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 steve@alpacatribe.com

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.

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 - steve@alpacatribe.com - or leave me a voicemail from your browser.

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

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 by Steve Heatherington of Waterside Voices.

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 - steve@alpacatribe.com - or leave me a voicemail from your browser.

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

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 - steve@alpacatribe.com - or leave me a voicemail from your browser.

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

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 - steve@alpacatribe.com - or leave me a voicemail from your browser.

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

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 - steve@alpacatribe.com - or leave me a voicemail from your browser.

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

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 - steve@alpacatribe.com - or leave me a voicemail from your browser.

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

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 - steve@alpacatribe.com - or leave me a voicemail from your browser.

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

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 - steve@alpacatribe.com - or leave me a voicemail from your browser.

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

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 me a voicemail from your browser.

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

The tide of vegetation is receding as fall continues to arrive. The alpacas are enjoying the season and so am I. Join me for a walk and talk in the valley.

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.

In this episode, the welcome early fall sunshine makes it easy to spend time out in the valley with the alpacas.

Velvet mites, foxes and badgers, bats, plus some friends from Australia. The valley has been having visitors.

Listen in and join me on the farm.

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.

Join me for a typical day with the alpacas and the associated chores. It is a delight on a sunny autumn morning with so many Robins singing their hearts out.

As well as a revisit by the Swan and some of our Canada Geese, there was a Kingfisher, which sat still long enough to grab a blurry snap. A delight. See the website for the photo.

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.

In this episode, I want to talk about how alpacas sit and why.

Alpacas love to sit, which is called cushing. They gather their legs underneath them and look very comfortable. Often they will be chewing the cud while cushed. It is a bit like having a sit-down for a cup of tea – just alpaca style.

Sometimes they do it to opt out – we all feel like that sometimes, I know. So next time you feel the need, try to spend some time with some alpacas and chill.

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.

In this episode, the season change has come quickly here in the valley with the alpacas. Listen to catch up on what has been happening with the herd.

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.

In this episode, I'm considering what a good number of alpacas is. Probably the first answer is going to be... more! They are somewhat addictive and a delight, so why not have more?

There are a number of factors to consider, but they mostly revolve around space - how much physical space for grazing and for shelter, and metaphorically about how much space, or capacity, you have in your life.

Listen in to help think through what is crucial for you and your alpacas.

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.

We had a named storm pass through, but today is calm, still and sunny. A perfect day for breakfast with the girls. Why don't you join me?

Nona was enjoying the pile of hay she claimed - she does like her hay. Later, after I put all the food out and spread it about for the girls, they settled down, but before that, Nona and Hermione got into a spit-spat. Huffing over the final crumbs, or even an empty food trough, which resulted in them both having a dropped bottom lip. Really, girls, it's so unnecessary and sets such a bad example for the youngsters.

I had my chlorophyll-moment sitting in the sun and enjoying the warmth while I topped up my vitamin D.

Breakfast with the alpacas is such a good way to start your day - do try it if you can.

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.

In this episode, I offer a tip for dealing with overwhelm, suggest ways to learn more about alpaca behaviour, and explain looking out for which one starts the drift. There is also an update on the herd and life in the valley.

For valley news, you can also check out my Substack "View From The Valley".

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.

In this episode, I continue reflecting on the cria birthing season and how we can be prepared.

This includes talking to some people, including your vet, reading up and taking some courses - probably too late for this season, but there is always next year.

Birthing kits

I talked about them in some previous episodes. Check out:

• Episode 13 – Topical Alpaca Tips with Steve Heatherington
• Episode 22 – Expect the unexpected with Steve Heatherington
• Episode 24 – Jenny MacHarg part 2

Homestead Farm Supplies offers a kit to buy off the shelf. If you are not in the UK it is still worth a look to see what they include.

Courses and books

Claire Whitehead of UK Alpaca Vets offers a birthing course earlier in the year.

ABC - Antenatal, Birthing and Cria care is a good starter book, published in Australia

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.

Memories abound of the magic of alpaca births. Mostly straightforward, but I always liked to be around to be available to help when needed.

Cria watch can be stressful but hourly checks for signs of births and labour means you are likely to be there when needed. Keep it light and keep your distance to avoid stressing the mums.

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.

The weather has warmed, bringing some flies. Including an early appearance by the large horseflies usually reserved for a week in July. I sorted one out that was feeding from Efa. I hope she will forgive me for chasing her around to catch the fly.

When alpaca herds grow, it is either because more are added - a general challenge for all alpaca owners, to resist the temptation to buy more. The alternative is to grow your own through breeding. Listen in for some reflections.

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.

Dry fleece is essential for both shearing and storing the fleece. The week of dry, sunny weather helped.

Also listen in to find out what the geese and swans have been up to. Spring is well and truly here, and summer is around the corner.Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people!

In this episode,

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.

In this episode, I consider the difficulty of doing some alpaca jobs alone.

There is also a valley update about the new ready-made family of geese joining the number one family.

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.

Beautiful spring mornings with the alpacas are a delight. Recognising that we are all connected to the life around us is an important reason to slow down, take a breath, and be present.

I have learned so much from living with alpacas, and slowing down is definitely one of the best.

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.

We don't really know what is going on inside the head of an alpaca. What are they thinking? What do they think of us?

It doesn't stop us trying to speak alpaca, though. And if you can spend time around your alpacas, you stand a better chance of connecting. When you do, it is a bit magical.

Spring continues to gather pace and there are more signs of its arrival - the swallows, the cuckoo, the woodpecker and butterflies. What are you noticing where you are?

Reminder: From May, the podcast frequency will change, and new episodes will arrive fortnightly rather than weekly.

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.

Podcast update

The frequency of the Alpaca Tribe podcast will be changing from May 2025. It will become every two weeks rather than weekly. The alternate weeks will be filled by a new podcast called View From The Valley, which will focus on the 'other' things, leaving Alpaca Tribe to focus more on the alpacas. I would love to know what you think.

Valley update

Lake emptied and is back to half-full - weather doing its thing. The geese are nesting and the fox is around. The other birds are noisy. Spring is here, but the grass has not quite arrived. Recent rain will help with the catch-up.

Freds is coping but being careful on the steep slopes. Desire lines and the right light levels help him negotiate the hill with his poor eyesight.

Try to take advantage of any good weather you have and spend some time with your alpacas.

Links

Claire Whitehead of Camelid Veterinary Services has just published a new book - The Camelid Care Handbook for Alpaca & Llama Owners: Foundations of Care (Volume 1). Comprehensive and practical - it is worth checking out.

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.

In this episode, following on my conversation with Rita of Campo Verde Alpacas and Llamas, we turned to ageing alpacas and owners and what Rita has planned for down on the farm later in the year.

Check out the Campo Verde Instagram feed for some lovely videos of Rita, the Llamas, and the Alpacas.

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.

In this episode, Listen in as I catch up with Rita Soares in Victoria, Australia and hear about the arrival of Llamas at Campo Verde Alpacas and Llamas. More to come in the future.

It is well worth checking out Rita's photos and videos on her Instagram feed - https://www.instagram.com/campoverdealpacas/

I was also reminded of my episode with Kristin Llamas - (pronounced Ya-mass in Spanish - listen here).

Episode with Kirstin - https://alpacatribe.com/podcast71/

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.

In this episode, Spring continues to arrive. Which makes you think of Spring cleaning and updating tools and equipment. How are things on the farm with you?

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.

In this episode, I have been musing about growth. How soon the grass starts growing is a prime factor in judging when spring has arrived. The interplay of the essentials of moisture, sun and soil temperature determines how much growth, if any, the grass makes and how soon. Ours seems to have slowed down - disappointing but nothing to do but wait.

Sufficient nutrients in the soil and in what our alpacas eat determine the rate of growth.

