We spent three quiet, memorable months farm sitting in regional Victoria, caring for four alpacas—and it turned out to be one of those experiences that stays with you long after you’ve moved on.

It was winter, proper winter, with crisp mornings that fogged your breath and paddocks dusted in frost. We loved it. There’s something deeply satisfying about rugging up in layers, pulling on beanies and coats, and stepping out into the cold knowing there’s important work to do.

Each day began and ended the same way: feeding the alpacas morning and night. They quickly learned the routine and would amble over as soon as they saw us, curious, dignified, and quietly expectant. Hay needed changing regularly, water troughs topped up, and everything checked over to make sure they were comfortable and safe.

One of the alpacas was elderly and needed a little extra care. She had to wear her own coat to help keep her warm through the colder nights, and checking that it was sitting properly became part of our daily ritual. There was something quite special about that simple act—making sure she was snug before the temperature dropped again.

Winter farm life has a slower rhythm, and that suited us perfectly. The days were simple, purposeful, and grounding. Feeding, refilling water, changing hay, mowing, and taking a moment to just stand in the paddock, watching alpacas chew contentedly while the cold air bit at our noses.

Those three months reminded us that comfort doesn’t always come from warmth. Sometimes it comes from routine, responsibility, and the quiet joy of caring for animals who depend on you—especially when you’re all braving winter together.