Transhumance
Gallery
![](https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-3-Lydia-Portrait.png?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1337&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=82&usm=20&w=1200&s=679962177c85cc5680c9ea3b946331fa 1200w, https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-3-Lydia-Portrait.png?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=2675&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=61&usm=20&w=2400&s=1f2191fbea00847fb6eefde04d560ab4 2400w, https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-3-Lydia-Portrait.png?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1106&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=82&usm=20&w=992&s=9ce9407b2b3387525708c8b0c404f207 992w, https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-3-Lydia-Portrait.png?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=2212&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=61&usm=20&w=1984&s=f52d22f87cf4ec263b1bad4a2f753bdf 1984w, https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-3-Lydia-Portrait.png?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=856&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=60&usm=20&w=768&s=4bf27638fa1bb1e3bff4ea0ae51ffd40 768w, https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-3-Lydia-Portrait.png?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1712&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=45&usm=20&w=1536&s=3cfb728e0c00356ac4dd84aed5c9d988 1536w, https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-3-Lydia-Portrait.png?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=642&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=60&usm=20&w=576&s=e580861836009dc4658738dd287130b4 576w, https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-3-Lydia-Portrait.png?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1284&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=45&usm=20&w=1152&s=af83c6ac3b3cb06242cc6ff332f40c2c 1152w)
![](https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-1-herd.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=800&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=82&usm=20&w=1200&s=4a623cdce65d06ec129a8eeaaee538de 1200w, https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-1-herd.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1600&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=61&usm=20&w=2400&s=247ccf077b8166947e20fd39eb81d1e8 2400w, https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-1-herd.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=661&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=82&usm=20&w=992&s=7d20fc5de0b2d6bcd08c11252563cf3c 992w, https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-1-herd.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1322&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=61&usm=20&w=1984&s=e98510aa27447c6a5e11e8a885da3a76 1984w, https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-1-herd.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=512&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=60&usm=20&w=768&s=8deaf23a263b50e536238708479b66fb 768w, https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-1-herd.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1024&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=45&usm=20&w=1536&s=eb6fc491728809c8e6fbec96766c0684 1536w, https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-1-herd.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=384&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=60&usm=20&w=576&s=42f9b330b5c585dda5a58de1cf356a8f 576w, https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-1-herd.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=768&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=45&usm=20&w=1152&s=3901d8b2fd89faeb4496172f562c7515 1152w)
![](https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-4-goat-moment.png?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1791&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=82&usm=20&w=1200&s=d28f1a4ede3d0ef19a98611a7f4564d7 1200w, https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-4-goat-moment.png?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=3582&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=61&usm=20&w=2400&s=10966e98eb67c427360739e5b7fd79e3 2400w, https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-4-goat-moment.png?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1480&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=82&usm=20&w=992&s=56fb5b7adb1638e2d4adedb7886e59eb 992w, https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-4-goat-moment.png?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=2961&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=61&usm=20&w=1984&s=ccd5d9397f769717d3f6b5dedd9cece6 1984w, https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-4-goat-moment.png?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1146&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=60&usm=20&w=768&s=0db91f7bc051c5a916e3daa2012d299b 768w, https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-4-goat-moment.png?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=2293&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=45&usm=20&w=1536&s=90b4b11ae4669cfd8d5a65706ded8d7c 1536w, https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-4-goat-moment.png?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=859&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=60&usm=20&w=576&s=aa55246480ceb798ffcf311a19de780a 576w, https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-4-goat-moment.png?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1719&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=45&usm=20&w=1152&s=9b8342603da8aa437d3193d68021ca4d 1152w)
![](https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-5-cow-parade.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=675&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=82&usm=20&w=1200&s=091e36d0d938f64e9815c4bfae45c208 1200w, https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-5-cow-parade.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1350&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=61&usm=20&w=2400&s=8e31225065b59a2fb25e0c2a4d1e740f 2400w, https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-5-cow-parade.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=558&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=82&usm=20&w=992&s=27efddcc1ede34bf9434cacdfc9693c2 992w, https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-5-cow-parade.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1116&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=61&usm=20&w=1984&s=86abeb390ca5126e83e703da8f5637a3 1984w, https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-5-cow-parade.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=432&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=60&usm=20&w=768&s=58919fc6d2909677843cdb686eb3f4f9 768w, https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-5-cow-parade.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=864&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=45&usm=20&w=1536&s=dab1c44ad3a67602270af2fa310d671a 1536w, https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-5-cow-parade.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=324&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=60&usm=20&w=576&s=7224607a24ab4ed25b1129bceef62a33 576w, https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-5-cow-parade.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=648&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=45&usm=20&w=1152&s=e9b27058dc6e76415988e5be084ae289 1152w)
