Wednesday 14 April 2021

The 'Secret Gorge' Adventure


First we heard about it from Imogen.

"Did you know there's a secret gorge hidden away in the woods near Maryculter? It's such a special place. You access it via a tunnel under the road, and through a metal barrier. The route is quite steep and there's not really a proper path"

Then it turned out our friends M and J had also discovered the gorge and we heard more.

"The ground is rough and overgrown in places. Our Dutch friend Kees showed us the way. It was quite an adventure. Not suitable for Bertie, I think."

NOT SUITABLE FOR BERTIE!!!

Talk about a red rag to a bull...

So anyway, last Friday, Imogen had promised to show Gail what might be the one remaining piece of new (to Gail and me) untrodden territory within our currently permitted five mile limit. And when Gail heard that Muriel would also be joining us, and bringing some home-baked shortbread especially for me, it was inconceivable that I could be left at home.

And after such a build up, I was expecting at least the Grand Canyon!

[I admit I was a bit confused when Gail put on my harness as a "precaution". Long term readers will know that this is usually deployed in preparation for a train journey, ever since a particular incident at Newcastle station...]

It is fortunate that neither Gail nor I have piled on the pounds during lockdown, as the first part of the expedition involved a bit of a squeeze.

Can you see Gail in camouflage there?

Soon we reached the 'gorge'.

Er, not quite the Grand Canyon is it Gail? But a pretty enough spot, and that was only the start of the adventure.

We scrambled up through the woods, past what might be the remains of a Polish workers camp from WW2, and evidence of the area's more recent past as a children's play park.

Eventually we came down to the river and, not before time, Muriel broke out the shortbread.

All in all it was a grand little outing and I hope I get to go back there some day.

Oh and by the way, the harness was quite unnecessary for a roughty toughty and sure-pawed terrier like yours truly! 

18 comments:

  1. oh that was a super adventure... like reading a book about indiana jones... how great that you can still discover new places near your crib!!!

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  2. Oh Bertie, that was an exciting adventure, and to discover a new place to walk too! True, it wasn't exactly the Grand Canyon, but somewhere new, in times like these, is still good news.
    I noticed the photo where Muriel broke out the shortbread. My human has made some really tasty shortbread lately (unlike her scones - least said about those the better!), and the last ones were heart-shaped - just like the ones Muriel made. Hope they were as scrumptious as ours were.

    Love,
    Inca xx

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    1. Hi Inca, be reassured the shortbread (in fact made by one of Muriel's sisters) was totally scrummy.
      Toodle pip!
      Bertie.

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  3. Bertie did you hear my gasp when I read "not suitable for Bertie"? WFT are warriors. Whew thank goodness Muriel mentioned something she made for Bertie. She is the reason you were able to take the trek. I still giggle when I see the word New Castle. Bryan and I are quite fond of New Castle Brown ale. I think of your sprint every time I have one.
    Wow that is a lovely area. I bet when all the leaves are green it is very magical too.
    You 2 come to NC and we'll go to Seaboard.
    Hugs Cecilia

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  4. Hari Om
    Gracious, Bertie lad, the very thought that you might not be able to go had my heart in my mouth for a moment... but I am so glad that Gail ignored such remarks and brought you along. What a proper wee delight, to explore new territory. Were there lots of good sniffings and scrabblings??? At least we know there was good shortbread... Hugs and wags, YAM-aunty xxx
    (whose answer to Gail's question re CFS is - no not really... )

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  5. What a SuperFun adventure and we're so happy that you got to go too, Bertie!

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  6. How exciting to discover a new place to hike near your home. It looks like you had a great time exploring and getting that shortbread cookie too.

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  7. What a great place to walk and explore!

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  8. Glad you enjoyed the shortbread Bertie....next time I'll bring you one of my haggis and cheese scones.....now they are yummy

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  9. New adventures, and shortbread, are always delightful!

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  10. We are still glad that Gail took precautions to keep you safe, Bertie. That looks like a wonderful place to explore. We hope you get back there again, and that Muriel comes along with some more shortbread.

    Woos - Lightning, Misty, and Timber

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  11. Bertie, you sure go on some pretty pawsome adventures. We love the photos that you shared. We hope you had fun and can't wait to see your next one.
    World of Animals Rittenhouse

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  12. Of course it was easy for you, Bertie. You are the strongest pup who I know! What fun to explore a new place within your lockdown limits.

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  13. Such a fantastic find. It must have been fascinating. To think you could find something new in your own area. Bertie, you are the braves and most resilient dog we know.

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  14. OMD, dude, I can't believes they even THOUGHT of goin' without you! sigh. Wells, again you proved never to underestimate a terrier! AND a cookie??! SCORE! What a FABulous outing!
    Kisses,
    Ruby ♥

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  15. Hi friend, Ojo here! What a beautiful spot! What a pawesome Walk! And did you get that WHOLE COOKIE?!?!! I want to go on Walks with YOU!

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  16. What a terrific walk! We have places like that, but we can't go right now. Mom tore her Achilles tendon and it is still healing, we only get flat walks!

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  17. That looks like quite the adventure, squeezing through the gate looks crazy, but worth it for the walk that comes afterward!

    Rosie and Redford

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