Luna's First Adventure!

Yes, we named our camper van Luna! We found her ready for adventure when we arrived last Saturday for the walk through and pickup at the RV dealership. She was loaded with the essentials (water, propane, etc.), and we brought a few camping basics so we could take her on an overnight shakedown trip to try everything out. We booked a Harvest Host stay not far from home at Mt. View Alpaca Farm near Olympia, The plan was to just pet and feed the alpacas, but we had another unexpected and fun experience in store for us.

Luna delivered us quickly to the alpaca farm by the 4:30 deadline to feed the alpacas, and after some trouble finding the entrance, a quirky gentleman in a field assured us we were in the right place and directed us to park in a nearby pasture. He (Charlie) turned out to be one of our hosts along with his wife Julie. We did quick introductions, and then what happened next was not in any way expected or part of the plan.

Charlie said he needed our "help" and asked who would be good with taking notes and who wanted to take photographs? Well, the answers were clear (Liz-notes, Clint-photos), but really was this necessary for the quiet night that we had planned? And where were the alpacas? We found out what it was when he brought out the bee suits and said he needed to help with feeding his bees and inspecting their hives! This was definitely a first for us, but we were up for it! And wow, the suits offered such a stylish look that we couldn't turn down the opportunity. 🤣

Liz looked amazing in white and really did establish that modeling could be in her future. Clint also looks pretty hip in his short jacket.😂 Before we started Charlie handed Clint a shovel and took a picture of us saying it was in the style of American Gothic but with beekeeping gear (see pics below). He had quite a sense of humor!

But then Charlie needed us to get moving! He had very specific instructions about making sure he followed the steps in his notebook because the bees couldn't afford any mistakes (he's relatively new to beekeeping and has lost hives before), asked Liz to take notes on his observations, handed Clint his phone for pictures and recording, and we were off.

Now for the fun!

Using smoke to keep the bees quiet and in their hive. He opened each hive to feed them and make sure the hives were clean and bees were healthy.

Charlie says they are hungry since all the summer blossoms are not

here yet, so next best thing is...sugar water!

We had a very entertaining and informative hour feeding and helping with beekeeping. We learned a lot about honeybees, and Charlie, we think, enjoyed our company and help. Charlie offered a beer and a tour of their little farm, which we truly enjoyed. We were super happy for the experience.

Next up was the real reason we had booked this adventure - the alpacas! Julie manages a herd of 19 of them, and we helped with their evening feeding. How cute and curious all the little ladies and gentlemen were! Note they were just a bit bashful after their recent new hair dos! They were just sheared a week ago so we missed seeing their fuzzy heads. One of them is pregnant and due to deliver within a couple weeks so we may take a trip back down to visit after the baby alpaca (called a cria) is born.

Of course some are a bit sad to see us go.

We had an amazing time during the day and when we told them we needed to go out to get some food, they recommended one of their regular restaurants called 'Lime Leaf Asian Fusion'. Well, it was very good to say the least and had amazing service from very friendly staff. It really was unexpected and should be a stop if your ever in Lacey.

We slept well during our first night in Luna! The main bed is kind of firm but not bad, and everything else worked very well. It's a very cozy little rig. We enjoyed our morning coffee in the pasture, and Julie and the alpacas came by to visit and say farewell. Liz drove all the way home and it was breeze - very easy to drive, fits into regular parking spaces (it's the same length as most full-sized pickups), and is nice and high above all the other cars. We're looking forward to more camping trips and getting her ready to rent out so even more people can enjoy the great outdoors!