![](https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-6-herder.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=800&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=82&usm=20&w=1200&s=6dce0809c5c609f5c5cfc07b7f29cc72 1200w, https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-6-herder.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1600&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=61&usm=20&w=2400&s=34586814ac253c4778d316195cb29abd 2400w, https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-6-herder.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=661&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=82&usm=20&w=992&s=565a15f9265bb588ac6a4c1077a51c29 992w, https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-6-herder.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1322&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=61&usm=20&w=1984&s=97d84037628661447d4d98ccc776e68d 1984w, https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-6-herder.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=512&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=60&usm=20&w=768&s=902e9954d6362724a1bc43cd5f58aaba 768w, https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-6-herder.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1024&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=45&usm=20&w=1536&s=693e0ce16fbb8fd1641273e01411f6b9 1536w, https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-6-herder.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=384&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=60&usm=20&w=576&s=ad7bec7d7a5ef9c1019a9135eed416fd 576w, https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-6-herder.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=768&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=45&usm=20&w=1152&s=3d42f572dda557a157d2519da5941dfa 1152w)
![](https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-7-cheesemaker.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=800&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=82&usm=20&w=1200&s=c7c3def61f57eea0a60585e437efeda6 1200w, https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-7-cheesemaker.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1600&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=61&usm=20&w=2400&s=93dfd9e75a76066e4191e70bb0fc5b2e 2400w, https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-7-cheesemaker.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=661&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=82&usm=20&w=992&s=b1432aae1e15ab1a2d55267c6d56b097 992w, https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-7-cheesemaker.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1322&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=61&usm=20&w=1984&s=2786566be5977619473c2b6f9e164ffc 1984w, https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-7-cheesemaker.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=512&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=60&usm=20&w=768&s=91192c04322cf744e6a2154ae6b7acce 768w, https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-7-cheesemaker.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1024&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=45&usm=20&w=1536&s=7bf70fb7a8feb86eefb392178d3846a5 1536w, https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-7-cheesemaker.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=384&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=60&usm=20&w=576&s=3f39d8b86a0837a8a33ffe4959402c66 576w, https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-7-cheesemaker.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=768&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=45&usm=20&w=1152&s=8bd991ec40636c14a5a572925ede7081 1152w)
![](https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-hero.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=800&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=82&usm=20&w=1200&s=9794bd8f48c213a8d8eaa8dc5b1fb300 1200w, https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-hero.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1600&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=61&usm=20&w=2400&s=edb4ed835d812bb08771ca2b2781c3ee 2400w, https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-hero.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=661&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=82&usm=20&w=992&s=7b2a58238266a1545ef55fdf2d4a3d1b 992w, https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-hero.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1322&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=61&usm=20&w=1984&s=7389e1eec5f3bc9bb6c637a26a1e146d 1984w, https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-hero.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=512&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=60&usm=20&w=768&s=bc31bf8e050679a63b3e7879cad3888b 768w, https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-hero.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1024&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=45&usm=20&w=1536&s=c4764f2d69dc45ec32cb22c9f028f565 1536w, https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-hero.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=384&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=60&usm=20&w=576&s=181609ece3005abdd9fb4de75d87a056 576w, https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-hero.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=768&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=45&usm=20&w=1152&s=d992e36aced96b59c99b3161d3d1614e 1152w)
![](https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-8-cowsflowers-stacked.png?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1638&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=82&usm=20&w=1200&s=9a42f856fe504951b4f48658556242af 1200w, https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-8-cowsflowers-stacked.png?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=3276&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=61&usm=20&w=2400&s=11a7ac924903f56a9abd3e0b2a204ad9 2400w, https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-8-cowsflowers-stacked.png?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1354&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=82&usm=20&w=992&s=2a7ef6fca8eb808a7d3e985e4705090f 992w, https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-8-cowsflowers-stacked.png?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=2708&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=61&usm=20&w=1984&s=adad9b2bdeca6caf5894649932dc71f1 1984w, https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-8-cowsflowers-stacked.png?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1048&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=60&usm=20&w=768&s=2016a5c500a110cbf2e45d9e6e5538c6 768w, https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-8-cowsflowers-stacked.png?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=2096&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=45&usm=20&w=1536&s=d967c3524f3e276d6eb9d410f77f7f2e 1536w, https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-8-cowsflowers-stacked.png?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=786&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=60&usm=20&w=576&s=3f908ebc4df5db85470608cc50328e69 576w, https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-8-cowsflowers-stacked.png?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1572&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=45&usm=20&w=1152&s=e1798c57d72a73a94ee9dd845a7ab99a 1152w)
