The Cheesemaker

Mr. "Le Richard" has been working every summer in his high Alpage as long as I can remember. Each year he looks a little older and each year I wonder if I dare ask to take his photo. He is still strong enough to hoist metal milk cans onto a high shelf. (His cheesemaker equipment can be seen in the extra photo). The milk is collected each day by his grandson in a jeep and taken down a valley. His wife looks after the animals: three horses, 12 pigs, umpteen cows and goats, 4 dogs, 7 puppies and 2 tiny rescued kittens. She serves thirsty walkers with drinks and even has a small dortoir where hikers can sleep. She is younger than her husband who is 85, but a dynamo for her age. This old couple are authentic, traditional, hospitable, mountain farmers who would not dream of retiring - a luxury for the relatively rich!