Music and Life on a Hill in Wales
WestsongsToday we sheared Iolo.
This is what he looked like before we started …
This is what he looked like when we had finished …
We did know there was an alpaca in there somewhere, but it was quite a job. What must it be like? I suppose it is akin to running around a field naked – he was certainly having a good time afterwards.
It’s beech week and the swallows have arrived!
Actually, I’ve only seen one swallow, which is a bit worrying. We had quite a storm a couple of days ago and so I’m fretting that some of our swallows might have had a rough ride on the last part of the journey back from Africa. Hopefully they will turn up.
As for beech week … its a bit late but as thrilling as ever.
What’s beech week I hear you ask?
It’s the week when the beech leaves suddenly burst open. In that first week they are a most beautiful subtle, yet vibrant shade of green – quite translucent when the sun is behind them. So fresh and lush, and just the most perfect signal that summer isn’t too far away. It only lasts a short while – after a week or so they seem to become more … solid, somehow. I relish it while it lasts.
We have a few beech trees in our part of the Pistyll Gwyn wood, but there are many more along the road, so it is quite spectacular.
Now I am waiting for the oak and the ash, which will be first and will we be in for a soak or a splash?
Update: 15th May. They are here – the other swallows.
All is well at Pistyll Gwyn.
Well of course, we all know that, but I thought I’d mark it here for future reference – I tend to forget from one year to the next what has been happening weather-wise.
What has this got to do with Caerthan’s birthday? I’ve gotten into the habit of taking a photograph of something round here when it’s someone’s birthday – “Pistyll Gwyn on your birthday tra la!” I don’t know whether people like it or not, but I enjoy doing it, it gives me time thinking about the honoured person and wandering about here looking for a suitable shot.
This was the April 14th Caerthan picture from 2011 …
… all new leaf and blossom.
And the same shot in 2013 …
The only thing green here is the brambles …
Our wondrous stud male, Dylan, who has been staying at Alpacas of Wales over near Llandysul has now moved to new lodgings – still with Alpacas of Wales, but at Llwynmarch – their new site near Llandeilo.
He is up for sale, sadly.
After five years here we have realised that we just don’t have what it takes to run a successful alpaca business, both in terms of land and resources and in ourselves, for different reasons. We didn’t go into it completely blind, but we obviously had no experience, and if I knew then what I know now … etc etc.
The alpaca business climate has also changed, not just in relationship to the wider economic recession, but also because when we bought in 2008, Bovine TB had yet to make any impact on UK alpacas. Since then it has become big news with alpacas not only being affected, but even being scapegoated in some quarters. We’ve had no problems here, but some other local farms have received serious hassle, despite being TB free.
With regard Dylan, the fact that he has to reside elsewhere has become unacceptable for me – I want my alpacas here. Unfortunately, we just don’t have enough space for him to be kept happily with other males – not when the girls are just over the fence!
So for us it’s back to roots with the alpacas – some animals for keeping the grass down, and for the wondrous fleece, and for the sheer delight of their company. No more breeding.
Along with Dylan, we’re also selling off the young ones, as always planned, and also Olive our top breeding female. Although she is something of a mascot for Pistyll Gwyn it seems wrong to keep her and not breed from her as she is such a star alpaca.
So if you know anybody who wants some great alpacas at very reasonable prices have a look at the Pistyll Gwyn website. The animals are also listed on Alpacaseller UK as well.
Its that time of year again – harvesting and processing wood for next years winter.
I am breaking myself in gently by finishing off some wood piles that were left over from last year. I’ve also made a better drying area in the orchard for twigs and small stuff – putting some old asbestos roof sheets to good use.