![](https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-9-floral-headdress.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1800&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=82&usm=20&w=1200&s=ab5d4a47156cc09fe331835b20395b7f 1200w, https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-9-floral-headdress.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=3601&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=61&usm=20&w=2400&s=a99d5a5a04509e074bac6cdecaca1942 2400w, https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-9-floral-headdress.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1488&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=82&usm=20&w=992&s=e3f3b6def7bb0bc4d71588550bb94397 992w, https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-9-floral-headdress.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=2977&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=61&usm=20&w=1984&s=f4e1fd6aa3d580161758fe6acebd9566 1984w, https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-9-floral-headdress.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1152&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=60&usm=20&w=768&s=7f48fbf5fb24c996c2f6fd8ed2aef114 768w, https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-9-floral-headdress.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=2304&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=45&usm=20&w=1536&s=93e7e3e9e47e4327f234ed9535c4e26b 1536w, https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-9-floral-headdress.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=864&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=60&usm=20&w=576&s=c745a28ca667da681142bb3b0459a3d9 576w, https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-9-floral-headdress.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1728&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=45&usm=20&w=1152&s=d3ebec0324c171f17fc777b239d78eab 1152w)
![](https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-10-cheese-pattern.png?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1151&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=82&usm=20&w=1200&s=19bddda1e7d6ce9c8b9b5fd7cf526f24 1200w, https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-10-cheese-pattern.png?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=2303&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=61&usm=20&w=2400&s=0932edb6a3e32b71a0306f08947800dd 2400w, https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-10-cheese-pattern.png?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=952&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=82&usm=20&w=992&s=7f57a452791d651fb1b7c0f1b1e583d0 992w, https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-10-cheese-pattern.png?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1904&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=61&usm=20&w=1984&s=a4bd7a79188d61397f8b38f87904bce0 1984w, https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-10-cheese-pattern.png?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=737&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=60&usm=20&w=768&s=a70cd5b2bb98bece1574d9951781870c 768w, https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-10-cheese-pattern.png?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1474&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=45&usm=20&w=1536&s=e9c4a0da3cfe4afe1c51b323367291b1 1536w, https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-10-cheese-pattern.png?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=552&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=60&usm=20&w=576&s=8dcb2d6e154f14b1df76c14f093264a8 576w, https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-10-cheese-pattern.png?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1105&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=45&usm=20&w=1152&s=d0d918253539a05108d6c7d77a882e88 1152w)
![](https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-11-cow-parade-multicolor.png?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=169&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=82&usm=20&w=1200&s=47ac2a8fb5cf4be9083bec83e34917a7 1200w, https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-11-cow-parade-multicolor.png?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=339&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=61&usm=20&w=2400&s=c50a78d8ca77cd51507b20d2c94c4c61 2400w, https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-11-cow-parade-multicolor.png?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=140&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=82&usm=20&w=992&s=2c5f5f44c2b3058c3ffd97e74ff14160 992w, https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-11-cow-parade-multicolor.png?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=280&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=61&usm=20&w=1984&s=9294f339f533f295507228164e95695d 1984w, https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-11-cow-parade-multicolor.png?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=108&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=60&usm=20&w=768&s=9be2cdfd9b5f7fa22f6f4f1771ffa087 768w, https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-11-cow-parade-multicolor.png?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=217&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=45&usm=20&w=1536&s=939c0aabd594aa7c952ebaa813c6bf3b 1536w, https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-11-cow-parade-multicolor.png?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=81&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=60&usm=20&w=576&s=3eb09a8813f3a547626ff19a47b85405 576w, https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-11-cow-parade-multicolor.png?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=162&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=45&usm=20&w=1152&s=a3beb03159d392c3f6e8ca8445c0e344 1152w)
I am a cheesemonger. Cheese happens to be my livelihood, my passion, my favorite indulgence. I consider it the most fortuitous accident of my life when I stumbled into this trade over 15 years ago. The people it has brought into my orbit continue to enrich my life and somehow it has never ceased to captivate and challenge me to this day. In certain circles, my name is synonymous with cheese. When someone mentions my name the response is waiting “oh, you mean the cheese girl?”... yep, that’s me! I do not mind the association, if anything, I relish it; if most remember me by the bits of cheese I have popped into their mouths and perhaps by the encyclopedic description that spewed forth as they chewed the morsel, I can only hope that I left a lingering impression on them like the afterglow of that cheese on the palate. They may not recall my name, but that’s ok, we shared cheese– the holiest of communions in my book. True connection is getting harder to come by, particularly in the current pandemic era, so if using cheese to foster an association is a dirty trick— consider me filthy!
