Herding School with Chris

My treat for Halloween was to travel to a beautiful farm near Boyne City with my friend Chris, (Aral Peak Alpacas. . .including six baby doll sheep), and her two border collies, Jolene and Rose, for a herding lesson.  The lessons are conducted by Nancy, a tall, rail thin, "over sixty" amazing woman.  We drove into the farm and were greeted by three border collies, four "lesson sheep" (Nancy calls them velcro sheep because they are so bonded to people!), three "geriatric" sheep and a pasture full of an eclectic mix of sheep of many colors and sizes.  While we were there, a new "kid on the block" (Blue Faced Leicester) was introduced to the flock.  Oh. . .added to the mix are three mini-horses, several cats, and another eclectic mix of . . . chickens!  Lots of them!

The lessons began with Jolene taking her turn. It is quite an intense learning experience for both dog and human.  The idea being that the sheep are always between the human and the dog, and the dog is never at the head of the herd but always behind the herd, and that it doesn't turn into a "rodeo" but a well choreographed gathering of the herd.  Both Jolene (the black and white pup) and Rose (the gray pup) are doing quite well considering they are quite new at the game  

Each dog worked for about 30 minutes and then got a rest.  The physical rigors are not an issue for these dogs.  They absolutely love what they are doing.  It is the mental rigors when they are learning that need to be addressed.  Like any A.D.D. creature, they can lose interest and they need to be removed from the situation for a while to regroup, calm down, have a drink of water and a treat or two.

 Leaving Chris to practice with the "training" herd of "velcro" sheep.  Nancy gave me a demonstration with one of her "top dogs" and the larger herd.  This taking place on several acres of wide open pasture instead of in the enclosed training area.  Using both verbal commands and whistled commands, the dog was put through her paces; leading the sheep through two gates, back to Nancy at her post, and then back into the pen.  It was amazing to watch dog and trainer at work.

I am for sure not going to be raising sheep anytime soon.  The condo association would definitely frown upon it!  But it was great fun, COLD, but fun!  It takes a lot of time, love and patience to get the border collie's natural instincts under control without breaking their natural enthusiasm.

The buzz is that a woman in Harbor Springs has an idea to bring a herding trial event to northern Michigan.   There has never been one in northern Michigan before.  Based on the few hours I saw on Sunday. . .it would be pretty spectacular!  Will keep you posted.

We ended the adventure with Eggs Benedict, biscuits and gravy and mugs of hot coffee at a pretty wonderful eatery in downtown Mancelona!  If you are ever on the way north and get hungry for some good home cookin', stop at Bo Jack's Bakery and Restaurant right on the main street in downtown Mancelona!   

My Aunt Ida taught me to knit when I was eight years old.  I'm sure she never imagined where it would lead me!  Thank you, Aunt Ida!

First Fiber Show Experience

So. . . The last weekend in September I journeyed to West Branch and the Ogemaw County Fairgrounds to take part in the Northern Michigan Lamb and Wool Festival.  My four door sedan was loaded with Aral Peak Alpaca banners, eight 18 gallon "tubs" full of fiber from 10 different critters, fall-ish decorations to make the booth look welcoming, and 1/2 bushel of apples to lure people in. 

The volunteers were extremely helpful and friendly.  A boon to this rookie vendor.  I had no clue as to how to set things up, to say nothing of the fact that the decision to jump into this adventure was made quite late in the year.  The veterans who "do fiber" for a living were quite daunting, to say the least.  My booth was tiny compared to the rest of the 49 displays at the show!
                                                                                                          

The sales were barely enough to cover expenses, but the learning experience was invaluable.  On Saturday night (it was a two day show) the volunteers prepared a delicious dinner for the vendors which was included as part of the entry fee.  The veterans imparted so many good ideas, taught me so many "tricks of the trade" and made me feel very welcome. 

I did take my wheel to assure folks that I knew what to do with what I had on display, and to show people what the results of spinning this most beautiful fiber could be.  I also had some commercially spun Aral Peak Alpaca for sale. 


And now I am "hooked".  I have begun plan for next year.  Original, kitted patterns and yarn for hats and mittens will be part of my display, as well as some raw fleeces for the "dyed in the wool" fiber folk who want to wash, card and spin from "scratch".  I am a fan of the fiber mills who wash and card and prepare roving for me! 

My ultimate goal is to get into the fiber festival at the Castle in Charlevoix in July and the Leland Fiber Festival in October.  The Charlevoix show is always full from year to year so I am on the waiting list and hoping that some of the long time vendors decide to retire.  Leland is an invitation only juried show and invitations go out in February.  After submitting pictures and descriptions of what you have to offer, a panel decides whether you will be in . . . or not.  Wish me luck!