Scenes like this are the reason I wanted to settle in Europe.
I did not know we had places like this in the US when I formed my attachments to Europe.
I am from the Midwest, it is all factory farms and muddy lots.
Seattle had some pretty scenes but West Marin constantly reminds me of Spain and France.
Another similarity here is that you can walk on old farm roads through pastures.
Years ago when the dairy industry was failing, the government bought the land and leased it to farmers which was a good deal for them at the time. The land is preserved and we are allowed access to it.
France is similar. You can own property but anyone is allowed on it, to walk, to mushroom forage to hunt even.
I loved France for it's extensive trail system through all these farms. I was ready to live in Limousin forever just so I could go on long country side walks. (Oh and how I adore that all the French and their families always walk on Sundays!)
And here, just about everyday, I walk amongst the cows.
The day I shot this, I almost got malled by a gang of young boy calves.
Five of them where all testosteroned out, rough housing with each other, feeling brave, they advanced towards me.
I'll admit, I was scared shitless. But then I remember my Alaska bear training: be bigger than them. So, I waved my arms, lowered my voice and growled at them. The little boys scurried off in fright!