Cheese has opened so many doors to worlds otherwise unknown and afforded me many awe-inspiring journeys that I wear the affiliation as a supreme badge of honor. In grateful servitude, I share my experiences and disseminate the good word of cheese for all who care to listen!
One such journey is a cheesemonger's equivalent to Mecca: I am among the fortunate few who have made the pilgrimage to the Alps to witness Alpage cheese production and attend DésAlpe, the most traditional of mountain festivals.
![](https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-3-Lydia-Portrait.png?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1337&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=82&usm=20&w=1200&s=679962177c85cc5680c9ea3b946331fa 1200w, https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-3-Lydia-Portrait.png?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=2675&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=61&usm=20&w=2400&s=1f2191fbea00847fb6eefde04d560ab4 2400w, https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-3-Lydia-Portrait.png?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1106&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=82&usm=20&w=992&s=9ce9407b2b3387525708c8b0c404f207 992w, https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-3-Lydia-Portrait.png?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=2212&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=61&usm=20&w=1984&s=f52d22f87cf4ec263b1bad4a2f753bdf 1984w, https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-3-Lydia-Portrait.png?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=856&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=60&usm=20&w=768&s=4bf27638fa1bb1e3bff4ea0ae51ffd40 768w, https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-3-Lydia-Portrait.png?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1712&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=45&usm=20&w=1536&s=3cfb728e0c00356ac4dd84aed5c9d988 1536w, https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-3-Lydia-Portrait.png?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=642&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=60&usm=20&w=576&s=e580861836009dc4658738dd287130b4 576w, https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-3-Lydia-Portrait.png?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1284&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=45&usm=20&w=1152&s=af83c6ac3b3cb06242cc6ff332f40c2c 1152w)
![](https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-1-herd.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=800&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=82&usm=20&w=1200&s=4a623cdce65d06ec129a8eeaaee538de 1200w, https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-1-herd.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1600&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=61&usm=20&w=2400&s=247ccf077b8166947e20fd39eb81d1e8 2400w, https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-1-herd.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=661&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=82&usm=20&w=992&s=7d20fc5de0b2d6bcd08c11252563cf3c 992w, https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-1-herd.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1322&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=61&usm=20&w=1984&s=e98510aa27447c6a5e11e8a885da3a76 1984w, https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-1-herd.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=512&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=60&usm=20&w=768&s=8deaf23a263b50e536238708479b66fb 768w, https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-1-herd.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1024&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=45&usm=20&w=1536&s=eb6fc491728809c8e6fbec96766c0684 1536w, https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-1-herd.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=384&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=60&usm=20&w=576&s=42f9b330b5c585dda5a58de1cf356a8f 576w, https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-1-herd.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=768&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=45&usm=20&w=1152&s=3901d8b2fd89faeb4496172f562c7515 1152w)
There is a Heaven on Earth for us mountain worshiping caseophiles, a place where cheese is not only at the center of the table but is the center of the socioeconomic landscape, steeped in history, ever preserved by tradition. As the name suggests, the family of cheeses known as “Alpine” originates in the Alps, the highest and most extensive mountain range in Europe. These cheeses represent a unique adaptation to difficult terrain.
Thousands of years ago the founding farmers had to overcome the challenges of their native topography to create and preserve enough of summer's bounty to provide sustenance throughout the long, harsh, cold winters. Villages sprang up in the valleys and the precious flat(ish) land surrounding was preserved for the cultivation of crops. The high mountainous peaks were not conducive to growing crops but had natural springs that nourished untouched pastures of beautiful grasses and flora ripe for grazing. The families in the villages would pull their resources together and form a herd. The designated cheesemakers and herdsmen would graze the collective village herd up the high mountain peaks as the snow receded. They made their way higher and higher as the season progressed making cheese in rustic chalets situated at very high altitudes and sparingly equipped with only the most rudimentary supplies they could schlep on their backs for their summer upon the Alp. Eventually, they would make their descent back to the village in the fall alongside the herd with all the summer cheese in tow. These cheeses were durable, designed to age for long periods of time, and would provide much-needed nutrition throughout the oncoming winter back in the Village. This ancient practice of seasonal rotational grazing is known as Transhumance.