We are also entering the show season here in the UK and the National show of the British Alpaca Society is this weekend. Also available as a live stream to view online on YouTube- if you are interested.

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.

Confident and fulfilled owners of happy and healthy alpacas. It is why I do the podcast and I know it is a work in progress.

One of the most significant things which helped me in my early days of trying to become a good alpaca shepherd, was doing Camelidynamics Training with Marty McGee Bennett. Here is a reworking of a previous interview with her.

Also, she has a free 30 min introductory online webinar that is worth signing up for (but don't hang around) - it is on Saturday 15th February at 3 pm EDT. Sign up here (recording available afterwards for those that register in advance.

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.

In this episode, you can join me as we talk Spring, field shelters and things that make you smile.

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.

Today was a weather day with a bit of everything. Very Spring-like. What kind of weather protection do alpacas need?

In addition to field shelters, natural shelter-belt from trees and bushes are really helpful. Protection is needed from the rain/wind/sun.

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.

Listen in to this episode as I consider expectations.

Everyone has expectations including you and your alpacas. What we do and how can affect them every time. Build your alpacas' expectations of you being a safe person. Plan your interactions to create good, and appropriate expectations for yourself. From my experience thngs cost 1/3 more than we would like them too and always take longer to complete.

If you can, go spend some time with your alpacas and get into step with alpaca pace.,

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.

Like all of us, alpacas thrive on familarity and the expected plus variety now and again. What kind of variety could you bring to the mix for your alpacas. Listen in and let me share some thoughts.

These include what they need as basics - food, water, shelter. But also stimulation and interest. They are naturally curious and delight in something new.

Rita Soares of Campo Verde Alpacas in Australia used a collection of unusual objects in the alpaca field to see what they thought about them. Intersting results. Check out her Instagram feed for the answers and an idea for you to try out.

Instagram reel with strange objects in the field

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.

Sitting with the alpacas you can zone out but still be present. A delight to spend time with them and notice what is happening in the valley.

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.

In this episode, Changing tack when sailing allows us to take advantage of the wind. How do you know when to tack?

I share some thoughts about making decisions and factors that can influence it. There is also an update on happenings in the valley. Listen in, you are most welcome.

Alpaca Feed

We are now using the vitality alpaca mix from Waterhouse Feeds and are very pleased with it and at how much our alpacas seem to like it. Worth considering if you are in the UK.

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.

In this episode, I make suggestions about using the low-ebb time of winter when the vegetation has died back, you can see the fences and the weeds and catch up on some maintenance.

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.

In this episode, I reflect on how much of our life is outside of our control. This includes our alpacas for sure. Though there are some things that help.

Lovely day in the valley, so I took the opportunity to sit outside with my alpacas. Hope you get a chance to do so too.

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.

And welcome to 2025. Intention is so important as we continue what we have been doing with our alpacas or plan to add in new things. Growing skills and confidence takes time and effort - and intention. Don't settle for more of the same - conserving what you have. Keep leaning into a forward trajectory as we plan and work our way through 2025.

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.

Happy New Year to you all.

I have found my happy place to be with my alpacas. I hope it is yours too and you get a chance to spend some time with them.

What will 2025 hold? More of the same? Different? How can we do better?

No resolutions but a question to carry through the year. What will yours be?

Peace and presence, Steve

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.

Happy holidays to one and all.

The gift of keeping alpacas is amazing and lasts all year. How can we give back? What can we get better at? How do we do it? Being intentional is a great place to start. Plan to build on what you are already good at, or things you need to improve or add into your repertoire.

Next year could be a great step forward if we approach it with intention.

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.

In this episode, I went in search of Normal and found it in Illinois!

Alpacas here are mostly normal but we did have a visitor who left the gate open and the alpacas free to wander off down the road. No damage done.

Have a listen to my musings and if you can, go spend some time with your own alpacas watching out for normal.

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.

Another storm - Darragh - hit the valley and made some impact. High winds, rain and a power cut. We lost some trees to the 80 mph winds but no serious damage to house or stable.

Today was very quiet and I found myself on my own and feeling on my own - the valley was quiet and empty. Most of the time it doesn't feel quite so empty. I feel connected. It was a good reminder at this time of year to reconnect and strengthen the connections we have with our friends, family and environment.

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.

Alpacas are mysterious creatures. We get to know them but they still surprise us with their mysterious ways. 'Why do they do that?' becomes 'Why do they sometimes do that?'. I have three questions that might help:

1. Is it me?
2. Is it them?
3. Is it something in the local environment?

Megan spat in my ear again. She doesn't always but sometimes I get surprised.

Winter continues to settle in and make itself at home. Listen in for a valley update.

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.

Update post-storm and what is happening with the alpacas in the valley.

If you are celebrating a holiday around this time, do enjoy and share life with those you love.

Of course for the alpacas, it is just another day!

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.

We knew to expect some colder weather but thought we were on the edge of the weather alert area. Maybe not.

It started cold and frosty but then came some snow. Now it was not that bad really - just a surprise. The first real cold weather of the season is always like that.

Keep an eye on the water - checking for ice. And think about some extra food that will give quick energy to help the alpacas stay warm. Think about your own layers too.

Video clip from the archives of alpacas in the snow

https://vimeo.com/1031697533/5958f52021

This was how the alpacas greeted their first snow - a number of years ago now but still so memorable.

The vertical take off is by Hermione (when she was younger.

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.

In this episode, I sit in the sun and think alpacas, and swans, and herons and the rest.

No one ready for breakfast when I first went down to feed them - no one at home. But they heard me and came ready for clearing the troughs. Cold mornings make for hungry alpacas.

Birds about today on a beautiful, clear, bright, sunny, still day with low sun. Ravens have a lovely call.

Watch what is going on in your place and your season. Spend some time with your alpacas if you can and breathe...

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.

Feeding alpacas can be fun and sometimes challenging. Always a great opportunity to catch up with how your herd is doing and what is going on. Also, it can add to the positive experiences they have of you as a safe person to be around.

Of course, sometimes there is more than you bargain for.

I have been musing about what makes a good alpaca. Particularly relevant if you are thinking of adding alpacas to your life or your herd. One factor among many is how sociable they are. Will they get on with the others you will be introducing them to? Are they going to be easy to manage?

Often you can't be sure until later and see how they grow. We gather the information we can. Ask the relevant questions and make the best decision we can.

What would you look for in an alpaca? Let me know by dropping me a line.

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.

In this episode, I share my delight on a dry, still autumn day. The colours, the sounds and the alpacas enjoying their pastures.

Things to notice as always. Keep notes of the changes. Watch the body condition, particularly of older or weaker alpacas and boost the rations to keep them healthy.

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.

In the calm between storms, my thoughts turn to tools and fences. Maintaining them during the downtime of fall and winter is a great way to invest in the future of your alpaca farm.

This time of year has some lovely moments, so take advantage when you can, to get outside and spend time with your alpacas. A cup of your favourite beverage and something to sit on. Perfect.

The girls love standing in the water. It is a bit of a spar moment for them. Here is Betsi 'cooling her heels'. Happy girls.

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.

We want to be confident, fulfilled owners of happy and healthy alpacas. The moving target of what is involved in achieving that continues to entice us to do better.

Good food. Keeping them healthy. And spending time with them. Steps along the way.

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.

Things stay the same until they don't.

Unexpectedly we had to make new arrangements for feed supplies. Moving in the right direction now and we will settle into a new routine I am sure. In the meantime, it is an opportunity to review everything and make sure we are doing the best to care for our alpacas.

This is especially important as the autumn weather establishes itself. Time to make sure your alpaca socks are handy!

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.

As we celebrate 300 episodes of The Alpaca Tribe Podcast, I have been reflecting back on what I have enjoyed and what you have listened to most. How we started and an invitation to breakfast with the girls seem to have been popular so I wanted to share some clips with you (again if you are a regular).

