A landscape transformed by rain
The last few weeks have seen constant rain that has completely transformed the landscape of the region’s meadows and forests. The shades of green and brown are seen in their maximum splendor, creating an impressive sight that has not been seen for years.
The meeting with Joan Alrich Obiols
In the town of Adraén, located in the La Vansa valley at an altitude of one thousand five hundred meters, I had the opportunity to talk with Joan Alrich Obiols, the last shepherd in the area. Joan, 71 years old, has dedicated her entire life to this profession and was born in Adraén, in the house that is located just before entering the town.
After completing his military service, Joan returned to town and decided to buy some cows to milk, even though his father had a flock of sheep. For years, the Cadí de La Seu d’Urgell cooperative used to collect milk in tanker trucks, but over time this practice disappeared and the livestock also decreased.
A change in livestock activity
In 2003, Joan decided to change her dairy cows to beef cows and also acquired some sheep and goats. Over the years, he managed to form a flock of approximately one hundred sheep, thus becoming one of the last shepherds of the last century in the Cadí-Moixeró natural park.
Although Adraén is not exactly located within the natural park, its surroundings are part of it. Despite suffering a leg injury last summer, Joan still keeps around twenty sheep and goats, mainly as a form of entertainment and to pass the time. In addition, she has about fifty cows that graze in the mountains during the summer.
Joan’s nephew, José, is also dedicated to livestock farming and has a flock of two hundred sheep in the Coll de Creus. When necessary, Joan provides his help.
Depopulation and changes in the landscape
In the fifties, Adraén had almost fifty inhabitants and the Sorribes schools had up to 200 students from the valley. However, depopulation in these mountain areas has been drastic and irreversible. The fields that were once full of livestock and mown regularly are now abandoned, which is a great loss for the territory and its people.
Part of the municipal area of Adraén is located within the natural park, although the town itself is outside of it. Many of the houses in the town are abandoned and for sale, but Joan wonders who would be interested in buying a house in such an uninhabited area.
Memories and traditions
Joan nostalgically remembers the times when the town was full of people and the masses in Sorribes were an event. He speaks fondly of Mosén Ramón, the priest of Gósol, and the stories he used to tell. He even relates an anecdote in which Mosén Ramón and Toni de Cal Rient de Sisquer were standing in front of the church, arguing over Toni’s tombstone. Despite the declining population, Joan continues to keep these traditions and memories alive.
Mushroom season and farewell
Before saying goodbye, Joan and I talked about the mushroom season, which has been very good this spring. You can still find some mushrooms, perfect for making a delicious omelette and accompanying the last of the chicories. We said goodbye until next time, with the promise of meeting again and enjoying the mountains together.
