Sheep walking

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Shepherding has been Rudy Canonica's life for the past 24 winters. swissinfo.ch

The long march. The sheep need a few days to learn to look under the snow for grass. swissinfo.ch

Rudy's 800-strong flock come from more than a dozen owners from different parts of the country. swissinfo.ch

A good shepherd is constantly analysing the quality of the grass. swissinfo.ch

The portable fences are carried on the back of one of the shepherd's donkeys. swissinfo.ch

Steam rises from the icy waters of the Aare near Bern, not far from where Rudy travels with his sheep. swissinfo.ch

After a night in the pen, the sheep are released to search for their first meal of the day. swissinfo.ch

With the temperature minus ten degrees Celsius, Rudy is keen to start a fire and drink hot tea. swissinfo.ch

His meals are simple - so are his utensils: a knife to cut his sausage is often all he needs. swissinfo.ch

For the past eight years, the shepherd has been able to retire in the evening to the back of an old military truck converted into a cosy room. Here he can cook and read a good book. Before he bought the truck, he slept in a tent. swissinfo.ch

Thick wool coats keep the sheep warm in the freezing temperatures. swissinfo.ch

After a long day, the herd is fenced in for the night. swissinfo.ch

Rudy's workday ends around nine o'clock, when he returns to his vehicle to prepare a hot meal. swissinfo.ch

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An age-old way of life continues, even during a harsh winter.

Rudy Canonica is one of the few Swiss who still spend the winters leading their herds of sheep from pasture to pasture. (All pictures: Marzio Pescia)