Thank you for being on the journey with me and for the encouragement you have shared over the 300 episodes. Always happy to hear from you - it makes a big difference and keeps me going.

If you can, go spend some time with some alpacas or even better have breakfast with them.

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.

People love to ask questions about alpacas. They are unusual animals and many people have not spent much time with them. In today's episode, I run through these typical questions and offer some perspectives and answers that might satisfy that curiosity.

If you have any other questions, please email me and we can include them in a future episode.

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.

Alpacas have a pace all of their own. And if we choose to, we can let them teach us to find a slower rhythm that could just suit us better. I love it when alpaca life spills over into the rest of life.

What do you notice about your alpacas? What about friends, family and colleagues? What about you?

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.

In this episode, I share some of my alpaca obsessions. Where are they and what are they doing?

We learn by making mistakes - hopefully small and not disastrous ones. It starts that way when we first start keeping alpacas and it continues. The specifics change as we get more experience and more adventurous!

Keep learning and if you can go spend some time with some alpacas.

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.

You can enjoy being with alpacas whatever the weather. They seem to cope with it all but it does change their behaviour, which is true of us too. Here in the UK particularly, we seem to be obsessed with the weather.

The wind can put an extra spring in an alpacas step. If you can go spend some time with your alpacas in windy weather and notice what is going on with them.

Whatever the weather - enjoy the alternative perspective alpacas bring to our worlds.

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.

In this episode, everyone maybe talking AI - but not everyone is talking Alpaca Intelligence

Join me as I consider the intelligence shown by these amazing creatures.

I also got caught out in the rain and had to shelter while giving breakfast to the girls. Preparation and spontaneity. Why not have a half-hour holiday with your alpacas? But take something to sit on, the ground is wet from that latest shower.

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.

Sometimes we can feel lost even when we are not and other times, we really are lost and need help.

Being lost means there is a piece of information missing. Either we don't know where we are; we don't know where to go; or we don't know how to get where we are going.

Strategies to move forward include waiting for more data, starting to make a move in the best direction we can discern and hope for landmarks, ask for directions.

Which is the right thing to do? It all depends.

Check out the episode notes for the video of finding Ninian the lost cria - more misplaced really.

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.

In this episode, we consider how alpacas like being with other alpacas and ask the question - how many make a herd?

Alpacas love to be able to see other alpacas. They have a strong herd instinct and to help them thrive we need to understand this and accommodate it as much as we can.

How many make a herd? One alpaca on its own is not a herd. But that doesn't mean two is either. I recommend a minimum of at least three or more when possible. The capacity of your land for a herd of alpacas is an interplay of space, grazing, shelter and type of land. Don't run to the maximum but leave yourself some headroom.

Have you noticed they often face the same direction when grazing - why is that? Answers on a digital-postcard.

Spend time with your alpacas and keep your eyes open.

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.

In this episode, I consider the colours of alpacas and what my favourite is. And no, it is not blue!

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.

In this episode, listen in for a valley update - the alpacas, the birds, the warmth and the water levels.

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.

In this episode, Alpacas are predictable until they are not. The same can be said of the weather.

Join me for some musings and a valley update.

What is predictable?

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.

Alpacas are semi-ruminant. That means they have multiple stomach compartments (three) and chew the cud. This kind of digestion is similar to cows and sheep which are the ruminants most people know about. These are not separate stomachs but compartments. This seems amazingly simple to my alpacas but I can't easily get my head around how it all works the way it should.

Definitely worth spending time with your alpacas watching this part of an important process we may be overlooking.

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.

Building cooperation comes by building trust. Being trustworthy to your alpacas is a worthwhile investment even if it takes time and effort.

Start with the simple and take small steps and you can grow your alpacas' confidence in you - and also your own confidence in you. A clear win-win.

Leading is different to managing. I vote for leading - listen in to find out why.

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.

In this episode, we are thinking about how ordinary and extraordinary days can both start looking the same. But keep your eyes open, you never know when the extraordinary is going to show up and surprise and delight.

Frequently around cria birthing time, I have found this to be true.

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.

In this episode, the air was still and the valley was quiet. The alpacas were waiting for breakfast. What a great start to the day.

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.

In this episode, I finish the update on this year's shearing and happenings in the valley. It is always nice to clean up and pack away the shearing equipment for another year. It went well, we had a good crop of fleece and almost all of the herd were in good shape. Satisfying.

Of course, another round of feeding and weather-watching follows straight after, but at least the heavy work is done for now.

Time to take a breath and smile - while spending some time with the alpacas.

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.

In this episode, we revisit episode one when it all began. Unexpected commitments have kept me from my microphone this week but should be back to normal next. This is where we began. Hope you enjoy. Steve

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.

In this episode,

The weather shifted in the right direction, allowing us to start the shearing. A good crop of fleece - better than last year and the girls all seem to be in good shape, which is nice to see.

Keeping records is a good idea - keep it simple and make it easy. I use this app on my phone to dictate notes or capture photos and website links etc. If I could only have one app on my phone it would be this one. https://bear.app/

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.

In this episode, walking with alpacas is a delight. Watch them move. Note the footfalls and the fluid motion. Watch them from many angles. It is a great reason to go spend time with your alpacas.

We had some visitors to come talk alpaca fibre and fashion and regeneration. Lovely.

Check out their wider work here

https://www.fashionactnow.org/projects

https://www.istitutomarangoni.com/en

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.

In this episode, I offer a quick valley update and some alpaca musings. Join me for breakfast with the girls.

Check out the bird listening/recording/identifying app Merlin

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.

In this episode, I muse on some of the realities we face when we choose to live with alpacas. I am not trying to put you off, well, only a little. But, I do want you to avoid having an unrealistic, romantic notion of what is will be like.

If you already have alpacas, you already know they bring highs and lows - joy and sorrow. But I wouldn't be without them.

If you can, go spend some time with some alpacas, and breathe.

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.

Grow in experience and confidence and get things done. Plan intentionally and add small steps together to make good progress.

The geese continue to delight with their parenting skills.

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.

Spring continues to arrive including some new goslings that were not expected.

It reminds me of some unexpected alpaca births we have had over the years.

While you are sitting with your alpacas, maybe you can learn to identify the different grasses and add them to your personal encyclopaedia.

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.

Alpacas are such a delight to have in your life. I look at them and smile - and sometimes laugh. And then notice their eyes that look back. Hidden depths. I don't think I expected to be caught as much as I have been.

Spring advances and the alpacas are happy to have the larger birds - Canada Geese and Pheasants around in their midst, literally. More grass is welcome and sun for sun-bathing and encourages dust-bathing too!

Make room for a half-hour holiday with your alpacas.

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.

Feeding at both ends of the day, mending fences and watching the swallows. A good day. Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people!

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.

I have talked about being more alpaca before (episode 97 back in November 2020) I wanted to revisit it and found four areas that struck me as important as the moment. I hope they might inspire you to be more alpaca in your 'normal life' too.

• Peaceful
• Protective
• Connected
• Readers

Sue Heatherington (my lovely wife) has just released two new podcasts. One is the reading of her book Quiet Disruptors and the other is called Be More Poet - about a posture rather than how to write poetry. Find them wherever you get your podcasts. And also

Quiet Disruptors Podcast

Be More Poet Podcast

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.

In this episode, I share a lovely story about hats and her alpacas from a listener in France. Thanks for sharing with me and then letting me share it with everyone else.

Spring continues to arrive - delightful.

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.

I have many hats and I wear most of them. The alpacas sometimes seem to take exception.

Of course, the metaphorical hats we wear connect to roles and responsibilities. Listen in as I talk hats and alpacas.

LINKS

Tilley Hats

Claire Whitehead – UKAlpacaVet

Marty McGee-Bennett – Camelidynamics

The Podcasting Workshop

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.

