© irene waters 2015
In Gruyere and other parts of Switzerland the paddocks are so green and lush that paddock seems to be the incorrect term to use to describe them. Rather they are alpine meadows. These cows are dairy cows and are fed on grass in the summer and hay in the winter producing gallons of rich creamy milk. This is lucky as each round of Gruyere cheese weighing 35 kg needs 400 litres of fresh milk. How green is this valley and others in Switzerland. So different from Australia.
© irene waters 2015
© irene waters 2015
© irene waters 2015
© irene waters 2015
© irene waters 2015
In Australia, mostly our paddock look dry. When green they are not the bright lush green of Switzerland but a rather coarser green. These cows are not cows at all but steers destined for meat production.
In response to Ed’s Sunday Stills challenge.
About Irene Waters 19 Writer Memoirist
I began my working career as a reluctant potato peeler whilst waiting to commence my training as a student nurse. On completion I worked mainly in intensive care/coronary care; finishing my hospital career as clinical nurse educator in intensive care. A life changing period as a resort owner/manager on the island of Tanna in Vanuatu was followed by recovery time as a farmer at Bucca Wauka. Having discovered I was no farmer and vowing never again to own an animal bigger than myself I took on the Barrington General Store. Here we also ran a five star restaurant. Working the shop of a day 7am - 6pm followed by the restaurant until late was surprisingly more stressful than Tanna. On the sale we decided to retire and renovate our house with the help of a builder friend. Now believing we knew everything about building we set to constructing our own house. Just finished a coal mine decided to set up in our backyard. Definitely time to retire we moved to Queensland. I had been writing a manuscript for some time. In the desire to complete this I enrolled in a post grad certificate in creative Industries which I completed 2013. I followed this by doing a Master of Arts by research graduating in 2017. Now I live to write and write to live.
Reflections and Nightmares- Irene A Waters (writer and memoirist) 
The green, green grasses at home. Around the South Coast of NSW there are some very green meadows as well. The cows, mainly Angus and for milk of course some Friessians as well. Great photos
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Thanks. Of course you are right. I remember finding Dame Zara’s town (Tilba Tilba?) very lush and green. I have been in the dryer country for too long although going on the weather today and yesterday that road pictured is probably awash as it was only thirty kms from Stoud and not much further to Dungog.
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Beautiful photos of the scenery, as well as the cows. I could almost smell the fresh air 🙂
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Thanks Hugh. Switzerland is so picturebook I think of Heidi whenever I see those kinds of pastures. Glad you could smell the fresh air. 🙂
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Brigadoon perhaps?
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What a nice thought
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Now did you see any cow fighting in Switzerland? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cow_fighting It has to be the dullest sport on the planet. Two huge alpine cows put their heads together and try and push. The one that gives up first often after ages of waiting loses. Snail racing has more adrenaline.
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Known as “queen fights”…you completely distracted me today with this one! 😀
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Something for Idaho do you think
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No I didn’t and from your description I think I’ll pass if it is ever suggested (or take a couple of snails with me to while away the time). At least no-one gets injured in this form of fighting.
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I lived in an alpine village and there was a ceremonial event when the cows were brought down from the high meadows. The cows were dressed up and brought through the villages and there was a festive atmosphere.
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I think they do that in Switzerland also but I have never seen it. It must be a real sight with the cows all bedecked in their finery. A great way to end the summer I guess before hibernation for animals and humans begins.
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I think Gruyere and my mind is on cheese. Now I see why it is so tasty! After these photos, Australia looks dry and dusky green. More like the arid parts of the US west.
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I don’t know what your paddocks are like but these really are pastures with grass so deliciously green I think I could eat it myself.
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