This year our trip to Scotland Island was in the morning, to try and avoid the crowds and to get a parking space. We all met in plenty of time to catch a ferry to the island, a small group of about 16 people and 10 beagles.
The ferry trip is very quick and was very pleasant. When we arrived, we climbed the steep steps at Bells Wharf and stopped for a group photograph. A passing walker told us about the local Fire Brigade's fundraising morning and suggested we might like to drop in for some morning tea.
We set off along the road, which is very safe with hardly any traffic apart from one or two small motorbikes. We met a few small girls who were delighted to get a lick or two from our beagles and give a pat in return. We stopped at a park, and then realised that the Fire Brigade was just nearby and so set off to buy a drink and muffin.
It was all very pleasant and civilised, only spoilt when, as we were leaving, one beagle flipped a tray off a table and all nearby beagles ate everything they could get. Of course, this is only what any self-respecting beagle would do, it was very funny to watch. But we left quite quickly.
We walked back the way we had come, to Bells Wharf, where we caught the ferry back to the mainland, finishing off a very enjoyable outing.
This was the Club's second trip to Scotland Island. So many people had said how
much they enjoyed the first trip in 2003 we had to do it again. This time
we had about 26 people and 19 beagles.
We had plenty of time at the park until we could catch the ferry back to the mainland. Most people took the opportunity to let their beagles off lead for a wild romp around. A few beagles even took off and raced around a house while the owners (we think) watched indulgently.
The ferry trip back to the mainland was enjoyable, and nicely finished off a very pleasant outing.
What a fun way to finish off a year of beagle walks for the group of about 18 people and 15 beagles who gathered for our Scotland Island trip!
The weather was wonderful. A lovely sunny day, hardly a cloud in the sky, light sea breezes. Unfortunately, this meant lots of other people decided to travel to the coast so parking at the Church Point wharf was incredibly difficult. So difficult we waited an extra 30 minutes before boarding the ferry to the island so people could find parking. Thanks to Alan McGrath, the ferry master, for being so flexible about the timing. Thanks also to the Beagle Club for paying everyone's ferry fare.
Most beagles were very brave when it came to walking along the wharf and travelling on the ferry. Some beagles were nervous and our Daisy had to be carried and cuddled during most of the trip. Fortunately, the trip was only about 10 minutes, and once on dry land all beagle spirits revived with the promise of new smells.
The walk was very simple, just follow the main road around the island back to where we started. True, there were some steep hills to climb but most were fairly short, and most of the walk was fairly flat. It took about an hour or so to walk around the whole island.
After finishing the circuit, we had a rest at the park near the wharf while some beagles tried to eat their humans' morning tea and others went for a swim.
We boarded the ferry back to Church Point to finish our last outing for the year. Watch out for a new schedule of walks in the Harking In next year. If you would like everyone to join you on your favourite walk, please contact John New, the Walks Coordinator, with the details.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.