Alpaca shows can be a great place to learn what to notice, how to describe and what to give priority to. Lots to be seen and heard. Animals to be seen and lovely alpaca people to be met.

Often they are available online if you are not able to travel.

This is the link for the British Alpaca National show here in the UK.

Website: http://basnationalshow.co.uk/

YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@bas5946/featured

If you can't get to a show maybe have one of your own and spend some time looking closely at the animals you have on your farm. Sounds like it could be fun - and potentially useful for you.

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.

In this episode, I offer you three things you can do to help you thrive. The good news is they will also help your alpacas.

1. Find somewhere to sit.
2. Be clear about what you want.
3. Stay connected.

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.

Geese joined the alpacas in their field just before feeding time, which got a little complicated. A cold but dry frosty morning made for a lovely time standing with my female alpacas while they had breakfast. Unfortunately, the sun had not arrived at the spot I was standing, so I got a little chilled – especially the hand holding the phone as I recorded this episode.

I would like to take the protective coats off our two old girls but it is still too cold at night. Spring may be coming but it’s not quite here yet.

My new Wellington boots are helping me better navigate the muddy slopes. Warm and dry feet are essential for any alpaca owner. 

The shift in dynamics after losing Millie has meant Hermione stepping up as the matriarch and enforcing who she is prepared to share feeding space with. 

As spring teases, the growth of nettles marks the slight warming, yet the frost poses a reminder of lingering cold, necessitating extra care for our older alpacas. Managing the alpacas’ diet during these transitional weather periods is crucial – balancing hay consumption with the slowly emerging grass. It’s a delicate equilibrium. 

I encourage everyone to spend time with their alpacas, embracing the quiet yet profound joy it brings. Connect with us at steve@alpacatribe.com with your stories and insights. 

Until next time, keep embracing the alpaca lifestyle, and remember, the most significant moments often come from the simplest of daily interactions. 

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.

You may have heard it said that alpacas are basically the same as sheep but with long legs and necks.

I know why people say that but I think they are wrong.

Listen in as I share some of the unique characteristics of these amazing animals.

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.

There can be a strong driver towards growing your alpaca herd. But there is a comfortable limit which is determined by considering the amount of land you have, the amount of time you have and the amount of money you have.

Slow deliberate growth to a maximum limit that you have decided on in advance is a good way to set the foundations of your herd.

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.

Sadly, this week, we lost our herd matriarch, Millie. She has been mentioned on the podcast many times and has been with us for 15 years. Seeing her twice a day for that length of time is a lot of alpaca interaction.

She had an amazing attitude and taught me a lot, including how to avoid being spat at. A clear leader of the herd, she will be missed, and the other girls are now going through the adjustment of grieving and accommodating to the new reality with the gap at the feeding buckets and in leading to the grazing. So glad to have known Millie.

There was a memorable incident when she got stuck in the mud and had to be rescued by the fire brigade. The pictures are on the website (https://alpacatribe.com) and this is the stuck in the mud episode if you want to enjoy it again.

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.

In this episode, I want to consider people's assumptions about alpacas. There may be some truth, but it is not the full story. It is also not a definitive list. Let me know if you think there are other assumptions people make about alpacas.

1. Alpacas spit - true but you usually have to work hard at it and ignore the warning signs.
2. Alpacas are slow - they may have perfected the alpaca-saunter, but don't be fooled; they are saving themselves for a sprint.
3. Alpacas are cuddly - they look cuddly but are not really that kind of animal. Like cats, it is always on their terms.

Stay well, and I hope to catch you again soon.

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.

In this episode, Steve continues his conversation with Rita Soares of Campo Verde Alpacas in Australia. They talk about their experience as small breeders in Australia and the UK with its contrasts and similarities.

They discuss the state of the alpaca industry in Australia. They talk about the growth and stability of the industry, the challenges faced by breeders, the impact of COVID-19 on alpaca shows, the shift in exporting alpacas to Asia, and the difficulties in making a profit from alpaca fibre. They also highlight the importance of focusing on animal welfare and handling skills, the differences between small hobby owners and large-scale breeders, and the dreams and realistic expectations of alpaca ownership.

What we give our attention to changes over time, which is to be expected and anticipated. Give yourself to the things that you need to for the season you are in.

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.

In this episode, I had the pleasure and delight of catching up with my friend Rita Soares from Campo Verde Alpacas in Australia. We compared seasons and considered the magic of cria watch and new birth. Join us.

Rita's Instagram feed @campoverdealpacas/

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.

Good decisions are made when we balance head and heart. Not in equal measure but by taking both into account. Most of us favour one or the other, so reflect on how you tend to do this, before making big decisions like "should I keep alpacas?"

If you want to consider that question in more detail, check out Episode 189 "Things to think about before keeping alpacas"

Stay warm.

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.

Join me in the valley for a sit in the cold and some breakfast with the girls.

It might not be the best time of year in the UK for sitting outside. If you get some surprise winter sun do take advantage of it.

New Year encourages some philosophical reflection but sometimes unreality. What small things can we do today that will have longer-term benefits for you, your alpacas and the planet? Decide which trend you want to lean towards. It takes time but it is worth it.

Check out the Carbon Almanac website and Carbon Sessions Podcast

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.

In this episode, we start the year with intention. With a plan of when we will do the alpaca things that need to be done this coming year.

What needs to be done and when? What will you do on March 17th? OK, so that is too detailed. What will you do in January is a better question. Plan by the month but recognise there is a need for flexibility. We will not let things slide, but we will pivot and Pirouette when we need to.

As well as practical things like toenails, worming and shearing, remember to include things that will move you forward as a herd. What handling do I need to do with my alpacas and what experience or training do I need to include for me to be a more confident and fulfilled owner of happy and healthy alpacas?

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.

Seasons have different sounds - here are some from the valley and house on Christmas day. Happy Holidays.

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.

In this episode, I reflect on fears and hopes and share my best wishes for the season.

The alpacas like to be around when I am up to something but I ended up surprising them with some overflowing water.

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.

In this episode of The Alpaca Tribe, host Steve Heatherington reflects on the past year and discusses the growth and confidence he has gained over time in caring for alpacas. He shares anecdotes about his alpacas' behaviors and talks about interpreting their signs to ensure they are healthy and comfortable. Steve also delves into the challenges of managing unpredictable natural elements - like having a swan in the valley and dealing with the changing seasons. By the end, he offers advice for newcomers on growing confidence, managing questions related to alpaca care, and the importance of knowing the limits of one's expertise. Steve concludes the episode with hopes for the coming year to bring more confidence and experience to alpaca keepers.

00:01 Introduction to the Alpaca Podcast

00:31 Reflecting on the Year

01:23 Observing and Understanding Alpaca Behavior

01:49 Dealing with Alpaca Health Issues

04:34 Building Confidence in Alpaca Care

07:19 Understanding the Contextual Confidence

07:51 Learning from Experience and Recognizing Boundaries

09:25 The Changing Nature of Questions and Confidence

11:24 The Departure of the Swan

14:41 Seasonal Changes and Alpaca Feeding Adjustments

16:52 Planning for Christmas Treats for Alpacas

17:17 Conclusion and Farewell

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.

In this episode, Steve provides a weather forecast, talks about visitors, including a swan and an unidentified goose, and shares observations and reflections about how being around alpacas can help reduce stress and how we, in turn, can reduce stress for them.

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.

Observations from the Alpaca Farm: Morning Rituals and Seasonal Changes

In this episode of the Alpaca Tribe podcast, host Steve Hetherington talks through his routines and experiences on an early, frosty morning.

Steve shares his breakfast feeding routine with the alpacas, contemplates the weight of the feed bag and reflects on the peculiarities of the day, warning listeners about life's unexpected abnormalities.

