I am always up for an adventure and when there are alpacas involved I am all in. Who wouldn’t be?
I found out about Jazzy Acres Alpaca Ranch from our oldest son, Micah, quite awhile ago. He told me that his college friend, Will, had a connection with alpacas. Will’s mom, Edith , along with her husband Jim started Jazzy Acres Alpaca Ranch when they moved to the mountains. I for one am very glad that they did.
We finally had a free weekend and since our youngest son Aaron was visiting I thought it would be a perfect time to visit. Edith and Jim graciously welcomed our visit and we made plans to make the 75 minute drive to Leicester to visit with Edith and Jim at their ranch.
As usual I got wrapped up in the animals and really did not take notes so I don’t have all of the facts and figures of the ranch or the alpacas but what I did take away was a lot of great memories and fun pictures. Sometimes I think that is even better than those notes taken in a notebook.
The land that the ranch occupies is beautiful and Edith took us on a tour of the acres that they own. It was beautiful and I can understand why they love it there so much.
Edith is a psychotherapist and farmer and Jim is an engineer, jazz musician and farmer. I am in awe of these people who have embraced farming and are striving to make a difference in the world by raising alpacas and promoting organic farming as well. Their days are long and busy and while they have help with the animals and land they are two very busy people.
I wish I would have written down more of the names of the alpacas but many of them have great names. Once I made the jazz connection with Jim the names all made a little bit more sense. Coletrane, Cannonball, Mingus, Django, King Cole, Thelonius, Duke. You get the idea, right? Perfect names for perfect little alpacas.
The alpacas are similar to llamas in that they “hum” . One mama got a little nervous when Edith took her week old baby in arms to show us .
Mama was humming up a storm and looking over Edith’s shoulder to make sure we weren’t doing any harm to her lovely baby.
No worries, Mama.
We would never hurt your baby.
Alpacas appear to be very gentle creatures and while these alpacas were curious about us they did not appear to mind that we were there. They obviously are used to Edith and the other workers there and allowed us all to to come and walk around them and pet them. 
I look at these animals and wonder how anyone could have a bad day when they are around them. They are so expressive and the different colors and markings make each and every one unique.
Of course there are a few other animals on the farm including some fabulous chickens and dogs.
Edith shared that they are using the fibers that they get from their herd to make many wonderful products. They share these products ( along with taking some of their alpacas) at local markets and shows including a big one – the Southeastern Animal Fiber Fair which is held in Asheville. This is a big show and I have heard several people talk about how wonderful it is. If you are in the area and want to visit check out the information below:
Friday, October 27 – (9am – 6pm)
Saturday, October 28 – (9am – 6pm)
Sunday, October 29 – (9am – 4pm)The event is located at the WNC Agricultural Center, in Fletcher, NC, across Hwy 280 from the Asheville Regional Airport. (Exit 40 off I-26).
Admission will be $5/person per day. $10 pass for 3 days. Youth under 13 yrs. old will be free.
Life on an alpaca ranch is hard work. There is always something to be done but Edith and Jim embrace each aspect of their adventure with enthusiasm and love. Their mission as Edith has written on their Facebook page is:
Jim and I started Jazzy Acres Alpaca Ranch after we moved to the mountains. We wanted to live a life more dedicated to the land and all our creative skills.
We both love animals and after being introduced to these wonderful animals we developed a great love for them, their fleece and its many usages, their personalities, their love for each other.
We grow our own hay (without chemicals). We eat from the garden and use the organic alpaca manure to fertilize our gardens and fields.
We are learning to use the fleece, knitting, spinning and weaving to make products that last for years and provide the wonderful benefits that only alpaca can, ie. hypoallergenic, fire retardant, and warmer than wool. It organically stays clean and dry. It breathes. Alpaca is as soft as cashmere and comes in 22 natural colors.
We are dedicated to improving the herd and the quality of the fleece.
We love to mentor people and help them discover the wonders and benefits of being alpaca owners.
Good on ya, Edith and Jim. Thank you so much for allowing us to come and join your herd for a couple of hours. We loved being there. 
If you are interested in checking out Jazzy Acres Alpaca Ranch connect with them through the links below. The Facebook page has a lot of wonderful pictures and videos of their ranch and their animals. You will want to schedule a visit if you are in the area.
Tell me – which one is your favorite from these pictures? Remember all comments mean a $1 donation to UMCOR Hurricane Irma Relief this month. You can read more about my Comments for a Cause by clicking here.
