Recent weeks have seen Liquorice and Keaton acquire a new conveyance, and so well liked of by deserving puppers that we have given their car a name, “Bubba”. First time we have called a car by name, at least a name that can be printed. This is “Bubba”, as in a cute little coochy-coo type baby (for it is “tiny” on the outside), and not named for some big brute Redneck with the callused hands of one who toils.
Since taking delivery of this vehicle I have been finding “excuses” to take Liquorice and Keaton for outings and walks – like a few days ago. We traveled into the rural township of Camden to pickup two lawnmower tyres, which were in for repairs, and naturally pups and their Dad went walkies.
We drove to a small picnic area, accessible by road, on a cycleway at the back of Camden where we’ve been strolling of late. Near that spot is an old wooden footbridge across the Nepean River, and that’s we headed. Talk about keen! Liquorice and Keaton were both eager, too eager, I could hardly hold them! They trotted down a zigzag pathway to the river and across the bridge seeming not to know they were walking over water! Once across the bridge and up the embankment there was a large flat field, probably used in years past as a turf farm, there are turf farms further along the river. There were even sign proclaiming that it was an off-leash area for dogs! Liquorice and Keaton however remained connected to their Dad. We went for a slow jog to the other end of the field, passing and saying “G’day” to some folks from last week we met while they were walking their Golden Retriever and Beagle. We then meandered around the other end of the field before returning to “Bubba”.
Light was fading when we crossed back over the wooden bridge. This time I stopped Liquorice and Keaton in the middle showing them the tranquil flow of the Nepean with ducks slowly paddling a few feet beneath us. All was silent, no traffic noise or voices, even the bird life seemed silenced by the growing darkness. For several minutes relaxed puppers watched with casual interest the smooth expanse of water, still reflecting the tall gumtrees along the Nepean’s banks, and soaking up the “atmosphere” of this Arcadian idyll. Then the silence was broken with an annoying put-putting of what turned out to be a little motorbike. We could hear the rider coming along the cycleway then could make out his form put-putting down the zigzag track to the bridge. Liquorice and Keaton were both standing alert, for motorbikes are rarely seen in their realm, and then only in the far distance whereas this was going to be up close and personal! The bridge is about 7 feet wide and 80 feet long and we were in the middle. I had Liquorice sit. Fortunately, the rider saw us and slowed allowing the bike to “idle” past us. Liquorice and Keaton paid attention however exhibited no reaction to this strange “animal” rolling past them, “clacking” over the wooden planks of the bridge. Actually I was quite proud of my little darlings for I feared one mighty “WOOF!” and both bike and rider would end up going for an impromptu swim! After that “excitement” we made our way back to Bubba, and then to home.
Pups were tired that night, less from walking for we probably only did a mile and a half, and more from different scents, scenery and a river complete with floating ducks and put-put motorbike. 🙂
Arthur Witten
Liquorice – I wasn’t going to WOOF, might disturb the tranquility for those ducks!
Keaton – Aw Liquorice, I missed the chance to perfect my water rescue technique!