Steve revels in the seasonal changes, namely, the cold weather and frost, which he appreciates for their role in curbing parasites. He comments on the ascetic details of being out on a quiet, cold, frosty farm, and the peculiar behaviours of the alpacas, the birds, and a resident swan.

Steve also emphasizes the importance of being observant, and asks listeners to reflect on what they notice in their surroundings, and how that affects their actions.

The podcast wraps up with some pointers about seasonal preparation and maintenance to face the winter, including looking after running repairs, feeds, and fences. Steve prompts listeners to make their own shortlists of things to accomplish in the coming week.

00:01 Introduction to the Alpaca Podcast

00:36 Breakfast Time with Alpacas

01:35 Observations and Reflections

01:56 Alpaca Feeding and Weather Conditions

02:49 Noticing the Surroundings

06:47 Seasonal Changes and Preparations

09:01 Maintenance Tasks for Alpaca Owners

11:48 Observing Wildlife Around Alpacas

13:42 Concluding Thoughts and Farewell

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.

There are many things we can be thankful for. For me, alpacas are definitely high on the list.

Happy Thanksgiving to all of you who celebrate it. May we know more love, peace, and joy in the coming days and into 2024.

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.

In this episode, I give some pointers on knowing if you are an alpaca fanatic and some gift ideas for yourself and your loved ones as we approach the holiday season.

There is also an update on the valley visitors.

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.

In this episode, we have an update from the valley and see how the questions from last time apply beyond alpacas.

1. What do I see?
2. What does it mean?
3. What do I do about it?

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.

The first question to ask yourself is "What is it that I am seeing?" This is an important step in observation that can help you better understand the behaviour and actions of your alpacas.

The next question to ask is "What does it mean?" This question is crucial in interpreting your observations, and it can change depending on the context of the situation and over time.

So, the next time you are with your alpacas, take some time to pay attention to what you notice. Start by asking yourself "What is it?" and then extend your questions to "What does it mean?"

By utilizing these questions, you can deepen your understanding of alpacas and develop a stronger bond with these fascinating animals.

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.

In this episode, I notice that time runs differently depending on your perspective.

Here we have valley time, farm time and of course, alpaca time! You won't be surprised to learn that alpaca time is my favourite. What about you?

As the clocks are about to go back, it made me think about the different times we run to.

The valley gives a particular perspective and has its own rhythm. How the sun arrives and reveals itself is different to living on the flat or even the top of a hill. As well as the sun coming down in the morning (listen to the podcast for an explanation) we lose the sun earlier in the day. Seasons bring treasures such as the waking up of spring and the settling down to sleep of fall.

Farm time is related but different with an emphasis on the production cycle - when the grass starts growing and for how long, the hay season and the jobs that we do each year.

Apaca time is slightly different and involves their pace and rhythm. They definitely are hearing a different drum to most of us. Fascinating.

My favorite is alpac time - so, if you can, go spend some time with your alpacas, or find some to visit.

Enjoy the extra hour and whatever you are able to do with it.

S

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.

In this episode, we celebrate reaching 250 episodes - the alpacas were not there for my special breakfast and were not so impressed by what is, after all, just a number. They like me talking to them, really!

Sometimes they prefer their own breakfast - but still come looking for me for second-breakfast.

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.

We can choose what we pay attention to. I enjoy being around my alpacas, and sometimes that is just for me. But I can also pay attention to things to help prepare for winter as it approaches here in the UK.

Things I will be giving attention to in the coming weeks are:

• fringes - alpaca fleece grows unevenly and for some the front fringe is starting to encroach over the eyes
• check the jaw line for possible lumps indicative of an infection. Once established it can spread to the jaw itself forming an abscess. This is painful and hard to clear. Catch it early if you can
• Between the toes can be a place worth giving attention to. Fungal or other infections are distinctively smelly. Sometimes, stamping of feet can indicate an irritation that needs relieving.

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.

We all have favourite spots - places we relax and feel safe. Alpacas have favourite spots, too. Do you know where they are? Do you know how to make the most of them to help your alpacas feel safe?

Check out where they go and what they do and then protect their favourite places. Foster that sense of safety including you being a safe person to be around.

Have a quick break - ideally with your alpacas but at least go to one of your favourite places. Perfect the skill of taking five-minute holidays. Refresh yourself and as my wife encourages in her daily blog posts - pause, see differently and restory.

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.

Feeding the boys on a glorious autumn (fall) day. Between storms, but the alpacas don't seem to mind. The sunlight shows off some of the long hairs around the eyes and ears. Glad I didn't take them all off at shearing time.

Are you ready for the next storm? It seems to be that time of year.

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.

Do you know what it feels like when you look and you are not seeing what you expect? This morning the stable was bare - in the rain! Where were they? The stress of keeping alpacas!

I offer some suggestions on how to count alpacas and hold your nerve long enough to be sure there is a problem before you panic.

They turned up - they had their breakfast, and everyone was OK.

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.

In this episode, I muse on three things that will make living with alpacas easier - there is no easy.

1. Do the right hard work.
2. Keep going.
3. Think like an Alpaca

I also considered click-bait and how to avoid it - not sure I succeeded.

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.

In this episode, I wonder out loud about ordinary days and being in the Doldrums. But each day can be a special day when you have alpacas - you never know what is coming next. Be seen and heard and see and hear.

And tomorrow we get to do it all over again. What a privilege.

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.

In this episode, a bonus episode, I tell the goldilocks and the three bears story for you

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.

We tell ourselves stories - of who we are and what we can do, or can't. Some are true but not all. Alpacas tell themselves stories about us too. Whether we are safe to be around. Whether we can be trusted. Whether we are unpredictable.

Alpacas don't like to be rushed and they don't like surprises. We can help write their 'story-book' with simple small steps of good experiences. It is worth the time and effort.

Look out for the bonus episode - Goldilocks and the three bears.

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.

In this episode, I talk about how I like to be noticed by my alpacas. I like to think it is more than just bringing the food, but I am not sure. Repetition of the right things will build your confidence.

Experimentation is good - why not try some wet felting - here is a link for a simple tutorial. Go have fun!

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.

In this episode, I introduce you to our house guest, who I know from learning and teaching podcasting together - Craig Constantine from the US. He came to visit us and met some alpacas for the first time.

We got some two-pairs-of-hands jobs done and moved some food around all in the good weather which Craig brought with him. Much appreciated.

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.

A fairly ordinary week - but then we talked last time about extraordinary being just out of sight.

Do the preparations and keep things ticking along. It feels less exciting but is really important.

LINK - Tristan Gooley https://www.naturalnavigator.com/

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.

In this episode, I am wondering about how the extraordinary is there with us just beyond the ordinary. Let the alpacas teach you to notice. Thank you Olwena (the large brown female alpaca with amazing eyes).

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.

Having been away for a few days made me realise how much I miss my alpacas when I am not there.

Listen in for an update on what changed while I was away.

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.

Alpacas have a rhythm and so do we. Sometimes we can get them to coincide.

There are daily rhythms, weekly rhythms and seasonal rhythms.

Rhythms are seen in the way alpacas walk; the growing seasons; the times of alpaca activity - shearing, birthing.

Find the steady gentle rhythms of your alpacas and get in step.

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.

In this episode, I have been reminiscing about some of the interviews I have done where we talked about alpaca fleece. Here are some clips to inspire you - at least, I hope so.

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.

In this episode, I am thinking about the amazing alpaca journey that can begin when we meet our first alpaca.

We don't all have the opportunity to keep our own alpacas, but for those fortunate to have some on the farm, they can be a never-ending source of delight. Confidence and curiosity are our best allies but probably in reverse order. Stay curious.

But be warned, once they have some, many people find they want to add in some more!

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.

