Yesterday morning I told Dave I intended to take Olga to Hampstead Heath. We hadn't been to the main part of the Heath in months, and although Olga is slower and creakier these days, I thought we could do it. Dave was skeptical: "Do you have five hours?" he said.
Little did he know that I had a plan. We tried something new -- taking the Overground train from West Hampstead to the Heath, which I thought would save us some walking and give Olga more energy to run around once we got there. (You may remember I tried to do this a couple of weeks ago and the trains weren't running -- yesterday I checked ahead of time!)
It was a moderately successful experiment. As it turns out, we need to walk .4 miles to get from our house to the train, and another .4 miles to get from the Heath station to the entrance gate -- and it's 1.1 miles to simply walk all the way from our house. So we're not saving a whole lot of elderly dog energy. But as Dave pointed out, the time on the train gives her a little rest and maybe that helps.
She was very excited to be back in familiar territory. There was some squirrel chasing and frustrated barking, and running after her tennis ball and rolling in the grass. Entering the Heath at a new location made us shake up our walking routine, which was good for us.
We encountered a woman near this pond (above) who asked to pet Olga, and Olga obliged by licking her cheek. "Oh, I love staffy kisses!" the woman exclaimed. (Which is fortunate.)
I noticed that another of the Heath's old trees has been roped off, allegedly to avoid compacting the roots. This hollow tree is a favorite for little kids who love to climb on and in it -- even Olga's been inside the trunk. I've rarely seen it standing alone and empty.
The Heath was heavily used during our lockdowns and there was some concern about wear and tear on the paths and woodlands. Maybe these old trees were suffering from too much attention as well.
At any rate, we had a good time and the outing did not take five hours -- more like three. I'm glad we found a way to get back to our old stomping ground.
I saw this old sign in the garden of a pub on the way back to the train. Maybe I need to invest in some Spratt's for Olga?
At first glance, I thought the first photo was Cristina’s World. The brick wall, flowers, and Spratt’s sign make for a beautiful scene.
ReplyDeleteIt IS very Wyeth-like!
DeleteI didn’t mention how much I love the other photos with Olga. Also, I had never heard of Spratt’s, so looked it up. Fascinating. Thanks for the inspiration to learn more.
DeleteBeautiful arches!
ReplyDeleteThat was good inspiration, going by train-a nice change.
I wonder if it's more worrying about branches falling rather than root compaction...thinking about the root area that will be there and it's depth.
There's a little sign to the right of the fence (you can barely see it in the pic) that specifically says they're trying to prevent root compaction. It's a sign that's also near other "veteran trees" with fences around them -- but I guess preventing injuries from fallen limbs may also be a benefit!
Delete"WEETMEET" sounds like a vegan meat substitute, possibly similar to seitan. Perhaps one time you could order a dog-friendly Uber to get yourself and Olga to Hampstead Heath.
ReplyDeleteYeah, what on Earth could "weetmeet" be?! Apparently it's a variety of dog biscuit.
DeleteI initially missed the dot in front of the the fours. I've always thought writing 0.4 is pointless, but maybe not. Great that Olga enjoyed herself. Does she need her own Oyster card? From memory, the founder of Spratts, one Jack, could not eat fat, so he left it for his wife.
ReplyDeleteShe travels on my card. British trains are very accommodating to dogs!
DeleteYou mention "some concern about wear and tear on the paths and woodlands" through recent overuse; the same has been voiced over the Lake District (Cumbria). If you have never been - do go. With the hills (called fells) when looking down to the lakes you might think you were in Switzerland. On my maiden voyage I voiced this to an Englishman. One word of advice: Don't. For some reason it's not the thing to say. He was so annoyed my eyes must have widened - in wonderment - even wider than they normally are. How easy it is to give offence when the intent was a compliment.
ReplyDeleteGood old Olga. How old is Olga in dog years? Say, she is my mother's age. My poor mother will still insist on going out to post a letter. And I thank her - though my hair stands on end. I probably won't make it to her age so some inconveniences I will be spared. Whilst I wouldn't like Olga to lick my face, united we stand. Let's chase the odd ball and/or squirrel as long as we can.
Barking in the wind,
U
I have never been to the Lake District, though it's on my radar. Olga is about 10 in people years, so 70-ish in dog years? (We don't know her exact age because she was adopted by us as an adult.)
DeleteThat tree, roped off, seems so pretty ad peaceful, and might enjoy not being climbed on for a while.
