpacatribe.com - or leave me a voicemail from your browser.

Alpaca Tribe is hosted and produced ...

This is the podcast for alpaca people!

I had great plans - but was beaten by the weather.

How often does this happen to you?

Plans are never fixed when you have alpacas. And any or all of the following can get in your way:

• Weather - including mud and wet hay, etc
• cooperation from your alpacas
• your own focus
• friends and family, visitors in general

So what do you do when you can’t control everything? - maybe 'be more a...

This is the podcast for alpaca people!

In the last episode, I promised breakfast with the girls. So here it is, as it happened. Enjoy the noisy birds and the mostly well-behaved alpacas. Some nice signs of Spring, but we are definitely not there yet, even though I have seen my first frogspawn!

Rita Soares of Campo Verde alpacas and llamas

Many of you know Rita through the podcast. She is a good alpaca friend and has been...

This is the podcast for alpaca people!

Growth of and with our alpacas has different aspects. From growing numbers through adding to the herd or multiplying by breeding. Increasing our knowledge. Growing skills and abilities through experience. But the greatest area of growth that underpins all of the others is growing in confidence.

Our biggest teachers are the alpacas themselves.

Enjoy the journey and let me know what works best fo...

This is the podcast for alpaca people!

The new year begins, but is hardly noticed by the alpacas. Just another day.

Wet weather turned cold, then snow and ice. The alpacas loved the hay and found a little grazing by following the sun around the valley. It has all gone again, so we can relax for a bit.

Starting a new year is a good time to notice the jobs that need doing and anything that seems 'off' with any of the alpacas. The winter...

This is the podcast for alpaca people!

In this episode, join me as I walk around the valley. Enjoy breakfast with the girls, then head out and about up the valley.

There is also a video of the walk, which you can watch here.

Thanks for being with me through this episode and even through the year. Have a good break over the Christmas period, and I will catch you again in the new year.

Thanks for listening, and I hope you enjoyed it.

You ...

This is the podcast for alpaca people!

Welcome to all of you, wherever you are listening, but especially my listeners from Brazil. Thank you. I appreciate it.

Alpacas are curious and usually offer us a welcome as we approach. Depending on what we do next, the welcome remains, or our attention becomes unwelcome. Even too much staring at them and paying too much attention can cause them to retreat or at least change their body languag...

This is the podcast for alpaca people!

In this episode, Steve recounts a chaotic food delivery for the alpacas, reflecting on resilience and how to handle frustration in animal care. He introduces us to Hermione, Alys, and Nona, sharing anecdotes that highlight their personalities and daily routines. The episode culminates in the timely arrival of the food, serving as a metaphor for navigating life's unpredictability. Join Steve for...

This is the podcast for alpaca people!

The rain has been abundant. I guess that is what made the valley a good site for a Victorian reservoir.

Now it is home to our herd of alpacas, ducks and visiting swans. And us of course. Where better to share our lives with all of the amazing animals and wildlife and the rain. Join me.

Thanks for listening, and I hope you enjoyed it.

You can contact me by email - steve@alpacatribe.com - or leave m...