We are still waiting on the arrival of 3 cria this year and so I like to keep an eye on the prospective mums, especially as two are first timers. So when there was nothing doing by later in the afternoon I took them all down to the terraces so they could have a break from their current field and get a bit more fresh grass.

They thought this was wonderful – they love the stimulation of a change of scene.

I led the way and was striding out in front of the group of 21 alpacas. I could hear some were close behind, so snuck a quick look. Immediately behind me, leading the group down the path was Ffion (all of 3 weeks old), closely followed by her mum Millie and the rest. Typical, just like her mum – the first time I took Millie down this path she led the way event though she did not really know where she was going and the herd has been following her ever since.

When we got to the turn the young cria were not quite sure what to do next but were obviously excited – the wind seems to do that to young children too. The older girls brushed themselves by pushing their way through a patch of tall undergrowth, including some small saplings. When they were all safely into the field and the gate closed, I checked the level in the water trough, which was OK given the rain of recent days. By now, the girls and the cria had all run on down to the end of the field and seemed to be intently studying something by the fence – not being sure what it was, I thought I had better check it out.

By the time I got down there they had lost interest in whatever it was and the mums were eagerly enjoying some longer grass that had grown since they were last down there. The young cria had moved into exploring mood and tore off to the other end of the field and then back again – doing their dodging and weaving practice and running up and down slopes. When they got close to the adults they swerved and whizzed in front of them and occasionally collided. Then off they ran again into the wind, through the long grass, jumping and trying out their fast legs together. Lovely to see and some move really well.

Laughing out loud – great alpaca therapy for me.

Sadly no camera in my pocket since it was just a quick job to run them down to another field.

What’s the first rule of the valley again…? Always carry a camera. Will try to remember.