The descent is the culmination of the summer Alp season and is marked by the DésAlpe festival where the villages anxiously await to applaud the return of the farmers and the cows both specially adorned for the occasion; the cows are coronated with crowns or bushes of flowers atop their heads and ceremonious bells around their necks ranging from large to gargantuan.
![](https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-4-goat-moment.png?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1791&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=82&usm=20&w=1200&s=d28f1a4ede3d0ef19a98611a7f4564d7 1200w, https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-4-goat-moment.png?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=3582&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=61&usm=20&w=2400&s=10966e98eb67c427360739e5b7fd79e3 2400w, https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-4-goat-moment.png?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1480&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=82&usm=20&w=992&s=56fb5b7adb1638e2d4adedb7886e59eb 992w, https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-4-goat-moment.png?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=2961&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=61&usm=20&w=1984&s=ccd5d9397f769717d3f6b5dedd9cece6 1984w, https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-4-goat-moment.png?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1146&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=60&usm=20&w=768&s=0db91f7bc051c5a916e3daa2012d299b 768w, https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-4-goat-moment.png?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=2293&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=45&usm=20&w=1536&s=90b4b11ae4669cfd8d5a65706ded8d7c 1536w, https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-4-goat-moment.png?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=859&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=60&usm=20&w=576&s=aa55246480ceb798ffcf311a19de780a 576w, https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-4-goat-moment.png?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1719&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=45&usm=20&w=1152&s=9b8342603da8aa437d3193d68021ca4d 1152w)
![](https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-5-cow-parade.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=675&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=82&usm=20&w=1200&s=091e36d0d938f64e9815c4bfae45c208 1200w, https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-5-cow-parade.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1350&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=61&usm=20&w=2400&s=8e31225065b59a2fb25e0c2a4d1e740f 2400w, https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-5-cow-parade.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=558&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=82&usm=20&w=992&s=27efddcc1ede34bf9434cacdfc9693c2 992w, https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-5-cow-parade.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1116&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=61&usm=20&w=1984&s=86abeb390ca5126e83e703da8f5637a3 1984w, https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-5-cow-parade.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=432&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=60&usm=20&w=768&s=58919fc6d2909677843cdb686eb3f4f9 768w, https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-5-cow-parade.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=864&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=45&usm=20&w=1536&s=dab1c44ad3a67602270af2fa310d671a 1536w, https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-5-cow-parade.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=324&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=60&usm=20&w=576&s=7224607a24ab4ed25b1129bceef62a33 576w, https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-5-cow-parade.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=648&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=45&usm=20&w=1152&s=e9b27058dc6e76415988e5be084ae289 1152w)
The farmers wear the traditional local costumes and haul some ceremonial wheels of their cheese using old fashioned wooden carriers. Today the majority of the cheeses are gathered throughout the season by the local affineur who tends to the aging and end sale/export of the cheese. Though modern Switzerland is known for its fancy watches and its ironclad banks, the original cash crop, the fruit of the Alps has always been the high-quality milk that encapsulates all the untouched natural bounty this region has to offer. Cheese remains a cultural as well as an economic linchpin.
Today, village dairies hum along all year long and create quality cheese daily— ones we see here in the cases of specialty cheese shops and grocery stores alike sold under the names of Gruyère, Comté, Appenzeller, Bergkäse, Emmentaler, etc. These village dairies dot the Alpine landscape no matter what country you find yourself in (Switzerland, France, Germany, Austria, Italy). They are aided by advancements in technology to hone their craft of turning exceptional high-quality milk into even better cheese. These represent the modern adaptation of the original Alpine cheeses.
