Charlotte West, her son Colt, and her partner Ted Bergmann are raising alpacas and wild meat turkeys at their residence on the corner of Cederholm and Capostinsky Roads, across from the Canfor sawmill in Vavenby.
The raising of alpacas started out when Colt met his older brother’s lone llama named Big Mamma and he fell in love with it. The Wests and Bergmann have been raising alpacas for about two years and now have six of them. This number will increase soon as two are pregnant.
Vavenby weather is ideal for alpacas as they are originally from high up in the Andes Mountains. They like the cold and the shade. They are foragers but the owners have to be careful because some of B.C.’s weeds can poison them.
Right now the Wests are just raising alpacas and having fun with them. But they have plans for the future. They want to sell Christmas trees and get the male alpaca to deliver them.
The turkeys are 100 per cent organic and are raised for their meat and eggs. Colt is learning business skills through the selling of the turkeys and eggs.
Another plan is for when Bergmann arrives from Georgia. He has a wealth of knowledge ranging from wilderness survival to over 20 years of extensive knowledge in mycology. They are hoping to offer mycology field study classes in the future.
For more information go to rivvuurwest@yahoo.ca or www.facebook.com/AlpacaExpeditions
Program for children gets going
Strong Start began at the Vavenby Primary School on Wednesday, Sept. 5. It runs every Wednesday from 8:50 to 11:50 a.m. It is open to all children under five years old and their parent/caregiver. The leader is Mrs. Amy.
Strong Start is a program where children learn to play with other children and parents can get out and socialize. Everyone takes part in the crafts, singing, reading, free time, and exploring science. There are nutritious snacks for all. Mother Goose will be there every other Wednesday, starting next week. Strong Start is a good learning experience for all.