We started our Saturday so laid back knowing we were not in a rush to check out. As we got up and slowly made our way into packing up and getting ready to go. Our neighbors distracted us a bit and interrupted our packing. We’ve been doing really well on moving days. Getting all the things done and hitting the road within less than two hours. This Saturday morning was a different story. We kept forgetting random little things and we kept having to open and close slides for me to get in and fix this or put that away. It’s important that we follow our checklist so that we don’t forget anything. We’ve broken a few things that we’ve forgotten to secure during travel days. Thankfully, after a few times down the checklist, we were good to hit the road!
On our way to the Alpaca Ranch, we missed one little turn. Which meant… we’d be driving down a single lane two way highway for a while before we could turn around. It’s a bit scary when we miss a turn. We have no idea how far down we have to go before there is a space large enough for our 45ft trailer+truck to make a “u-turn” Thankfully, just about 10 mins down the road there was a small town that we were able to turn around in. Phew! We only lost 20 mins but more importantly only 20 miles of fuel. Lots of things to calculate when planning our trips, fuel is definitely one of them! Made our turn and made our way to the Alpacas!
This was our first time using Harvest Host. Harvest Host is a membership that offers a large number of host who allow for RVs to stay one night at their location, free of charge. They do ask that you support your local host by making a min $20 purchase. These host are mostly a group of wineries or ranches, and they also have golf courses for an additional annual fee.
Our first experience was a fun one! Sentinel Ranch Alpacas has lots of open space for RVs to boon-dock. They put us right next to the Alpaca storefront on some gravel and we set up for the night. They took us to feed the mama and baby alpacas who were kept in a separate space. Alpacas knew the treats were coming as we approached, so they all start walking up as we brought in the bucket of food. So fun feeding them out of your hands. They can get a bit hangry, grunting and spitting on each other to fight for the food haha. Super cute though and really not all that aggressive at all.
At the ranch, they also had ducks, chickens, cats & kittens, and a couple of sheep guard dogs! Such a treat to get to see them all. I got to play with the cute little kittens and the doggies just roam around the ranch and come hang out with you. When I first saw they were all matted up, it looks like they aren’t cared for and I was so sad, but turns out they leave their fur that way to protect them from the coyotes. The coyotes get a mouth full of matted hair when they try to bite them which is great protection! Mike heard a few coyote howls while we were there. The owners say they come to attack the alpacas so that’s why they have sheep dogs to scare them away. After hanging out w all the animals and making our purchase at the store, we settled in, watched the sunset from our patio and rested well. I’m looking forward to trying the duck eggs and I’m so happy with our hats and queen size Alpaca blanket, it’s so soft and warm!
Next morning we were up bright and early to pack up and hit the road again. The cute 8 month old doggo was running around playing. She sat in front of a trailer that had all its windows and doors closed and just barked at it for a couple mins. We think she was asking them to come out and play. She then runs over to us and greats us with puppy cuddles. So stinking’ cute! I love how she leans her entire body onto you as you’re petting her. After I went back inside to pack up she was running around following Mike and continuing to nip at his booty and ankles to get him to play! Haha she’s so cute. Wish I could take her on the road with us! I was so close to taking a kitten too! The owner jokingly said, ‘we have more than enough!’ Haha if only I wasn’t allergic, I’d prob take her up on that offer.
On the road again! We need fuel! As we pull up the the truck stop, there is also a road off to the right that looked like it led to the truck pumps, other gas stations had separate routes to the truck pumps so we thought same thing here. So we made the turn, and nope, this is a one lane road to the ranch down the way! Oh no… we’re stuck on single lane dirt road and we have no idea how to turn around! Mike slowly drives forward as we’re looking at the map to see how to turn around… luckily right before getting to the entrance of their ranch, where we almost had to turn into to turn around, Mike saw a gravel area and turned us around! Thankful to not have to drive into someone’s private property. We got lucky twice this weekend with finding a spot to turn around quickly after making or missing our turns. We definitely need to be more aware and careful.
We made it to Spruce Park on the River in Montana and we’ll be here for a month! Excited for our families visiting and to also go back to Colorado for a wknd to see family there again! Fun adventures ahead! I’m excited!
Mily Lourenço Adventures 