Two Shows Under My Belt

It's been a whirlwind two weeks. Two weekends of shows, lots of driving, and working in between. Whew!

Southwest Regional Alpaca Odyssey/Phoenix, AZ (March 7,8,9):
Alpha, Flash, Merlin's Majik, Deja Vu, Aerosmith, Paris Hilton, Bianca, Zoe, Indy, Bella & Swirl

I closed my office on Friday so Diane could go to the show with me. We drove to Phoenix very early Friday morning. When we merged on to the 60 freeway, right in front of us was Rick, who was transporting 11 Alpacas to the show. We caravaned all the way to the show (about 5 1/2 hours with one gas stop). When we arrived, we unloaded the Alpacas for vet check. All animals are checked by a veterinarian prior to the show to make sure they are in good health and no animal is carrying a disease that could be spread to others. After vet check, we took them to another area for color check. It's not uncommon for Alpacas to change colors throughout their lifetime. The color check is done to make sure the Alpacas are listed in the appropriate color class for the show. On the way back, we picked up our show packets that contain the numbers we will wear when entering the ring. Next, it's time to set up the pens and the farm display and get the animals all settled in for the weekend. It was quite a job with so many animals, but between the 3 of us, we got it done. After getting all settled in and walking around to view the "competition", we went out to dinner at a great Mexican restaurant. By 10PM, Diane and I were fast asleep after a busy day.

It was a very busy weekend. The pens were quite a distance from the show ring. With 11 Alpacas, all in different classes, we were running back and forth quite a bit exchanging Alpacas for the next event. Another couple that board their Alpacas at Rick's were there to show 2 of their girls and help with the work.

Alpha did very well on the ride to Phoenix, and walked in the show ring like a winner. Unfortunately, we did not get a ribbon. The competition was pretty stiff. Yes, I was disappointed, but he's still a winner in my eyes. Rick did get ribbons for most of his Alpacas, as did the other couple. I am just as happy for them as if the animals were mine.

It was a great show, lots of farms represented and over 500 Alpacas being shown. There were also lots of vendors there selling Alpaca garments (GORGEOUS!) and other items. It was nice to see familiar faces and meet new people, as well. Plus, it's always fun to see the Alpacas from other farms. There is no limit to color, pattern and personality.

The show ended on Sunday and we packed up the trailer and headed for home. Again, we caravaned back, but got stuck in construction traffic that extended our travel by about an hour and a half. Yuk! It was a very long day.

International Alpaca Odyssey/Del Mar, CA (March 14, 15, 16):
Alpha, Merlin's Majik, Paris Hilton, Zoe and Indy

Rick transported the Alpacas to Del Mar on Thursday for check in and set up. This time, there are only 5. I drove to Del Mar very early Friday morning and arrived about 7AM. Pati drove down and arrived shortly after me. This is cool because Pati and Rick very seldom get to attend shows together. Someone has to stay home and take care of the farm. Since Del Mar is only about an hour away, it's easy for Pati to go back and forth.

This show, for me, was rather disappointing. There were a lot less animals and farms represented. I guess that can be a good thing because it could mean less competition. It didn't help Alpha, though. He didn't get a ribbon here either. Again, this does not change the way I feel about him, as I think he may still have possibilities. I'm certainly not ready to write him off yet as a pet male instead of a herdsire. We'll be shearing next month, so I'll wait and see how his new fiber grows in to see if there has been an improvement. I, also, need to discuss him with Rick and Pati. He's a good looking boy (and my "first born"), so I'm not going to rush to judgement.

Pati showed Merlin's Majik (ribbon winner), Paris Hilton (ribbon winner) and Zoe. Today, she will be showing Indy.

We went out to lunch at Poseidon, a very nice restaurant right on the beach. Then, back to the show to finish up the day.

Although the show is running today and tomorrow, I decided I needed to stay home and get some work done. I had tons of phone messages when I got home last night. I'll work this morning, and then go out to the ranch this afternoon. Since Rick and Pati are still at the show, I can "babysit" the Alpacas for awhile, take Felix for a walk and be there for "treat time".

On another note, Marquita delivered her cria last Sunday. She had a darling little pinto boy. I'm anxious to see him today, as well as all the others. I haven't been to the ranch in 2 weeks!