Another Santa Fe Wool Festival is behind us, and as tends to be the case, it was a learning experience on many levels, including meeting and connecting with a variety of interesting people.  Held at the Santa Fe County Fairgrounds, it has a similar feel to a state fair, which always includes animal judging.  One of the judges this year was Jay Begay, shown here considering the qualities of one fleece submitted for judging.  Fred had been following him on Instagram so it was good to meet him in person.  

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Friday was set up day.  We raked the dirt and hay in the animal barn space before erecting Fred's hanging rack for his rugs.  Here it is bright and early Saturday morning.

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Fiber was in abundance, and on Sunday, we were treated to a group of three very young alpacas (part of the Camelid family) called "cria" in a space next to us.  The youngest was three weeks old, while the elder was six weeks old.  At this age, they are all still nursing, but the personalities are already quite clear.  The alpacas were from Que Sera Alpacas near Santa Fe.   

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All of the "cria" were endlessly fascinated with the collar and tag one of the "dams" was sporting.  Alpaca chew a lot, which helps keep their teeth in proper working order.  When alfalfa and grain pellets were brought in for them during the late morning, the mewing and talking in camel was quite impressive.  Yummy noises, to say the very least.    

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Believe it or not, the very dark brown mother gave birth to the white cria, shown below.  A Madonna and child, as it were.  When they are not wrestling with other cria, they stick close to their mothers.  You might be able to see a brown spot on the white "cria" in the photographs above and below. Owners are thinking that might be evidence of an appaloosa-like coat pattern.  There was actually more talk of genetics in alpacas and sheep than I have ever heard at a wool festival before.  If you are interested in learning more, particularly in reference to Navajo-Churro Sheep and sustainability, click on the link here.  www.riomilagro.org   

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Below is an image of Hamish, the youngest.  Quite the attitude!  

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One of the mothers or "dam", ever watchful.  

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Thanks to Barbara, Ingrid and Robert, Carolyn, and Victoria for stopping by the booth over the weekend and bringing great conversation to the mix.  

Minna, Claudia, Jean & Sam, Barbara F. R., Marilyn G., Steve, and Terry T. left comments on last week's blog, which were most appreciated.

until next Monday,

DB

a passion for the image©