As we drove further and further away from Lourdes, past pretty Bagnères-de-Bigorre , and through the green valleys of the French Pyrenees, we made the ascent to the largest ski station in the area: La Mongie. Stepping out into the cool, clean mountain air, the only thing we could hear were the occasional barks of some shepherds’ dogs, and a whistle or two from their master who was overseeing everything. The dogs gracefully laced in and out of the giant herd of sheep pictured below, setting off a domino-effect of ringing bells that were tied around their necks as they trotted into place.
Content with the herd’s position, both dog and master rested; heading to the stream, fed by last year’s snow, that cut down the hill-side. One of the dogs laid down in the stream without a second thought; feverishly gulping the water around him, as the shepherds scrubbed their hands, and chatted amongst themselves.
I love bearing witness to such simple scenes of everyday life that are so different from my own. Just another reason why travel has me so enamored, I suppose.
I’d love to come back in the winter and cozy up in cabin with a fireplace…wouldn’t you?
Absolutely stunning!!!
I agree that catching a glimpse of the everyday life of another place is one of the most fascinating – and special – things about travel. Lovely photos!
Laura recently posted…October in an Instagram
What lovely photos. The craggy rocks and herds of goats, beautiful mountains in the background — you captured it well. The view of the men at the creek is also quintessential!
Ann recently posted…Old Photos, Familiar or Unfamiliar
What a stunning place!
Jessica of HolaYessica recently posted…WISW: Oviedo in the Fall
Oh God, this place, and your pictures are killing me! How gorgeous!
Melanie recently posted…Wallpaper Friday: Looking up Slackers Hill, Sausalito.
wow! some great ones! what beautiful nature shots!
Rebecca recently posted…Chapter 69: We finally get into the Alhambra
Gorgeous photos! I haven’t spent anytime in the Pyrenees and given that they look like this, I have to get there soon.
Thanks for sharing your visit!
Christina recently posted…Honfleur Vintage Carousel
Those photos are all stunning, but the one with the river is the best. It is just magical.
I spent a month in Perpignan and fell in LOVE with the Pyrenees… and these photos seriously bring me back. Did you take most of them with your 35mm? They’re absolutely gorgeous!
Ashley of Ashley Abroad recently posted…What I Learned from Giving Up Meat, Alcohol and Complaining in India
Nope, these were with my kit lens! Thank you!
I adore the Pyrenees, so, so beautiful.