by John New
The last time we went on this walk in 2003 we had about 15 people and 10 beagles. This time we again had a small group - 17 people and 16 beagles. One interesting thing about this walk is that it seems to be one of the few where the beagles almost outnumber the humans!
We started off the walk at one end of a shared cycleway / pathway, and it was very easy going along the mostly flat and wide concrete path. Probably the hardest part of the walk was dodging the many other walkers and cyclists. If only the cyclists would use their bells to let us know they were coming rather than riding close behind and scaring the dogs with their sudden appearance ...
There were quite a few parks along the path, with many groups having picnics. The beagles were very excited when we passed by the barbeques! We stopped a few times to let some small children meet the dogs. Lots of licks and pats. It seemed that most parents were very pleased to let their children meet such friendly dogs. A very good advertisement for the beagle breed.
We walked until we reached the end of the cycleway, had a short rest, and then returned along the same path. When we finished the walk last time, we were able to let the beagles offlead in a fenced oval nearby. Unfortunately this time there were some groups of people using the ovals. On the other hand, most beagles seemed to be pretty tired after walking the 7km distance.
A very enjoyable walk. We'll look forward to seeing you at our next one.
by John New
It was a small group of about 15 people and 10 beagles who gathered at the Neapean River, Camden, on a lovely winter day. The sky was blue, the wind was light, and it was pleasantly warm. A good day for a walk.
The walk itself was along a shared cycleway/pathway from Cowpasture Reserve to Elizabeth Macarthur Park, about 7kms return. It was a very easy walk, mostly flat, along a wide concrete path with grassy areas on each side, running more or less next to the river. It wasn't as crowded as some other walks we have been on, but there were still plenty of other walkers and cyclists, and a few other dogs too.
One bonus was that the walk started and finished next to an enclosed oval. When we finished the walk, we let the beagles off-lead in the oval and they had a great time racing around and playing for half an hour so. If the dogs were tired after the walk, they were exhausted after playing in the oval.
A few passers-by came over to watch them play. One was told, jokingly, that the beagles were actually quarantine beagles on a day-pass for some rest and recreation!
Our next walk on Sunday 31 August, 1pm, along the Cooks River, Marrickville. Hope to see you there.