Walking the Modern Shepherd’s Path

our flock of navajo-churro sheep is more than a charming backdrop—they’re teachers. following the rhythm of their days has transformed how we live, work, and rest at casa portal.

the modern shepherd’s life is less about herding and more about listening. our sheep move slowly, grazing with full attention, reminding us there’s no rush to the next thing.

when we first got the flock, i thought they would be “work.” and they are—there’s feeding, shearing, tending to the land. but in between those tasks are long, quiet moments leaning on a fence post, coffee in hand, watching them graze. they’ve shown me that tending is as much about presence as it is about care.

i love when guests find themselves wandering toward the pastures, drawn by soft bleats. some watch from a distance, some draw images of the flock, while others have helped during shearing season or have made stuff for the shop from the wool.

the sheep are just a delight, they just remind us how important it is to be part of a flock, and move with the rythymn of the day.