In this episode, if you are thinking of keeping alpacas, we suggest you start with what you good at. Consider:

• Where are you?
• Where do you want to go?
• How will you get there?
• Why do you want to keep alpacas?

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.

In this episode, we look at 'normal' alpaca behaviour - starting with their queuing.

The RSPCA Five Freedoms and Five Domains give us some pointers about how we can ensure we care for our animals in the best way. Let me know if you come up with any good ideas for extra things we can do for our alpacas.

Good news - the Canada Geese' eggs have hatched (3).

Reducing numbers of horse-flies the hard way but we keep trying.

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.

I was hunting for large horseflies, but the alpacas thought I was after them. Not one of my most successful interventions. If you can identify a lifecycle for parasites and pests, you have a chance of breaking or at least interfering with it. It is one good reason for mucking out and collecting alpaca dung and moving it away from where the alpacas are housed. Not always possible, but something to think about.

Geese with goslings continue to thrive, and geese with eggs continue to wait patiently. I am glad they get on so well with the alpacas.

The difference between a good haircut and a bad one - they say it is about two weeks - maybe it is slightly longer with alpacas. I am noticing bits I missed and will have to revisit them when I have a good reason to work on them.

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.

In this episode, I offer some suggested guidelines for choosing alpacas. If you have any questions, please do let me know.

What do you see when you look at an alpaca?

Some guidelines (not exhaustive)

• Buy the best you can afford - but suitable for your purpose.
• Buy what you like - especially if they are going to be field companions
• buy for the characteristics you need
• do your homework
• think, talk and ask questions
• trust yourself

Some extra questions you may want to ask:

• what has the breeder's experience been with this alpaca?
• what is the breeding history of this alpaca? (if you are planning to breed yourself)
• what is the health history of this alpaca?
• Is the breeder aware of any issues with this alpaca - either recently or in the bloodline?
• If you are looking at buying more than one alpaca, who do they get on with? (they should be in a minimum group of three)

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.

We are done dusted, and the alpacas looked pretty polished, even if I say so myself.

They are in good shape this year and, most of the time, appreciate being free of their fleece. It is a significant undertaking but important for their welfare. It is also a harvest of their produce (fibre), and we gathered a lot this year.

There are a few - in the process of shearing - photos on the website at https://alpacatribe.com if you want to check them out.

Stay well, cool and not far from an alpaca.

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.

I have adjusted the old saying to "shear alpacas while the sun shines". We have started - listen in for an update.

Sometimes I would like to speak alpaca but some of our alpacas made their feelings known and it is probably just as well I did not understand what they were saying in detail. I think we are friends again now!

The sound of the shears gets in your head and I have even started dreaming about shearing! Still, it is only a short phase. We will all be happy when we finish but the sunny weather definitely makes it easier.

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.

Do you ever find yourself saying - what are we going to do with you? This week it triggered a music earworm from The Sound of Music - what are we going to do with a problem like Maria?

With your alpacas - what is the best way to solve problems?

It depends on the problem, of course, so first, find your problem.

This is usually a symptom so check for a deeper cause. What is the real problem here? Is it my behaviour, an alpaca's behaviour, environmental conditions, or even their past experience? Is it a one-off or a pattern?

Issues almost always reveal themselves ahead of them becoming problems.

Mostly they are not extreme but can become increasingly difficult to manage. An easy avoidance today can be storing up future pain.

Listen in for some suggestions and hopefully some peace of mind.

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.

In this episode, I explore the benefits of limitations and how we see things. Are fences to keep us in or keep them out?

It depends on how we choose to look at things.

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.

In this episode, join me 'in the field' watching the alpacas watching me.

Sat near the dust bath spot on bankside I am still not sure why this is the best place and why they love it so much - the alpacas tell me it is just how they roll!

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.

In this episode, I reflect on how surprising it feels to consider where I am and how I got here.

Could you keep alpacas? Probably but there are some big and smaller questions to consider.

Alpacas are a delight but definitely a commitment.

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.

In this episode, noticing something about your alpacas is the first and most important step. But don't rush to conclusions. Most times, we should hold our conclusions lightly until we get more information.

Try to find somewhere to park the question and stay curious. It could be in your head or on your phone.

I like BearApp for this (sorry, Apple ecosystem only) - I can dictate, type, add photos and use hashtags for quick finding and grouping related records for later. What is your favourite?

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.

In this episode, I talk about the need to provide shelter and what works well. Especially helpful when you have a day of April showers. As well as built shelters, stables or barns, we can provide natural shelter using trees and bushes. And of course, a coat for the very young and very old also helps.

Inclement weather = severe, rough, or harsh; stormy

Stotting = Geordie word meaning bounce - some dictionaries seem to suggest it as an alternative word for pronking - I didn't know that before today!

Cwtch = Welsh pronunciation: [kʊtʃ]) is a Welsh language and Welsh-English dialect word meaning a cuddle or embrace, but with a sense of offering warmth and safety.

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.

Do you have a favourite place to sit and just be? In the sun, out of the wind, with a cup of tea, coffee or your favourite beverage? Somewhere with a view, or just really comfortable to sit - it is usually somewhere you feel safe and at home. It is like that for alpacas too.

Sunbathing, dust bathing and chewing the cud. Alpacas have a favourite spot.

If you can, spend some time with some alpacas and relax and see what you see.

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.

I feel like a work-in-progress; how about you? Here are five things I think make for being a better alpaca shepherd.

1. Courage and its close cousin, boldness
2. Curiosity and its close cousin, teachability.
3. Compassion and its close cousin, empathy.
4. Felxibility and its close cousin, resilience.
5. Organisation and its close cousin, planning.

What do you think makes for being a good alpaca shepherd?

Be kind to yourself and recognise you are still learning. I know I am.

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.

In this episode, Most of what we do around our alpacas creates some noise. Some sounds are more comforting than others.

How do your alpacas respond to you singing to them? Or is it just me who often sounds foolish and gets funny looks from the alpacas?

Humming to them can be problematic unless you are clear about what you are saying in the moment - reassuring or stress-inducing. Learning to speak alpaca is a good thing to aim for. Read the field, read the animal in front of you and read the sound or silence they are making.

Finding new ways to communicate with your alpacas is excellent fun. Give it a try, and let me know which songs they prefer where you are.

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.

In this episode, I muse on some examples of persistence and how they apply to keeping alpacas.

Sometimes we should keep going, sometimes stop. Often we need to pivot. Find some good sources of support and wisdom to help you make your own decision. Take all of the factors into account.

Just so you know, I am saying you should only stop something if you choose to - not because you think I am telling you to (which I am not).

We do need to be flexible and wise. The future and our alpacas are relying on us.

If you want to read more about the alpaca chromosome research, go here

If you want to see the British Alpaca Society show online - start here

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.

In this episode, a brief update on what's happening in the valley - snow features quite highly - mainly because of its rarity and surprising nature.

Plus, hear about our new vet and unloading a feed delivery.

Also, a shout-out to our listeners in Norway - I appreciate you listening; thanks to our old vets St James; and to Kris Cody and the team at https://www.pakaapparel.com/.

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.

In this episode, I bring you some sad news about Nia - one of the older girls (almost 15) who we lost this week. Fascinating to see how the herd responds at times like this. They are all thrown and are significantly subdued. Nia was a favourite. They all are of course, but she was a particular one. She will be missed but has been greatly loved and appreciated, and we have many happy memories.

Loss is also part of the package deal of keeping alpacas.

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.

In this episode, I resume my conversation with Rita Soares of Campo Verde Alpacas in Australia. It is incredible how much is the same even at the other end of the world.

We talk about climate change and being responsible and knowing when to intervene and when to try to restore balance a little. And spider webs in the home!

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.

In this episode, I have a catch-up conversation with Rita in Australia with her 37 alpacas.

