Penny tippy-toes along the O'Shannassy Aqueduct Trail at Warburton

Yesterday, as as a friend and I walked along the O'Shannassy Aqueduct Trail on the hills near Warburton, we discussed the fact that Penny is never happy to walk towards Dee Road. As usual, she began to lag behind, and raced to the front of the group once we turned back towards Yuonga Road. Whenever we walk on this trail, Penny is unhappy. But whenever we turn in the other direction, onto the newer section towards Cement Creek, her tail goes up and she prances along in front. I've frequently wondered whether there's something about the place that makes her feel uneasy, something about the actual ground underfoot. Therefore, I was quite interested to read this piece of history:

Since its completion in 1914, the aqueduct experienced several failures, two of which occurred between Dee Road, Millgrove and Yuonga Road, Warburton. The construction of an open steel flume section of channel and the picturesque Dee Slip Bridge remain today and serve as a strong reminder of the challenges the aqueduct faced.

Looking around, I came across a Shire of Yarra Ranges document about landslips in the area. Most interesting. I guess Penny may be feeling something we humans cannot. But I don't think the footfalls of two humans and one 15 kilo dog are going to cause any problems. Seeing it's one of the most beautiful spots I've seen anywhere in the world, Penny will just have to tippy-toe along there with us.

in the hills with my dog

Penny is used to spending some time up in the Yarra Ranges, and mostly hangs around in the house waiting for a chance to go out on a walk or a swim. And up there, the Yarra is usually clean, unlike its muddy lower reaches at Warringal Park in Heidelberg.



We usually cross the river at Warburton on the swinging bridge built by the Australian Army.





However, there is a home-grown attraction at our own place, now, because our neighbors have chooks - and they've situated the chicken run right beside our fence, just in the spot where the big branch fell from the mountain ash and crushed the top part of the fence.

Penny decided to sit and watch the chooks...



and watch...



and watch...



It's great to see her so calmly getting used to them, but until the fence is repaired, I won't be leaving her alone out there, that's for sure.