![](https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-6-herder.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=800&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=82&usm=20&w=1200&s=6dce0809c5c609f5c5cfc07b7f29cc72 1200w, https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-6-herder.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1600&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=61&usm=20&w=2400&s=34586814ac253c4778d316195cb29abd 2400w, https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-6-herder.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=661&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=82&usm=20&w=992&s=565a15f9265bb588ac6a4c1077a51c29 992w, https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-6-herder.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1322&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=61&usm=20&w=1984&s=97d84037628661447d4d98ccc776e68d 1984w, https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-6-herder.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=512&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=60&usm=20&w=768&s=902e9954d6362724a1bc43cd5f58aaba 768w, https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-6-herder.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1024&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=45&usm=20&w=1536&s=693e0ce16fbb8fd1641273e01411f6b9 1536w, https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-6-herder.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=384&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=60&usm=20&w=576&s=ad7bec7d7a5ef9c1019a9135eed416fd 576w, https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-6-herder.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=768&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=45&usm=20&w=1152&s=3d42f572dda557a157d2519da5941dfa 1152w)
![](https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-7-cheesemaker.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=800&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=82&usm=20&w=1200&s=c7c3def61f57eea0a60585e437efeda6 1200w, https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-7-cheesemaker.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1600&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=61&usm=20&w=2400&s=93dfd9e75a76066e4191e70bb0fc5b2e 2400w, https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-7-cheesemaker.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=661&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=82&usm=20&w=992&s=b1432aae1e15ab1a2d55267c6d56b097 992w, https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-7-cheesemaker.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1322&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=61&usm=20&w=1984&s=2786566be5977619473c2b6f9e164ffc 1984w, https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-7-cheesemaker.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=512&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=60&usm=20&w=768&s=91192c04322cf744e6a2154ae6b7acce 768w, https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-7-cheesemaker.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1024&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=45&usm=20&w=1536&s=7bf70fb7a8feb86eefb392178d3846a5 1536w, https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-7-cheesemaker.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=384&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=60&usm=20&w=576&s=3f39d8b86a0837a8a33ffe4959402c66 576w, https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-7-cheesemaker.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=768&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=45&usm=20&w=1152&s=8bd991ec40636c14a5a572925ede7081 1152w)
There now remains only a small die-hard sect of cheesemakers committed to preserving the cultural legacy of Transhumance who still spend their summers crafting cheese over wood-burning fires, isolated from the rest of the world up in the Alps. Now they are the exception and no longer the norm. These torchbearers labor to uphold the tradition of tapping the local treasure, the Alpage. This term translates to “mountain pasture” and refers to both the place (the actual pastures) as well as the range of wild grasses, flowers, and brush that the ruminants feed on there. Cow’s too, are what they eat, or at least what they munch on is made manifest in the milk and their grazing fodder is directly responsible for a large portion of the aromas that intermingle with the tastes on your tongue, and together they constitute what we experience as flavor. Alpage is also the term that separates these special cheeses (Alpage in French, in German, Alpwirtschaft, and Alpeggio in Italian). I witnessed this magical, mystical cheese alchemy at a chalet that produces Le Gruyère d’Alpage.
Life in the Alps is a hard, solitary path. Upon my visit, I was coached to bring news of the real world below in the form of printed newspapers, since the limited generators on the Alps are reserved for only the most necessary tasks such as milking the herd. Cell signals at those altitudes are nearly non-existent. Cut off from the rest of the world, these chalets are frozen in time high atop the mountain peaks, the cloudline delineating them from the rest of us down below, entrenched in modernity. These farmers toil, their hands tell the story; they are weathered, worn, scalded and strong. Their spirits belie the effort they undertake daily. As they go about their grueling tasks, their hearts are full with pride knowing that their dedication to crafting Gruyère d’Alpage preserves the land, and upholds the deep-seated traditions embedded in this ancient practice.
Atop the mountain, a rare tranquility washes over me. Otherwise, I consider myself a high energy, go, go, go kind of girl… but a few stifling grand views and moments such as this force me to take pause and just breathe. I let awe and wonder consume me as I take in the peaks and valleys, waterfalls and streams with lush green grasses strewn about in the panorama below. The fresh, fragrant Alpine air is so pure I cannot help but feel high as it fills my lungs and I experience my purview in all the glory of its natural high definition.
Inside as the dawn breaks the cheesemaking begins. It is all crafted by hand over a natural fire which lends a signature, subtle smoky or savory note to these Alpage cheeses you would not otherwise find in the everyday valley-produced variations. The smells of milk and smoke fill the small make room and I am enthralled watching all the machinations that go into the making of these large 60+ pound wheels. Most chalets only produce 1-2 wheels of cheese per day.
