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 along the way, we discovered flexibility and resilience, or maybe even created them.

Spring is arriving more each day, and the moments are to be savoured. Enjoy your journey of moments and see how you might make room for alpacas in your life, even if it is only through visiting someone else's or through the podcast.

Any questions, drop me an email here [email protected]

Thanks for listening, and I hope you enjoyed it.

You can contact me by email - [email protected] - or leave me a voicemail from your browser.

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

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

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 email - [email protected] - or leave me a voicemail from your browser.

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

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

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 - [email protected] - or leave me a voicemail from your browser.

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

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

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 alpaca'.

I did a whole episode about how to be more alpaca - episode 97 Be more alpaca

and Be even more alpaca in episode 275 - check them out if it feels like that is how you could be.

Alpacas don’t plan, but they definitely have expectations

How can you know?

How can you avoid adding unnecessary friction?

If you were an alpaca, what would you plan to do, and what might change your plans?

Plan like an alpaca

Keep your eyes and ears open, sniff the breeze.

Expect the unexpected

Stay flexible, be present in the moment and enjoy the sunshine when it comes.

Thanks for listening, and I hope you enjoyed it.

You can contact me by email - [email protected] - or leave me a voicemail from your browser.

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

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

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 a guest many times. Sadly, her farm was caught up in an Australian wildfire. As a result, they lost 11 male llamas and a stud alpaca, and the farm’s fences and vegetation were destroyed. They are rebuilding slowly, but you can imagine what a devastating blow this has been for her and her partner, Anthony. We send our best wishes and hope for the future. Many people have pitched in to help, and I include details below of a GoFundMe page. There is also a PayPal link if you prefer that route. Don’t feel you have to, but I know some will want to.

https://gofund.me/dd1b2a72b

https://www.paypal.com/pools/c/126562730487465447

Thanks for listening, and I hope you enjoyed it.

You can contact me by email - [email protected] - or leave me a voicemail from your browser.

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

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

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 for you.

Thanks for listening, and I hope you enjoyed it.

You can contact me by email - [email protected] - or leave me a voicemail from your browser.

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

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

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 weather stress sometimes reveals things we don't otherwise notice.

Less time for sitting outside with the alpacas at the moment here in the UK, because of the wintry weather. A good time for catching up on record keeping, and if you are breeding alpacas, a time to consider potential matings - a bit like gardeners and their seed catalogues.

Here is the link to the video from the last episode, where I show you around the valley to give some perspective on the stories I regularly share.

Thanks for listening, and I hope you enjoyed it.

You can contact me by email - [email protected] - or leave me a voicemail from your browser.

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

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

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 can contact me by email - [email protected] - or leave me a voicemail from your browser.

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

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

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 language. It is good to observe them and get to know each one individually.

At this time in the UK it is good to check body condition scores - see the video below for details

https://youtu.be/xZSlhQaqGEk?si=TOJhjuEEqexcGDm3

You might also want to check feet and eyes too.

If you can, spend some time with your alpacas, someone else's alpacas, or come spend time with my alpacas and me. You are welcome.

Thanks for listening, and I hope you enjoyed it.

You can contact me by email - [email protected] - or leave me a voicemail from your browser.

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

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

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 quick lessons on patience, connection, and the joys of caring for animals!

(NB summary prepared by AI via Auphonic - I'm not sure what to make of it. Let me know your thoughts)

Thanks for listening, and I hope you enjoyed it.

You can contact me by email - [email protected] - or leave me a voicemail from your browser.

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

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

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 - [email protected] - or leave me a voicemail from your browser.

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

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy