by John New
We hadn’t done this walk from Fairlight to Manly Corso for a long time so it was very nice to have such a pleasant day. Mild temperature, blue sky, and a light breeze. A perfect day at the end of winter.
We met at the start of a walking path along Manly Cove, running parallel to Lauderdale Ave. The group was one of our smaller ones (9 people and 6 beagles). In fact, this worked out well because there were a lot of people who had the same idea as us - to enjoy a pleasant stroll - and it was pretty busy.
We walked slowly enjoying the view, the dogs happy to get out and about and have a good sniff. We had plenty of comments about our "beagle party" and "beagle parade". Especially from the kids who were keen to give our dogs a pat.
Manly Corso was very crowded. It was tricky winding our way around the masses of people wandering aimlessly around, here and there (or so it seemed). The prams were especially liable to tangle the leads. And it was hard to keep the beagles on track with people eating and dropping food all over the place. The dogs’ jaws were snapping away in all directions, wherever their noses led them.
Of course, this kind of environment, while hard for the dogs, is also very good training to get them used to a stressful environment. They all did very well.
We stopped for a 15 minute rest at Manly Beach. One or two people got an ice cream while others sat near the beach. A few beagles tried desperately to get down on the sand but of course they weren’t allowed.
We walked back to Manly Wharf and stopped for a few minutes there while someone checked out the McDonalds ice creams. Sadly, their ice cream machine wasn’t working. Then after a few more pats from a few more kids, we made our way back to the start.
A very enjoyable walk.
by June Johansson
The walk started at the Lauderdale Street, Fairlight Bus Stop, ably led by our Vice President, June Johannson, where the beagles had a great time talking to each other as well as lots of lovely smells. Possibly due to the hot and windy weather, our number was small, some nine eager charges or should I say chargers, accompanied by their doting owners. What a lovely walk it was. Along the very wide and clean cement walkway, snaking along the sandstone cliffs and pockets of lush tropical rainforest, with its large tree ferns and shade loving plants. Along the way, every blade of grass, every lamppost and numerous other spots that our beloved charges deemed important, were thoroughly investigated and well irrigated.
The path opened up onto the sheltered beach of Manly, where we were greeted by smiles, adoring pats and delicious smells from the beachside BBQs which were in full swing. Our charges showed great restraint by overriding the natural instinct of the hound, of inviting himself or herself to the feast. Onto the Manly Corso, past the adoring seaside crowds, past the shops and the milling crowds enjoying a Sunday’s afternoon, "seven miles from the city and a million miles from care". More adoring pats, more delicious smells and more irresistible temptations!! Our charges did not let us down! However the sniffing went on unabated. Then onto the ocean beach, where we stopped for an ice cream. Here the doting owners answered many questions concerning the "snoopy" dog and of course more adoring pats. I was amazed at the number of passers-by who were very familiar with the breed and who expressed great affection for the "snoopy" dog. Many explained how they had once owned a beagle or two and held fond memories of their departed friend(s)
The way home was a replay of the outward journey, albeit at a much slower pace!! The same tantalizing smells were revisited and attended to. This walk would have to be one of the more enjoyable walks, considering the scenery and the public interactions.
It was also an excellent way of introducing the public at large to the magnificent attributes of the beagle. Most of the children encountered were not at all shy or reluctant to pat the dog which was very pleasing. The weather was not as good as it could have been, however a great time was had by all. The club also welcomed two prospective members.
by John New
A small group of about 15 people and 8 beagles met at Fairlight for our first 2004 Sniffing Around Sydney walk. It was a lovely day - blue sky, a few wispy clouds, a light breeze - perfect for a relaxed walk along the Fairlight coastline.
We walked along an easy concrete path to Manly Wharf, with beagles sniffing the grassy surrounds and dodging other walkers and cyclists, then crossed the road to the very busy Manly Corso. Since the weather was warm and we humans felt the need for refreshment, we didn't continue the walk to Fairy Bower Beach. Instead, we stopped at the Corso and had some morning tea, with beagles helping to eat ice-cream and clean up loose crumbs of food.
After a suitable rest, we returned along the same path to the start of the walk at Fairlight. A very enjoyable first walk for the year.
Watch out in the Harking In for more exciting walks and reports from the Sydney Sniffers. We'd love you and your beagles to join us. Apart from the bonus of some much-needed exercise, it's a fun way for you and your beagles to see parts of Sydney that you may not usually visit.
