Written By Alan Good
TRAVEL - Ever wake up and wonder, “What can I do today?” Then the thought may have come, “I’ll take an Alpaca for a walk.”
To do that, S.A.M.Y.’s Alpaca Farm & Fibre Studio is one place to which you might venture. Located just north of Strathroy, the Alpaca farm has 45—males and females—plus some Llamas and goats. You could walk among the animals or take an Alpaca for a stroll down the road using a leash.
Yvonne and Steve Houle own and care for these beautiful, gentle animals and share their passion with their guests. The initials in the name “SAMY” are the first letters of each of the Houle family. They bought the property about twenty years ago to raise Alpacas and harvest their hair, or fibre.
Once a year the Alpacas are sheared, and the fibre taken to a mill for processing into yarns, felts, and bats. Then mitts, hats and all sorts of things can be made and bought. Their daughter gave them the idea—about eight years ago—to invite the public to see, feed, and walk the animals, and purchase product.
Now people come from all over the globe and even sleep in the bunkie, play on the large chess set, have a campfire and take part in the care of the herd. Fibre art workshops and an Alpaca Picnic are also part of the fun. An evening sunset stroll down the country road will be the highlight of any stay.
“It’s educational,” Yvonne stated of their farm. People walk away with an experience they never imagined.
About half of the alpacas have been rehomed or rescued and found their forever home at SAMY’s. The Alpacas have names and are shy, gentle, with a quiet manner preferring to stick together. That is why establishments such as Community Living can bring out people. Children with Autism have been blessed by an Alpaca who “speak” to them.
A Christmas open house takes place December 7 & 15. To learn more or to book a time for a visit, go to their website: samysalpacafarm.ca. You can view a morning feeding at 7:30 AM or the live stream of the Alpacas as they play.
