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!
