Close encounter

This afternoon Grey Granite had the delight of taking Rufus for his first Wastart walk. This proved to be very exciting for them both. Rufus was at first wary of the sea, which he has never seen before and of wide open spaces but rapidly gained confidence. He remained on a short lead but Grey Granite will use the extending lead next trip. The two squeaky gates were considered particularly threatening but the burn and patches of dubs were no obstacle and he ploughed happily through them. Rufus showed his terrier nature, sniffing about excitedly, grubbing in scrubby clumps of heather and obviously revelling in the wild environment. We walked as far as the Stone Steps, further than intended but Rufus showed no signs of being tired and was in fact so excited that we went back to Dingwall Street walking to heel along North Street instead of across 'The Parkie' in order to provide calming down time before the car. Botanically the walk was a little disappointing, plants are later in flowering than usual and the grass is still dry and sere looking. There were, however, a few celandines and coltsfoot by the Swine Burn, a good growth of comfery leaves, many dandelions and the first signs of scurvy grass opening in more sheltered places.
Grey Granite rejoices in the freedom of retirement and Rufus to enjoy it with.