Sunday, July 11, 2010

Flying in the park


On Saturday afternoon I got into "my car" and was driven to a park that I’ve never been to before.

Meola Reef Reserve, in Auckland,  is part of a 10km (6 mile) lava flow that occurred many years ago. The lava flowed from the Three Kings volcano (about 8 km away) into the waters of the Waitemata Harbour (where it continues two-thirds of the way across the harbour to the land on the other side). Over time part of the lava flow has become a park, covered in grass and plants and has mangroves and other plants growing in the water around the reef.


When I saw the red part on the map above I learnt that there was a special area in this park especially for dogs. The plan was to walk to around the edge of the reef and end up in the red zone. I couldn’t wait. So I walked and walked.





At the far end of the park, I posed for a photo with the Auckland Harbour bridge behind me (if you click on this photo the bridge is to the right of my head). It is mid-winter here so to cope with the crisp conditions I wore my best fur coat! However it was only 12 degrees C so I was happy enough to be outside.



Finally I saw a dog - but it wasn't what I was expecting! He looked friendly enough, but didn't want to play.

He is a special rubbish bin for the waste that our humans collect from us.

Then we walked some more in the sunshine...


Don't these "Toi toi" plants look like my Golden Retriever tail?


Finally I found it - a big area with lots and lots of dogs! I could tell they wanted to meet me as lots of the dogs ran up to me to say hello.

The two other big dogs in this photo (with the things over their muzzles) are Maremma Sheepdogs.
There were all sorts of dogs, big dogs, small dogs, dogs with tails that pointed up (like mine) or tails that were level or pointed down.
They checked me out...
and I checked them out, and also got lots of pats from the other humans,
I even got to meet two other Golden Retrievers like this one named Honey. She was lovely.

There was so much space to run around, but the water was fenced off so I didn't get to go for a mid-winter swim.
However Mum said I was so happy meeting and greeting all the new dogs and people that I ran so fast with some of the dogs that it almost looked like I could fly!
So that was how I spent my Saturday afternoon. I hope you had a good weekend too.
Woofs,
Riley

14 comments:

Angus said...

That all looks very civilised. The litter bin for dogs is brilliant.

Molly the Airedale said...

What a beautiful park to explore! We're glad you got to meet some new doggie friends, Reilly!

Love ya lots
Maggie and Mitch

houndstooth said...

I love visiting the dog park! It looks like a lovely afternoon for it!

Bunny

Heather and Kelly said...

That toi toi plant does look exactly like your tail!!! I wonder if it is as soft...? It looks like it is.

What a very helpful doggy you found on the trail--doing the job that no one wants to do! And he looks super happy about it too. :)

Jacqueline said...

A beautiful park with so many beautiful woofies, but you certainly stand out among them, gorgeous Riley=we love your adorable, friendly, handsome face, sweetie!...It looks like you had a wonderful time and yes, it really looked like you could fly!...Seeing yo so happy put smiles on our faces today!...kises and hugs x3 precious friend...Calle, Halle, Sukki

Anonymous said...

Meeting dogs at the park is the best! Riley, you are soooo beautiful! Your coat is just gorgeous! :-)

~Kim at Golden Pines~ said...

I'm so glad you find time to make new friends go on all these amazing adventures and fun too!! :-))

D.K. Wall said...

What a great park (and the trail over was terrific, too).

P.S. - We get a kick out of your header everytime we come to visit.

Unknown said...

I've been to Meola Reef! :-) But at that time, dogs were only allowed off-leash in the fenced in bit - not the rest of the reserve - have they changed that now? Anyway, it looks beautiful - but then, where in NZ isn't?! :-)

Slobbers,
Honey the Great Dane

MySpecialDoggies said...

What a beautiful park and to have the chance to play with other doggies - my Neeli wishes she could be there to meet & greet!

Your country is beautiful Riley.

Wags & licks
Nadine Apples & Neeli

Mrs. JP said...

Wow, Riley is certainly photogenic. I kept reading and looking at the pictures and couldn't decide on a favorite but the two fav's are the one with Riley on the picnic table and the other is where he's flying! What a fun day.

sprinkles said...

I gave you some bloggy loves, please stop by my blog to pick up your award!

Maxmom said...

Hey there Riley
How wonderful to find so many friends to play with. I also love that litter bin.
Sending lotsaluv to you and your mom.
MAXMOM IN SA

Bella and Ollie said...

Hi Riley,

Thanks for visiting my blog; it looks like you had a lot of fun at the park !
I love your photo on the blog header, it's a great action shot !
Love from Bella.