Follow the Flock

Today I went with the sheep up the hillside of the Abruzzo Mountains to graze. Geovani takes them up every day with around 12 dogs. The initial climb up the slippery mountain was a little difficult, but Geovani quickly went back and got two walking sticks for us. I was a little worried when he left us with the sheep. They kept climbing up the hill.

The sheep actually lead the way. They dawdle, drift off, and eat anything that looks green. I am not quite sure what the dogs do; I think they are to keep Geovani company. There are actually two types of dogs: the Abruzzo dogs are for keeping the wolves away, since they look like the sheep (they are all white and look similar to a golden retriever, but larger and white). The other dogs are an eclectic mix that are suppose to herd the sheep. It was so funny when the sheep kept going in places that Geovani did not want. He would be yelling at them and saying in Italian "where are you going". Other times the sheep started grazing rather than continue up the mountain and Geovani would yell at them again. The dogs were just staring at Geovani and didn't even look at the sheep.

The walk is very peaceful and casual. This is not meant to be a super fast hike. It gives you time to really enjoy the landscape and take in all the sounds and smells or the Abruzzo mountains. As you move up the mountain, the landscape continues to change from meadows to large lava rocks. You could hear an owl (or so we think but not sure) in the distance. Apparently many times you see eagles and other animals.

Geovani tried to explain some of the flowers and fruit trees. We would have major discussions and sometimes I could make out a little of what he said and other times NOTHING. I felt bad so I made him think I knew what he was saying. I am sure that May and June are breathtaking with all the flowers and fruit trees in bloom. Sometimes we got into lengthly discussions and realized that the sheep were gone and Geovani raced off to find them by following the sound of the bells (a collar on some of the sheep).

Today was very overcast and we could not see the villages down below. Most days it is clear and you can get a fantastic view. Geovani was prepared with an umbrella; of course, I wasn't.

Geovani is a very nice man from Romania. He comes to the farm for 10 months in order to make money to support his wife and two children. I am sure it must be difficult being away from home so long; apparently he has no choice.

As we are climbing the mountain we came across a fountain, where the animals drink. It is just amazing to think of how they built something like this. I was sad when I had to head down the mountain early to help in the kitchen. Later I was glad I did when the rain actually started coming down. Unfortunantely I forgot my camera (not bright, so I do not have any pictures of this spectacular day.

It was a wonderful way to spend the last day at La Porta dei Parchi. Tomorrow is off to Rome for a couple days.

Ciao for now