2012/11/27

A herd and a flock above Vedene......

It must be the time of year for the sheep and goats in the area to visit and snack on the grasses on the hill above Vedene. During the summer months you don't find many people or animals in this area but with the cooler temperatures both man and beast are making the rounds with increased frequency.

Nearly everyday for the past 3 or 4 weeks there has been a herd of goats and a flock of sheep making their presence known on "the hill" above the town. Most times you will hear them before you see them as a few of the sheep and goats have bells around their necks that give off a distinctive sound every time they move. Accompanying these animals are usually 3-4 extremely well trained dogs who keep the group moving in the direction that the herder tells them to. It is amazing to just step back and watch and admire the communication between the herder and his dogs. The dogs are VERY aware and attentive and no strays are left behind.

Of course Rudy wants to run and chase and there's no doubt the animals would be spread out over all 4 corners of the hill by the time he finished his "herding" chores. That being the case Rudy is kept close and on his leash which gives him many stressful moments,  especially when these curious animals want to get a closer look at him.

"NSLB" - No Stray Left Behind 
Alicia holds on to Rudy as the goats and sheep approach. 
Rudy doing his best herding impression. 
Curious sheep moving in closer to get a closer look at this shaking dog. 
Heading across the hill and back towards home. 

2012/11/04

Saumane de Vaucluse

Above Saumane de Vaucluse 
One of our recent voyages took us to the very small but picturesque village of Saumane-de-Vaucluse. This little hillside town is tucked away up in the west end of the Vaucluse mountain range and doesn't get much of the tourist traffic other towns in the area receive. In fact, there is only one business which is a quant looking cafe that sits near the entrance to the village.

The small 12th century St-Trophime church is located on the south end of the village where you can also get some nice views of the Sorgue River valley in the distance. There is an impressive looking chateau-fortress just past the northern boundary of the village, but it is a private residence and I would have needed to scale the walls or gate to take a closer look. Since I wasn't in the mood to get arrested for trespassing I thought it best to just admire it from afar.

Still no real fall color on the trees here and many of the leaves on those trees are turning a rust color before they finally let go and float softly to earth. Lots of leaves already piling up on ground so I don't think we'll have a colorful fall season here.

St-Trophime church 
Le Bistrol de Saumane restaurant...the only business in town. 
One of the few streets weaving its way through the village.
This mildly cross eyed kitty didn't seem to be in very good humor, but he gave his okay for just one photo. 
At least someone in the village seems to have a sense of humor.