Jo’s Monthly Update
Greetings, campers and glampers! Your friendly campsite manager here, with the latest update from the wild and wonderful World of Howgill Lodge. Buckle up, because the past 2 months has been a rollercoaster ride, and I’m not just talking about the journey to Howgill, across the undulating Yorkshire Dales.
The Effie Diaries
Remember last month when we were all on tenterhooks following the birth of Alma and then cautiously awaiting the birth of our second cria? Well, in true Ethel style, she flouted all alpaca birthing conventions and casually gave birth at 8pm. Of course, all staff had gone home, some already tucked up in bed, ready to resume ‘alpaca watch’ in the AM. But in true campsite comradery fashion, by 8:30 PM, the entire team was back on site, bleary-eyed yet buzzing with excitement, to witness Effie’s first wobbly steps.
Ethel decided she wasn’t up for the full-time milking gig, so we’ve been bottle-feeding Effie six times a day. That’s early mornings, late evenings, and every snack break in between. If you spot a sleepy-eyed staff member over at Catgill Farm with a bottle, don’t worry, they’re just on ‘Effie duty’.
So, introducing Effie; She’s adorable, a real sprinter, and now nearly impossible to catch in the field.
In other alpaca news, our boys here have been getting a bit feisty. They are clearly trying to establish the pecking order within their pack of 3 and have been doing it LOUDLY and aggressively! Despite the tussles, our alpaca lads are doing just fine! Who would have thought…the boys’ are bringing more drama these days than our much missed girls! As you may know, Alfie was born here at Howgill Lodge on August Bank Holiday Weekend 2022. So we got to celebrate his 2nd Birthday with him this weekend. He doesn’t know it – but we all had cake!
Staff Shake-Up
Of course, the universe has a sense of humor. The first week of the school holidays, not only did our trusty golf buggy decided to throw in the towel, but so did two members of the team. It’s been a mad scramble, but we managed. Hauling supplies and doing rounds on foot? Great cardio, but not so great for efficiency. But in better news, the buggy is back in action and we now have Lu & Karl, two awesome new team additions. They have slotted straight into life at Howgill and we couldn’t be more thrilled to have them here as friends and neighbours! If you see them around, be sure to give them a wave and a warm greeting. It can’t be easy to move the length of the country (yes, they did that!) and jump into the warden role during our busiest time of year. ‘Baptism by fire’ as Rich would say! Three weeks in and they have self-proclaimed “We love it here!!”
Coffee Shop Chronicles: Morning Madness
Reducing our coffee shop hours has turned out to be a success. ‘Use It, Or Lose It!’ Our little coffee corner has become the morning hotspot. The shop is now consistently buzzing between 8.30am & 9.30am with many guests coming for coffee and Pastries!
Weather Wonders: Sunshine and Smiles
Amidst all the chaos, the school summer holidays have been blessed with the best weather of 2024. The Yorkshire Dales have been basking in sunshine for the last 4 weeks and our campers couldn’t have been happier…until this weekend that is…
Ah, bank holiday weekend…where the only thing more predictable than the 70 mph winds is the carnage that follows! Friday morning, we were greeted with great devastation around site and the surrounding areas. Thankfully our guests are season pros and all hatches were battened down! Though our resident squirrels, bunnies and alpacas were holding on for dear life. One particularly stubborn camper decided they’d rather ride out the storm than vacate their pitch. This naturally threw our booking system into absolute pandemonium. But hey, what’s a bank holiday without a little bit of everything going wrong? It’s all part of the English camping charm… right?
Silver Linings
Through all the craziness, our team has proven stronger than ever. We’ve faced every challenge head-on and come out the other side (mostly) unscathed. The sun is shining again on Howgill and our campers and glampers are happy.
So here’s to surviving July & August! We’ve had our fair share of hiccups, but we’ve also had laughter, joy, and plenty of memorable moments. As we charge into September, we’re ready for whatever comes next. Bring it on!
Until next time, keep those marshmallows toasty and your spirits high.
Happy camping!
Your (frazzled but always enthusiastic) Campsite Manager 🌲🏕️
