thank you for sharing your writings and journeys. your posts are always deeply moving and inspiring. While I am not practicing transhumance, seeing/reading your adventures keep me motivated with my simple off grid shepherding endeavors in the US
Thank you, these words from you and others who have commented motivate me to keep at it. I lost motivation around Substack for a minute there, as I watch it devolve. But I’m back in the saddle, looking to the horizon. I’m doing this collection and sharing of information and stories with an eye towards the future, and I’m hoping to contribute to and fertilize the interest in pastoral lifeways, grazing, and dairy fermentation that I see flowering back in North America.
Hi Trevor, fantastic essay. Can I ask, what was the purpose of the caged wolf, was it still part of the breeding with the dogs?? Or just best to have it caged than eating my sheep sort-of-thing ? (understandable!)
From what we could gather the caged wolves were part of the outreach program of the large carnivore education center. School children came up and were allowed to interact with the “ambassador wolf”, to reduce fear and encourage interest.
Being close to and touching this wolf certainly impacted me!
Beautiful insight, and told with heart. Thank you. There's a wonderful book - I think it must be about the same place and people, certainly the same Karakachan sheep and dogs - called Anima: A Wild Pastoral by Kapka Kassabova. There is a resonance between both your writings - a resistant orison.
Very amazing. I am developing a book about Slovenia as a regenerative nation, after traveling around its forested lands and meeting people, including transhumance graziers in Triglav National Park. Maybe we'll meet there one day.
I'm based in SF Bay Area, planning next trip to Slovenia when Regen Nation is announced. Tell Lucija Gartner hi for me: she's based in Studnor/ Bohinj Sept-May and in her family high pasture June-Sept. Would love to meet you. Recommend the Drežnica goat cheese in Drežnica above Tolmin if you get a chance. Those goats, allegedly interbred with wild chamois, are protected by UNESCO: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/rare-dreznica-goats-thrive-in-idyllic-mountain-village-in-slovenia
Cool, I’m definitely interested in visiting Soca valley, and learning about the Dreznica goat. I’m hoping to find a way to view the film made about it last year.
I am in awe, choked up, grateful and inspired here. Thank you so much.
Thank you for sharing this wealth of human and animal dignity.
Beautiful writing. Keep unearthing these gems from your digital archives!
Excellent piece Trevor, stunning beasts !
thank you for sharing your writings and journeys. your posts are always deeply moving and inspiring. While I am not practicing transhumance, seeing/reading your adventures keep me motivated with my simple off grid shepherding endeavors in the US
Thank you, these words from you and others who have commented motivate me to keep at it. I lost motivation around Substack for a minute there, as I watch it devolve. But I’m back in the saddle, looking to the horizon. I’m doing this collection and sharing of information and stories with an eye towards the future, and I’m hoping to contribute to and fertilize the interest in pastoral lifeways, grazing, and dairy fermentation that I see flowering back in North America.
You’re such a poet and have had such vivid experiences—you’re living well.
I am living well, thats a great reminder that I needed to hear. Thank you Stephanie.
I have four of these wonderful dogs. Wicked smart, a little bit wild, and the bond is solid and life changing.
Hi Trevor, fantastic essay. Can I ask, what was the purpose of the caged wolf, was it still part of the breeding with the dogs?? Or just best to have it caged than eating my sheep sort-of-thing ? (understandable!)
From what we could gather the caged wolves were part of the outreach program of the large carnivore education center. School children came up and were allowed to interact with the “ambassador wolf”, to reduce fear and encourage interest.
Being close to and touching this wolf certainly impacted me!
Beautiful insight, and told with heart. Thank you. There's a wonderful book - I think it must be about the same place and people, certainly the same Karakachan sheep and dogs - called Anima: A Wild Pastoral by Kapka Kassabova. There is a resonance between both your writings - a resistant orison.
Very amazing. I am developing a book about Slovenia as a regenerative nation, after traveling around its forested lands and meeting people, including transhumance graziers in Triglav National Park. Maybe we'll meet there one day.
I’m actually heading up to Bohinj for 2 weeks in August. I’d be happy to connect!
I'm based in SF Bay Area, planning next trip to Slovenia when Regen Nation is announced. Tell Lucija Gartner hi for me: she's based in Studnor/ Bohinj Sept-May and in her family high pasture June-Sept. Would love to meet you. Recommend the Drežnica goat cheese in Drežnica above Tolmin if you get a chance. Those goats, allegedly interbred with wild chamois, are protected by UNESCO: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/rare-dreznica-goats-thrive-in-idyllic-mountain-village-in-slovenia
Cool, I’m definitely interested in visiting Soca valley, and learning about the Dreznica goat. I’m hoping to find a way to view the film made about it last year.