![](https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-hero.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=800&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=82&usm=20&w=1200&s=9794bd8f48c213a8d8eaa8dc5b1fb300 1200w, https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-hero.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1600&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=61&usm=20&w=2400&s=edb4ed835d812bb08771ca2b2781c3ee 2400w, https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-hero.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=661&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=82&usm=20&w=992&s=7b2a58238266a1545ef55fdf2d4a3d1b 992w, https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-hero.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1322&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=61&usm=20&w=1984&s=7389e1eec5f3bc9bb6c637a26a1e146d 1984w, https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-hero.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=512&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=60&usm=20&w=768&s=bc31bf8e050679a63b3e7879cad3888b 768w, https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-hero.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1024&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=45&usm=20&w=1536&s=c4764f2d69dc45ec32cb22c9f028f565 1536w, https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-hero.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=384&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=60&usm=20&w=576&s=181609ece3005abdd9fb4de75d87a056 576w, https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-hero.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=768&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=45&usm=20&w=1152&s=d992e36aced96b59c99b3161d3d1614e 1152w)
After the cheesemaking duties conclude the family fills me up with their cheese and freshly skimmed cream by the massive spoonful and I go on my merry way. Adorning the edelweiss shirt that is a staple of the region and was gifted to me by my host, I make my way down to the Village of Charmey for DésAlpe just in time for the first procession of cows to make its way through the streets. Being short in stature, I (along with all the small children in the village) climb the hill to the side of the road to get a better vantage point. We are all anticipation as we start to hear a rumble in the distance… as the first herd approaches our stretch of road the rumble increases to a roar… it's a visceral auditory experience, the bells resonating deep in your bones. Big bellowing baritone bells mix with the tinkling of more delicate bells. You hear the distinct tottering rhythm of each cow creating a cacophony with the sounds of the other cows in her herd. My heart swells with joy and my eyes tear up watching these cows pass with their elaborate headdresses bobbing and swaying with every clomp. The feeling intensifies with each successive herd that makes its way down the thoroughfare, and by the time the last herd is being showered with the crowd’s reverence and adoration the tears stream down my face. I am not alone. I look around as the locals swell with pride and also shed tears as they cheer their revered ruminants. This quaint little Swiss mountain village could not be further from the city of Chicago that I call home, but never have I felt more in tune with a collective group as I did than cheering and reveling in our appreciation of these beautiful creatures.
![](https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-8-cowsflowers-stacked.png?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1638&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=82&usm=20&w=1200&s=9a42f856fe504951b4f48658556242af 1200w, https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-8-cowsflowers-stacked.png?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=3276&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=61&usm=20&w=2400&s=11a7ac924903f56a9abd3e0b2a204ad9 2400w, https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-8-cowsflowers-stacked.png?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1354&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=82&usm=20&w=992&s=2a7ef6fca8eb808a7d3e985e4705090f 992w, https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-8-cowsflowers-stacked.png?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=2708&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=61&usm=20&w=1984&s=adad9b2bdeca6caf5894649932dc71f1 1984w, https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-8-cowsflowers-stacked.png?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1048&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=60&usm=20&w=768&s=2016a5c500a110cbf2e45d9e6e5538c6 768w, https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-8-cowsflowers-stacked.png?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=2096&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=45&usm=20&w=1536&s=d967c3524f3e276d6eb9d410f77f7f2e 1536w, https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-8-cowsflowers-stacked.png?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=786&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=60&usm=20&w=576&s=3f908ebc4df5db85470608cc50328e69 576w, https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-8-cowsflowers-stacked.png?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1572&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=45&usm=20&w=1152&s=e1798c57d72a73a94ee9dd845a7ab99a 1152w)
![](https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-9-floral-headdress.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1800&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=82&usm=20&w=1200&s=ab5d4a47156cc09fe331835b20395b7f 1200w, https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-9-floral-headdress.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=3601&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=61&usm=20&w=2400&s=a99d5a5a04509e074bac6cdecaca1942 2400w, https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-9-floral-headdress.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1488&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=82&usm=20&w=992&s=e3f3b6def7bb0bc4d71588550bb94397 992w, https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-9-floral-headdress.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=2977&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=61&usm=20&w=1984&s=f4e1fd6aa3d580161758fe6acebd9566 1984w, https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-9-floral-headdress.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1152&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=60&usm=20&w=768&s=7f48fbf5fb24c996c2f6fd8ed2aef114 768w, https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-9-floral-headdress.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=2304&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=45&usm=20&w=1536&s=93e7e3e9e47e4327f234ed9535c4e26b 1536w, https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-9-floral-headdress.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=864&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=60&usm=20&w=576&s=c745a28ca667da681142bb3b0459a3d9 576w, https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-9-floral-headdress.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1728&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=45&usm=20&w=1152&s=d3ebec0324c171f17fc777b239d78eab 1152w)
Beyond the parade, the rest of DésAlpe is a festival of all things Swiss. Groups of people singing traditional yodels are accompanied by the alpenhorn (you might recognize these long horns from the Ricola commercials), people slinging cheese, hocking traditional carved wooden spoons, forged cowbells, woodcuts portraying Alpage, and other sordid traditional clothing and knick-knacks.