We have had similar questions and musings about what we could do compared to what we wanted to do. When you start keeping alpacas, it is helpful to have an idea of the scale you want to grow to and the kind of activities - such as farm visits - that you want to do while keeping the balance of family life and happy alpacas.

More to come next time

Thanks to Rita Soares for the conversation

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.

In this episode, I invite you to think a bit more about making decisions while keeping your alpacas and some of the things I had to respond to this week.

This includes:

• Do you need to do it now?
• How are you? How are they?
• Is it leaning in the right direction?

Let me know your decision-making process so we can all learn together to be better alpaca shepherds.

I hope you have a good week.

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.

In this episode, we hear Jeremiah tell his story of the new arrival on their farm.

I also consider some foundational skills for alpaca shepherds.

We need to know specifics such as moving alpacas; holding an alpaca steady without wrangling or strangling; and trimming toenails so they think they have had a spa-treatment pedicure. But underlying those are my suggested foundations of:

1. How to make decisions.
2. Noticing and understanding what you are seeing.
3. How to learn.

What would you include as foundations?

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.

In this episode, we catch up with my old friend Jeremiah Owen in California. We swap notes on a few things and get to hear what his biggest learnings have been this last year.

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.

In this episode, we talk about those subtle interactions between alpacas - and us!

Some people like people-watching, but I prefer alpaca-watching.

There is also a catch-up on what has been happening with the girls.

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.

In this episode, we recognise the need to take a long view of almost everything to do with alpacas. They live a long time for livestock; they have a long gestation; the single cria a year means breeding decisions take a long time before you can judge success and repeat or vary for the next round.

We need to think in seasons and years rather than weeks and months.

It is a different timescale and rhythm but has its advantages.

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.

I find myself craving normal in this episode, but it might have to wait a week. Don't get me wrong, I like special but plain food and less sugar, along with some routine, is all I want right now. The holidays are over but we haven't quite got back to normal. How about you?

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.

In this episode, I am thinking about how we live in the in-between. Between holidays, extreme weather and what may be coming in 2023. We do what we can, what we need to, and plan for better times - though for many it is too early for planning for better times, we just hope for better times.

I have also included a clip from a Carbon Sessions episode from the Carbon Almanac Collective, a project I am involved in. Here I am part of a roundtable talking about climate and weather.

Take care, and see you next year!

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.

In this episode, I imagine that stable and that baby, but with some of my alpacas around too. Who would be the first to advance and check out the new arrival? I think I know. What do you think?

Hoping your celebrations of the season and the year-end are full of love, thankfulness and hope for the coming year. Enjoy old Christmas memories and make new ones too.

Happy holidays everyone!

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.

In this episode, I remember some winter stories, particularly Hermione and her Bambi impersonation.

In the cold weather, it is good to be indoors with a hot chocolate. Take care of your alpacas and yourself in the challenging weather, and see you again soon.

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.

In this episode, I muse on keeping the alpacas fed and watered and keeping me warm via mucking out.

Feed prices continue to rise - over the last year, hay went up by 15% and feed-wheat by 40%. (Source: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistical-data-sets/animal-feed-prices). It works it's way through to the bags of feed and bales of hay we need to buy.

Stay warm, stay well and if you can, spend some time with an alpaca.

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.

In this episode, you can come and join me as I spend some time with the alpacas.

Why do we do what we do, and more importantly, why do we continue to do things the same way? I am not starting from the position of saying that what you are doing is wrong - not at all - but just encouraging you to reflect and think about what you are doing, how you are doing it and if there is a new way.

I discovered today if I open the gate the other way when I am taking the wheelbarrow to the muck heap, it closes on its own and stops the alpacas wandering down the road after me and it is then in the right place for me to nudge open when I return - streamlined operation - and how long has it taken me to notice?

Let me know what you end up doing differently.

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.

In this episode, we mark the start of the holiday season and wish our listeners in the US a happy Thanksgiving.

With a valley update, I muse on the first frost, the joy of the sun on your back and the need to be more alpaca by being present in the moment and watching out for each other.

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.

In this episode, we continue the musings about a roadmap you might develop for your alpaca journey.

There are things to aim for and things to notice on the way. All are useful in becoming a seasoned alpaca traveller. And the great thing is that you get to travel with companions. Reach out when you need to - alpaca owners are a generous breed.

Breeding decisions https://alpacatribe.com/podcast167/

Birthing - https://alpacatribe.com/podcast78/

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.

In this episode, we consider a road map for keeping alpacas.

Wet days sometimes bring out melancholy - or is that just feeling sorry for myself?

I got a bit wet - no I don’t need a coat - but I did. Thankfully in a moment of sheer brilliance, I had left a spare waterproof coat and baseball cap in the tack room down at the stables - outstanding idea - for just such a moment as this.

I learned early on being here in the valley that you can’t outrun a rain shower, and you will get soaking wet

Think ahead and make your preparations. - Isn’t it great when things work out - when the plan works?

So I am going to celebrate my small win - and enjoy it.

But no complacency, of course - I have to put it back in the tack room for the next time - which was actually this morning. I exchanged a shouted conversation with my wife Sue as she was going up to feed the boys, and I was seeing to the girls. I noticed she wasn’t wearing a coat.

And then I started feeling the drips of some rain coming and saw the glowering rain cloud advancing - as you know, I live by my MetOffice phone app, which keeps me up to date with the weather - it is pretty accurate - for a forecast - it is easy to be even more accurate after the event.

So I finished feeding the girls grabbed the coat and hat, and set off up the hill to deliver them to Sue. It was a reasonably short-lived shower, but having the coat helped a bit - and then she returned them to the tack room for another next time as she made her way back to the house.

Having a plan is a great idea - it can be an excellent way to spend a lot of time creating something that you never need. Theory is theory, and we need something practical and functional.

I have noticed with the alpacas, that sometimes a detailed plan doesn’t quite do the job. What I have needed was more of a road map with some key way markers and the end destination clear to see.

What if we could come up with something like that for your journey with alpacas - what if you could design your own road map?

Where shall we start - begin at the beginning and keep going until the end - so what is the beginning? Where do you want to start or need to start?

1. Is it real?

2. When is the perfect time? - change that to best for you time

3. What needs to be true for this actually to happen? - money, land, decision

What is the endpoint you are trying to get to - the destination on your alpaca road map?

1. Are we there yet? - how will you know? - remember, it is a road map to help you find where you want to go, so be clear enough

2. If you are heading for a breeding herd, you may not want to start with castrated males - but then again, that could be a great low entry bar way of getting started and building your experience. We always knew we wanted to have a reasonably sized herd and started with our five pregnant females. That was us. Where would you start? Where do you want to get to? It could be numbers, show winners, or producing yarn, or having visitors. It is OK to try things along the way - it is an adventure - an alpaca adventure.

3. Your goal is your goal - don’t take on board the hard questions others may ask but don’t automatically discount them either. If it is a sound road map, it will stand up to scrutiny. You have to make the journey, not them. Dire warnings of what awaits and cries of “there be dragons” may come from ignorance, concerned ignorance, but still ignorance - do your research, take advice and make your own decisions.

Once you have worked out where to start and what the destination is, what we need now are some travelling companions. Fellow travellers make the journey easier and quicker (well nearly always).

Make some connections and then keep them. Water the relationships. Make it give and take - help support and encouragement given and received - work on the principle of paying it forward wherever you can.

Build your road map and make your preparations and then be ready for the rain clouds and the sudden downpours that catch you in the field without a coat.

We finish with a trailer for the Carbon Generation Podcast - part of the Carbon Almanac Project

Go explore and join in the conversation.

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.

In this episode, we are celebrating 200 episodes of the podcast. Thank you for your support and encouragement. It is appreciated.

I have indulged in some reminiscing from where we started and a few of my personal favourite episodes.

