Living Their Dream in Alpacas and Yarns

Everybody has a dream and we all live ours in a different way.  Not everyone wants to live in an RV on the road (REALLY?!?!).  We did something a little different today, and met some folks whose dream it is to raise beautiful furry critters and make yarn out of their wool.  After the RVers requisite stop at the local Wally World in Hood River, we took a drive way out in the country.  Our destination was Cascade Alpacas and Foothills Yarn and Fiber.  Make sure and click on the link to the American Express commercial they appeared in a couple of years ago with LOTS of Alpacas.  Pretty cool.

Russ picked up a magazine on things to see and do in the Gorge and this business had a small photo ad inviting tours of their farm and yarn business.  We put their address in the GPS and away we went.  There were a few twists and turns in the road but we managed to finally find the place.


Apparently they have had some people give up in the past – or miss the turn…



The last portion of road was steeper than it looks but at the end was a sign telling us we had made it and welcome.  There was a nice gravel parking area for cars at the top but  I wouldn’t take an RV up there, except maybe for Dave in Dods!

The alpacas were right there where we could see them.  They had their guard dog, a huge Great Pyrenees.   He was so loving and friendly…but then we were not coyotes or mountain lions.  These dogs are great protectors to the small alpacas.


It was almost shearing time so the coats were thick and rich.  Most of their wool is not dyed…it is the color of the raw wool, usually white or shades of brown.   This one was my favorite.



The yarn store is right next to the barn and they had a variety of wool yarns, as well as spinning wheels for sale.  Not all the yarn is from their animals as they could not produce enough with the animals they have.  This wool is from other farms and comes in a variety of colors and weights.  This is only a small portion of their shop.

We didn’t get to meet Connie, but owner Thomas showed us how he weaves…

…and spins…


Thomas said he calls this his Therapy Wheel!  He finds it very relaxing.  They had these wheels for sale.  Let’s see….there’s one for Russ, one for Rick, one for Sam…


I told Russ if Thomas could do all this, then he should at least learn what to do with a fat quarter!!

Russ found a wonderful pair of socks that Thomas said his wife wears and they help her feet feel better.  She has neuropathy in her feet as does Russ so we will see how these work out. 

Thomas was a very friendly and likable guy and we really enjoyed the tour.  If you are ever in Hood River (well a little bit out of Hood River actually!), I recommend this side trip.  Nice ride in the country, cute little alpacas, beautiful scenery, and a fat cat sleeping on the couch in the yarn shop!!


I think you could make a scarf at least out of this fella!!

We also visited Memaloose State Park on the Columbia River and decided we like it so much we are going there next.  Meanwhile, we have extended our time here at the Cascade Locks KOA for another two nights.  Too much we want to see in the area before we move on.  This park gets high marks from us and we recommend it if you are in the area.

We were saddened to read of Jim Dixon’s cancer diagnosis today.  Seems so many bloggers are facing battles with their health.  My heart goes out to each one of them and I wish them all the very best.  And Judy, you AND your son, get better quick too.  Here’s something to motivate you to wellness, Judy.









Take care everyone.