Birthday present

It had to be a collage today as there was no other way I could really depict my day.
For my birthday back in March I was given a "Cashmere Experience" and today was the day for it.
First a drive up to Lunan Bay and a coffee and biscuit welcome and then a session meeting the goats - though not all of them, there are about 200. Most are cashmere goats, though there are a few other kinds, which were the initial focus and we learnt how the fibres are collected and processed - a lengthy and time-consuming business which explains the cost of cashmere.
An excellent buffet lunch was followed by a brief visit to the nearby castle with info on its history and then back to the main menu.
We were shown how the wool (shetland and alpaca were used, cheaper options) is cleaned, carded and spun and given the chance to try some of these for ourselves. Finally a dyeing demonstration, using naturally sourced dyes when possible, and a take-home box of finished products made with merino wool.
It was very interesting and the people were clearly enthusiasts.
Before we went there was a chance to go for  dip in the sea, I had a paddle and half wished I'd gone prepared for a proper dip.
Thanks family for the present.