ReplyDeleteTell Americans that Spratt's is the new horse paste and will end COVID and that stuff will fly off the shelves.
I agree about the tree! Although it was good to see so many kids enjoying it, I can't help but think it would rather not be climbed on!
DeleteLooks like a great time, especially for Olga. What a great portrait that first photo is of her. I was also reminded of Cristina's World.
ReplyDeleteFunny that "Christina's World" occurred to several of you. Maybe that's why I like the picture -- "Christina" is one of my favorite paintings.
DeleteAnd so it goes as we all age- we figure out work-arounds to allow us to do the things we love to do. Good for you for helping Olga to go back to the Heath within the constraints of her changing abilities.
ReplyDeleteIt's good to know we have the option, at least. Next step: baby pram!
DeleteThat second photo of Olga and the huge tree looks like a scene out of Wizard of Oz where the trees come to life! Look out, Olga!
ReplyDeleteI agree ... I thought Olga was barking at the Ogre Tree or a Goblin Tree! LOL
DeleteIt DOES look vaguely like it has a face, doesn't it?! Creepy!
DeleteI'm so glad you and Olga had a nice walk at Hampstead Heath. Thank you for taking us along with these beautiful photos.
ReplyDeleteI miss going there more regularly. I used to take her sometimes both days on a weekend!
DeleteGetting out during covid helps protect our sanity!
ReplyDeleteIt does indeed. Every activity helps!
DeleteOlga looks very happy with her outing on the Heath. I love that tree she is barking at.
ReplyDeleteShe definitely had a good time. When I saw her chasing squirrels (albeit running more slowly than usual) I knew she was back in her element.
DeleteI love the Heath. I wish it was in walking distance for me. and I imagine breaking up the walk to and fro did give Olga some recovery time.
ReplyDeleteYeah, it's not a bad method for getting her there. I'm sure we'll do it again!
DeleteIs the Heath a bit like Central Park? Lovely day out for you and Olga!
ReplyDeleteIt's like Central Park in its importance to Londoners, and it's similar in that it has natural, wooded areas and mowed, grassy ones. But I think overall it's less landscaped and more natural.
DeleteWhat a lovely outing! I agree with Dave - breaking up the walking with train rides probably helped a lot. I know it would help me!
ReplyDeleteYeah, we'll probably do it again. She does seem to enjoy a rest now and then.
DeleteIt always surprises me that Olga can go on the train. Dogs in the UK get to do more cool stuff than they do in the US.
ReplyDeleteThe UK is very dog-friendly when it comes to public transport!
DeleteMixed ovals- sounds like magic in the weet meet. I could use that. Great idea getting Olga back up to her queendom. You are such a good Dad.
ReplyDeleteThe roped off tree looks like it is relieved.
I agree -- I think that tree is happy to be left alone!
DeleteWhat a lovely day outing! Olga looks as if she was really enjoying it. I love that old tree! I'm glad to see it roped off to keep it safe. Enjoy your day, hugs, Edna B.
ReplyDeleteI think Olga had a great time, though she's still recovering!
DeleteOlga certainly looks pleased in every photo! It was a great idea to break the trip up. I've noticed I can walk further if I have even a five minute break part way through. I can't imagine why it would be any different for a doggo.
ReplyDeleteIt's amazing that people will obey a single strand fence, isn't it? *Good* amazing, I mean.
I like the sign name in the shape of a dog! Also, I need to remember that any combination of flower blooms looks good against brick. We have a brick front to our house and I am always hesitant to mix colours, but it really looks lovely in that picture.
Well, I wonder how well people obey that fence. I can't imagine that some people don't climb over it. We never worry about color-coordinating flowers -- we just let 'em grow and they all seem to look good together, brick or no!
DeleteOlga looks great in all her photos, but I like the one of her with the huge tree the best.
ReplyDeleteI just looked up Spratt's on Wikipedia. Very interesting! Did you know their company was the first to erect a billboard in London?
I did not know that! You've inspired me to visit that Wikipedia page -- I'll catch up on the company history!
DeleteSpratts is a Scottish terrier …I miss George x
ReplyDeleteYes, a "Scottie" like Fala, FDR's dog.
DeleteYou did Olga a g4reat kindness and I'm glad you were able to carry out that plan.
ReplyDeleteIt was cute when we entered the Heath and she immediately got excited and began jumping around. She definitely knew where she was.
DeleteOlga looks very pleased. And she probably slept well last night.
ReplyDeleteShe's STILL sleeping!
Delete