As the day goes on the formal festivities conclude and descends into drunken revelry. All day long the locals marvel at hearing the novelty of my American accent in the mix. All my interactions began with the same question: “What exactly brings you here?” My answer: “Cheese, your beautiful cheese is what brings me here.” This earnest answer turns out to be the ultimate key to immediate acceptance among the local fold. What follows is an explanation of how I sell their local Gruyère and Gruyère d’Alpage at the shops I buy for here in the States, and they, in turn, respond with their connection to the cheese, and in Charmey, with a population below 2000— trust me, everybody has one… ”my brother makes the cheese,” “our milk from our herd is made into the cheese,” “I built the local dairy,” and so on and so forth. The setting and details of our day-to-day lives could not be more disparate but on this day we are friends in cheese!
As the evening progressed I continued to forge bonds over cheese that were further solidified by mutual knowledge of American Pop music lyrics. I never would have guessed I would dance arm in arm with old and young Swiss natives alike on the dance floor of a tiny village bar singing Macklemore's “ceiling can’t hold us” with such fervor and gleeful abandon. My heart was full, I was in my cups and all up in my feelings. The number of times I yelled “I love cheese and I love you!” to and with complete strangers over the course of the evening are too numerous to count. Can cheese be a love language? Because I am pretty sure it's mine.
![](https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-10-cheese-pattern.png?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1151&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=82&usm=20&w=1200&s=19bddda1e7d6ce9c8b9b5fd7cf526f24 1200w, https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-10-cheese-pattern.png?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=2303&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=61&usm=20&w=2400&s=0932edb6a3e32b71a0306f08947800dd 2400w, https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-10-cheese-pattern.png?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=952&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=82&usm=20&w=992&s=7f57a452791d651fb1b7c0f1b1e583d0 992w, https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-10-cheese-pattern.png?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1904&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=61&usm=20&w=1984&s=a4bd7a79188d61397f8b38f87904bce0 1984w, https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-10-cheese-pattern.png?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=737&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=60&usm=20&w=768&s=a70cd5b2bb98bece1574d9951781870c 768w, https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-10-cheese-pattern.png?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1474&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=45&usm=20&w=1536&s=e9c4a0da3cfe4afe1c51b323367291b1 1536w, https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-10-cheese-pattern.png?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=552&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=60&usm=20&w=576&s=8dcb2d6e154f14b1df76c14f093264a8 576w, https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-10-cheese-pattern.png?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1105&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=45&usm=20&w=1152&s=d0d918253539a05108d6c7d77a882e88 1152w)
![](https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-11-cow-parade-multicolor.png?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=169&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=82&usm=20&w=1200&s=47ac2a8fb5cf4be9083bec83e34917a7 1200w, https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-11-cow-parade-multicolor.png?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=339&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=61&usm=20&w=2400&s=c50a78d8ca77cd51507b20d2c94c4c61 2400w, https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-11-cow-parade-multicolor.png?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=140&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=82&usm=20&w=992&s=2c5f5f44c2b3058c3ffd97e74ff14160 992w, https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-11-cow-parade-multicolor.png?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=280&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=61&usm=20&w=1984&s=9294f339f533f295507228164e95695d 1984w, https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-11-cow-parade-multicolor.png?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=108&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=60&usm=20&w=768&s=9be2cdfd9b5f7fa22f6f4f1771ffa087 768w, https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-11-cow-parade-multicolor.png?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=217&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=45&usm=20&w=1536&s=939c0aabd594aa7c952ebaa813c6bf3b 1536w, https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-11-cow-parade-multicolor.png?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=81&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=60&usm=20&w=576&s=3eb09a8813f3a547626ff19a47b85405 576w, https://varyer.imgix.net/transhumance-11-cow-parade-multicolor.png?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=162&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=45&usm=20&w=1152&s=a3beb03159d392c3f6e8ca8445c0e344 1152w)