Our European Adventure: Party 'til the cows come home

To suggest Alpine bovines are spoiled is an understatement of significant magnitude. In the winter months they spend their hours in cozy barns sheltered from the cold and sometimes wet winters, but in the spring the farmers haul them up to the alpine meadows where they while away the days munching on soft grass and enjoying the views of their winter homes far below.

But what goes up must, inevitably come down. Even, the cows. So in the fall local villages celebrate the return of their herds from the mountains with a parade. Having missed the opportunity to witness this spectacle last year Amanda was determined to make sure we could see it this year. So on Saturday morning we loaded the car with kids, snacks and cameras and made our way up the mountain to see if we could find the parade.

We found a good viewing spot ahead of the parade and let the girls out to wander while we waited.

And then came the cows, in full Alpine regalia sporting massive bells, head dresses and garland. The girls were completely fascinated.

To get the full experience you really had to hear and smell them. Thankfully for you, I can only provide half the experience digitally.

After the first herd went past Charlotte wanted to get a a picture of herself with a cow going past her in the background. Not sure this cow was pleased with not being the center of attention though.

sneaky cow

pay attention to me!

After the last of the cows went down we joined the parade to make our way down to the party.

some of the cows had a hard time keeping up with the herds blistering pace

wait for me!

We made it down to the holding area where the cows are corralled to wait for their trailers and ride the rest of the way down the mountain. Which provided the girls with an opportunity to pet and get a picture with their favorite cow of the day.