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Alpaca vs Llama: Exploring the Differences Between South America's Camelids

Alpaca vs Llama: Exploring the Differences Between South America's Camelids

Alpacas and Llamas oftentimes get confused! If you are planning on visiting R2 Hillside Ranch, it is crucial for you to know the difference. In this blog, we'll delve into...
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Alpaca vs Merino Wool - What You Need to Know

Alpaca vs Merino Wool - What You Need to Know

Alpaca vs Merino Wool: Choosing Your Perfect Winter Companion When it comes to selecting the perfect outdoor wear, two fibers often stand out: alpaca and merino wool. Both are known...
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Beyond Wool: Discovering the Unmatched Softness of 100% Alpaca

Beyond Wool: Discovering the Unmatched Softness of 100% Alpaca

When it comes to luxurious textiles, few materials rival the exquisite softness of 100% alpaca. In a world where comfort is paramount, delving into the realm of alpaca reveals a...
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Beach Neighbors Spotlight Article

Beach Neighbors Spotlight Article

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Want to Know?

Want to Know?

What is an Alpaca?   Alpacas are the second newest mammals on Earth. They were bred into existence by breeding a vicuna and a guanaco. Unlike llamas, who are work...
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How did Alpacas get to the US?

How did Alpacas get to the US?

Alpacas in the U.S. Alpacas are relatively new to the United States, being introduced in 1984! The price for American alpacas ranged from US $50 for a castrated male to...
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Italian Maremma Sheepdogs

Italian Maremma Sheepdogs

Our R2 Hillside Ranch is safely guarded by sisters Aurora & Raela. Two beautiful Italian Maremma Sheepdogs. The region of Lazio and Tuscany, Italy are the place of origin for...
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2 Mules, Northern California, Santa Cruz, red barn, foggy

Mules

First, let’s clear up what a mule is.  We have two mules here at R2 Hillside Ranch. A mule is the offspring of a jack (male donkey)  and a mare...
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Western Bluebirds of Happiness

Western Bluebirds of Happiness

If you are a fellow bird-lover, Santa Cruz can be one of your favorite places to search for these blue beauties which are a sight you won’t want to miss....
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Foraging for Fungi

Foraging for Fungi

Tired of your usual weeknight dinners? Try incorporating wild mushrooms into your next dish! You can smoke, steam, bake, fry, or even serve them raw. They cook beautifully into soups...
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Get to Know the Beautiful Barn Owl

Get to Know the Beautiful Barn Owl

Whoo goes there? At R2, you might recognize a drawn-out hissing scream and recognize the call of a barn owl right away. Our redwoods are an ideal environment for barn...
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Extra Toe? No Problem! Let's Explore Long-Toed Salamanders

Extra Toe? No Problem! Let's Explore Long-Toed Salamanders

The name truly says it all - if you have seen a dark-colored salamander with one long toe on its back foot, it’s likely you’ve had an encounter with a...
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Climb Into California Oak

Climb Into California Oak

In this article, we will be exploring the many wonders of the California Oaks. The native live oak is the only California native oak that is made to thrive and...
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Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus

Strong Like Eucalyptus If you find yourself exploring the R2 Hillside land in Northern California, you might come across one of the most resilient types of trees, the eucalyptus tree....
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Wildflowers

Wildflowers

Hide & Seek! California Wildflower Edition Down with the winter blues? Explore Northern California during the wildflower bloom season this spring. Unlike anything you have experienced before, wildflowers of all...
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California Redwoods

California Redwoods

Iconic of Aptos Hills-Larkin Valley, with quiet strength, time-tried faithfulness, and outstretched arms, the great redwoods fill the spaces between the clearings and greet each visitor and native, alike, with...
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Our yellow friends - Banana Slugs

Our yellow friends - Banana Slugs

Banana slugs are an indigenous species to our area around R2 Hillside a long-time crowd pleaser, and a famous summer camp challenge. They even won themselves the title of ‘mascot’...
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