Laurent le Berger (2)

Following yesterday's post, here is the man behind the children's book: Laurent Crampe (which was written by his cousin).

Laurent was a farmer / shepherd who embodied the tradition of the Toy Country without denying the mobile phone and many other modernities. He followed the tradition of breeding Barégeoises and Barèges-Gavarnie sheep.

Laurent was also traditional in the use of shears (versus electric clippers) and he and his workshop were a museum of old tools that told all about the history of his family, the transhumance and the village. 

His smile and kindness were legendary and he was always happy to explain his work, history and landscape to tourists visiting him.

Laurent died last year in a fall, trying to clear a waterway, at 61 years old.