Cape Newagen Alpaca Farm in Southport
True or false? “You can find alpacas in Maine.”
Not too long ago, I would have answered this question with another: “What’s an alpaca?” For the sake of simplicity, an alpaca is cousin to a llama. Maybe I’ve been living under a rock, but these animals hadn’t caught my attention in Maine. Now I’m captivated and think they just might qualify as some of the most personable and humorous creatures in the state. An alpaca meet-up was the ninth stop in my journey through all of Maine.
I had the privilege of visiting Anne and Mike, owners of twenty-one alpacas on Cape Newagen Farm in Southport, Maine. Not familiar with the area? Think Boothbay Harbor, then go south. The region’s reported “claim to fame” is that Margaret Hamilton, the actress who played the “wicked witch of the west” in The Wizard of Oz, called it home. (I did get temporarily distracted pondering the fact that the wicked witch of the WEST lived in the NORTHEAST in SOUTHport, but I digress…)
Yellow brick road connections aside, my guess is that the promo line in Southport soon will be, “Come walk an alpaca here.” You read that correctly. At Cape Newagen Farm, you can sign up for an alpaca trek. Just imagine: you and a leashed alpaca walking along the ocean’s edge. That is one for the memory books and a social media highlight, if ever there was one. In case a trek seems too adventurous for you, the farm is open for tours at scheduled times. Some make this visit an annual tradition when staying in vacationland.
Though I didn’t walk an alpaca, I had a very enjoyable morning observing these fun animals. The farm was buzzing with preparation as it was “Spa Day.” Once a year, the shearers arrive and give the alpacas a much needed haircut. I had to leave before the puffy-to-skinny transformation took place, but Anne helped me to see the importance of that ritual. She parted the wool on one animal and had me touch its skin. It was hot, despite the weather being cool with an ocean breeze. Alpacas can die of overheating if not sheared. Every part of what comes off is used to create all types of yarn and clothing. Alpaca wool is different than sheep’s wool in that it isn’t prickly and is hypoallergenic. I was given a peek inside the gift shop which had a myriad of beautiful and soft handmade items that were created from the wool.
During my stay, I learned that there are well over fifty alpaca farms in Maine. Anne is president of the Maine Alpaca Association (one of the most enviable resume lines ever). Their website lists the farms which are part of this group. Check it out if you want an alpaca introduction.
A word of warning in case you’re dreaming of adding an alpaca to your collection of pets. Alpacas are not like dogs or cats which can reign as king or queen of your household all on their own. Alpacas are herd animals. You need at least three of them. Of course, if you get inspired and decide to start your own alpaca farm, don’t be surprised if I stop by someday.
Meanwhile, follow Cape Newagen Farm on Facebook or Instagram for regular doses of alpaca information and fun. Below you will find a mini- gallery of my visit.
I’m on a mission to visit every town in Maine. Check here to see if I’ve featured yours yet: All The Visits. To learn more about this adventure, see the about page.