Episode 1 - an introduction

Episode 27 - Alpacas as a Metaphor for Life

Episode 97 - Be more alpaca

Episode 117 - Breakfast with the girls.

I hope you enjoy the tasters, and I look forward to seeing you again soon.

Steve

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.

In this episode, I am musing about wisdom. That alchemy of knowledge and experience that allows for good decisions to be made.

Wisdom is something we all want and aspire to - even if it is only accessing it somewhere convenient when we need it.

I wonder if we can get it from being around alpacas - listen in to find out more.

An old episode also springs to mind... Be more alpaca

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.

In this episode, I will try to help you talk alpaca, or at least understand it. We will start by reading the ruffles and watching the ears. It is also a good reason to spend time with your alpacas.

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.

In this episode, we find Hywel catches me out with a lump on the jaw and the gravity levels seem up in the valley

Read about Little Grebes here

https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/wildlife-guides/bird-a-z/little-grebe/

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.

In this episode, I talk about feeding and what I noticed this week.

Olaf and Joseff are sort of getting along. Hermione has an inscrutable stare. Rhoslyn fools me with some food.

Spend some time with your alpacas and stay safe in the wild weather.

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.

In this episode, I am joined by my wife Sue, as we talk about how the characters of alpacas in our herd are so different. Sue met them on the green path, and they all revealed themselves in their typical behaviours. Hear about Millie the Matriarch and Amelia, who always brings upon the rear - and everyone in between.

It is fascinating the way behaviours seem to be passed down the generations

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.

In this episode, I talk bout fear. Yours and the alpacas'.

Big fears - heights, fire etc are healthy and keep us safe. Lower-level fears of what people will think, what if we make a mistake, what if we don't do the right thing, can debilitate, lock us up and cause us to disengage. Alpacas can get locked up too, or opt-out of situations. We can do things to cause this or minimise it. Things that can help our alpacas engage and be present.

I share some experiences from halter training some young males.

Learn to reduce fear in yourself and in your alpacas.

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.

In this episode, the story continues with part 2. What a thrill it is when dreams become reality. Listen in to Errin's story of her new arrivals on the farm in Indiana. Three male alpacas - five days before we spoke.

Two suris and a huacaya. Delightful animals from the rescue farm run by April and Bryan, Fabled Farm Rescue and Sanctuary https://fabledfarmrescue.org/

Errin did her research, including listening to the podcast and finding herself a mentor to support her early days as an alpaca owner - Three Point Fiber Mill https://www.threepointsfibermill.com/ Mike & Nancy Christin.

Errin Weisman DO can be found in various places on social media, including Twitter - @errinweisman; Instagram - @burnout_to_badass; LinkedIn; Pintrest @eRRRin and FaceBook @errinweisman. Go find her and more of her work, including the podcast https://www.doctormefirst.com/listen-podcast

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.

In this episode, we hear about when dreams become reality. Listen in to Errin's story of her new arrivals on the farm in Indiana. Three male alpacas - five days before we spoke.

Two suris and a huacaya. Delightful animals from the rescue farm run by April and Bryan, Fabled Farm Rescue and Sanctuary https://fabledfarmrescue.org/

Errin did her research, including listening to the podcast and finding herself a mentor to support her early days as an alpaca owner.

The book she mentioned reading was the 4th Edition “Alpaca Veterinary Field Manual” by Dr Evans - https://www.lightlivestockequipment.com/product/dr-evans-alpaca-field-manual-4th-edition/ Don't let it overwhelm you, but just in case you wanted to know.

Errin Weisman DO can be found in various places on social media, including Twitter - @errinweisman; Instagram - @burnout_to_badass; LinkedIn; Pintrest @eRRRin and FaceBook @errinweisman. Go find her and more of her work, including the podcast https://www.doctormefirst.com/listen-podcast

Part 2 in next episode

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.

In this episode, two of my favourite things are seasons and noticing. When we notice something, we need to hold it long enough, until we are sure.

We seem to be changing seasons. Yellow leaves dropping from the trees - or is it just from the heat wave a few weeks ago? The brambles seem to be confused and are producing new flowers and fruit at the same time - at least near each other, even if not on the same plant. There are also other flowers returning to the summer stage for a quick reprise. What is going on?

What are you noticing? What are you noticing with your alpacas?

Don't get caught out as I did with Alys.

When we notice something, we need to hold it long enough until it makes sense and we know how to interpret it. Keep noticing. Keep holding.

If you can, grab a chair and go sit in the field with your alpacas. It is a wonderful way to end the summer.

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.

In this episode, I have a question for you about what keeping alpacas is all about for you. No right answers but yours.

We have been having some welcome rain of late - why don't you come for a walk with me, in the rain!

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.

In this episode, I want to help those of you who are thinking more seriously about keeping alpacas. It is not for everyone and is not a decision to be taken lightly. It is one of the best things I have ever done and, at times one of the hardest.

There are many things to learn and most will be on-the-job experience. The alpacas will teach you. A friendly breeder is also important.

Three things to bear in mind:

1. Land - enough of the right kind and remember to think about how suitable it will be all year. Enough fences and gates and a good layout for moving animals between fields.
2. Commitment - it will cost you money and time. Sometimes, a lot of both. Don't be put off but do take the decision to keep alpacas seriously. They are long-lived animals with specific needs.
3. Choose - pick animals you like the look of and consider their characters. Buy from a breeder you can get on well with. You will need their support in the early years.

If you can, go spend some time with an alpaca breeder and their alpacas.

See you again soon

LINKS

Camelidynamics and Marty McGee Bennett - check out:

• 3 Day CAMELIDynamics Course, with Marty McGee Bennett Dundee MI, Sept. 10-12, 2022
• Handler helper (US)
• Handler helper (UK)

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.

In this episode, I predictably complain about the weather. I am British, after all! Strangers on the farm and more welcome visitors - swallows, ducks and dragonflies. Keep the water topped up during the hot weather and try to spend some time with your alpacas - you may want to avoid direct sunlight!

Take care and hope to see you again soon.

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.

In this episode, it is a great day for a walk and a talk with the alpacas. The lake is starting to fill again (slowly, though it might not last)

The girls were nicely arranged around the buildings waiting for my arrival. Pic omn the website for you.

If you can, go spend some time with an alpaca.

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.

In this episode, I explore how I think about normal and variations from it. A laid-back summer episode.

Also do go check out this podcast from The Carbon Almanac

https://carbon-sessions.captivate.fm/episodes/1#showEpisodes

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.

In this episode, I am thinking about how funny alpacas can be and how they are a delight to be around. Remember to always laugh with them, not at them - that goes for those significant humans in your life too!

Millie the matriarch and Megan and Alys all get a mention.

What do you do with your alpacas for fun?

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.

In this episode, we hear some sounds and reflect on what you think of when someone says "the sound of summer".

We also have a valley update and yet more sounds we are hearing.

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.

In this episode, I am thinking about the march of time and how it is marked by seasons and regular activities. I also share how I am particularly grateful for the benefits of alpaca pace to my life. What about you?

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.

In this episode, I am considering how to make sense of the things that happen. Sometimes they are random, sometimes they are the result of our actions and sometimes they mean something. But not always. For example, there is no connection between me planning to shear and it starting to rain - at least I don't think so!

Make your plans, stay flexible and include some contingencies and then make peace with not knowing. The circumstances may not change but we can feel completely different about them. You can make the difference.

Stay present in the moment - plan to have a half-hour holiday by going and spending time with your alpacas - today, or tomorrow at the latest. And do it regularly - it's good for you.

I am involved in a project and wanted to let you know - The Carbon Almanac - a book of vital resources will be published in the Summer of 2022. Check out the website for more details.

There are four associated podcasts - in this episode I wanted to highlight The Carbon Connection, where podcast episodes by other people are re-shared because they are so useful for us as we engage with climate change. I hope you enjoy.