Feed the Goats at Dave's Goat Walk...
As you drive to Armstrong from Salmon Arm you can’t help but to notice a sign for Dave’s Goat Walk, which will no doubt have you asking, “What the heck is a Goat Walk?” A goat walk is a special overhead platform created for goats so that they can climb to the top and look down on us. And why would they want to do that you ask? Because goat walks have a special added feature that the goats are particularly fond of: corn wheels. Tin cans are connected to pulley wheels and when people fill the cans with corn, the goat use their hoofs to spin the wheels and raise the cans until they are rewarded with a snack. Then they will lower the can hoping for more corn...or whatever tasty snack the people on the bottom want to give them because goats really are that smart!
|
|
|
However, most people have no idea how intelligent goats are. In fact, goats are one of the oldest domesticated species. Having been used for their milk, meat, hair, and skins over much of the world, it wasn’t until the twentieth century that they gained popularity as pets. Goats have an intensely inquisitive and intelligent nature: they will explore anything new or unfamiliar in their surroundings doing so primarily with their prehensile upper lip and tongue. This is why they investigate items such as buttons, camera cases or clothing (and many other things) by nibbling at them and occasionally even eating them.
|
Dave’s Goat Walk is part of the Log Barn 1912, which brands itself as being the home of Mennonite Sausage and butter crust pie and strives to provide a healthy and nostalgic experience inspired by the culinary traditions of Mennonite pioneers.
Which begs the question, who is the Mennonites? Mennonites are a branch of the Christian church, with roots in the radical wing of the 16th century Protestant Reformation. Part of the group known as Anabaptists (because they re-baptized adult believers), the Mennonites took their name from Menno Simons, a Dutch priest who converted to the Anabaptist faith and helped lead it to prominence in Holland by the mid-16th century. Modern day Mennonites who are known for their emphasis on issues such as peace, justice, simplicity, community, service, and mutual aid, number almost a million worldwide. While it may be the goats that draw you in, the energy of the site will inspire you to stay. Over the years, this small roadside fruit stand has transformed into a place to enjoy time with your friends and family. There are plenty of activities for the kids including paddling a swan boat, petting the goats and exploring the play areas and various displays set up throughout the site. They also serve amazing homemade pie, ice cream and borsch and sell some of the best cheese and sausage in their fruit stand/gift shop. So take a daytrip to Dave’s Goat Walk and learn a little about goats, Mennonites and fill your belly with some good old homemade pie! |
|
|
HOW TO GET THERE...
Dave's Goat Walk is located at the LOG BARN beside the highway between Enderby and Armstrong. 4782 Hwy 97A Armstrong, BC V0E 1B8 Toll Free: 1-866-LOG-BARN Email: info@logbarn.ca Hours of Operation Mon - Sat: 7:00am - Dusk Closed Sunday - March, April, May, September, November, December Open Sunday - June, July, |
|
