Late last winter I headed back to the Home Counties and my very own home county Buckinghamshire to have what turned out to be one of the best days of 2012 - hanging out in an alpaca farm.
Located in the picturesque village of Aston Abbotts just outside Aylesbury is Abbotts View Farm, home to 28 alpacas and 4 miniature Shetland Ponies. The farm is run by Jo and her family who are in the process of turning it into the ultimate alpaca experience. While it is yet to open to the general public, my mum made a call and Jo kindly let us head down for our very own personal tour.
I have been alpaca mad for some time, I once even tried to make my dad pull over on a dual carriageway when I spotted a field of them. So getting to meet them, feed them and find out all about them for a whole afternoon was a dream come true.
The alpacas were split into three fields - one for the girls and babies, one for the boys and one for the men. We were lucky enough to get to meet two new babies (see above) who were just about the cutest thing ever.
We were introduced to every alpaca by name and farm owner Jo had no trouble differentiating one from the other. This seemed surprising at first but the more time we spent with them, the more we noticed their individual characteristics and the more we fell in love.
This year Aston Abbotts Farm plans to open up its gates to the general public so if you live in Bucks or are passing through I would definitely recommend paying a visit and giving them a hug from me.
The the biggest character on the farm was Paris the miniature Shetland Pony who showed the alpaca men who's boss on her afternoon run.
Abbotts View Farm, Off Moat Lane, Aston Abbotts, Bucks HP22 4NF.
So glad you had a good time! Come again....
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