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Nestled in
Southern Boone County Missouri between "the Prairies" and "the Devil's
Backbone" lies the rolling pastures of the J bar L Alpaca Adventures Ranch
of John and Louise Martin.
In 1994, upon retirement from the University of Missouri, John was looking for
something, in addition to the golf course, to keep him busy. While Louise
was still working at the University, John began searching for the perfect
“at home” pastime.
John
eliminated from his list of possibilities; sheep, ostrich, emus, horses, cattle,
and miniature donkeys. After much research, John became very intrigued
with Alpacas and read everything he could about them. He and Louise began
traveling to Alpaca farms around the country, asking lots of questions.
They found some beautiful Alpacas in Charlottesville, Virginia that stole their
hearts. They returned home and within the next few months John and Louise
finalized plans for their Alpaca adventure. In March of 1995 they traveled
back to Charlottesville and bought their first 5 Alpacas which were delivered on
May 2, 1995. What a red letter day for the Martin's Alpaca Adventure!
In just the few short years since that day, their "Adventure" has
been a great experience for both of them and their herd has grown in
numbers. Louise has
retired from the University of Missouri and now occupies most of her
time spinning and weaving the abundance of fiber supplied by their Alpacas.
Since Alpaca fiber comes in many different colors, (see
About Alpacas) Louise doesn't have to dye
her yarns. She works in the lovely earth tones supplied by nature, making
beautiful scarves, shawls, throws, blankets and table runners.
Louise continuously works to expand her weaving skills by taking courses at "Access Arts" in Columbia, MO with Instructor, Jenny
Sennott.
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