Readers of my predecessor Bouncing Bertie's blog will know that he was was a seasoned train traveller who during his life clocked up many thousands of miles by rail. But when I searched for his account of his first ever trip on a train, it didn't take much reading between the lines to work out that his behaviour was initially far from perfect...
I am still much younger than Bertie was when he was first introduced to the concept of public transport and I have yet to set paw on a train. But Gail has decided, now she is of an age to travel for free on all buses in Scotland, and what with fuel prices being so high (plus of course concerns about greenhouse gases), we might from time to time use the bus rather than the car to get to the start point of certain local walks.
So on Monday afternoon it was all aboard First Bus No.19 for a short (4 mile) ride from Aberdeen city centre to Cults, from where we could take a pleasant walk home along the Deeside Way.
I fear some of my readers might be secretly disappointed I have no amusing disaster stories to tell.
I waited patiently with Gail at the bus stop. After about 5 minutes the bus turned up. There were plenty of empty seats and I was allowed to sit on Gail's lap and look out of the window for part of the journey.
My only complaint is that this window rattled rather noisily when the bus was moving, but I didn't let it bother me and I was in fact as quiet as a mouse throughout.
Now that I have lulled her into a (possibly false) sense of security, Gail says she is emboldened to take me on a longer bus trip before too long!
wow a trip with a bus? how great!!! we never had such a funny adventure... we think there is a reason for that... hahahaha
ReplyDeleteA bus trip - Nobby you lucky boy!
ReplyDeleteI've never been on a bus, or a train either - my human says she doesn't think dogs are allowed on public transport here. Do you think that Gail is working up to taking you on long journey across the sea on a big boat - just like she took Bertie?
My new next door neighbour, a Labradoodle called Jessie, has a special cage to travel in, and she flies up in the sky in an aeroplane! How about that? Her owner is an airline pilot, so maybe she gets good treats!
Love,
Inca xx
I've never been on a bus before. Lucky you, Nobby, and because you're such a good boy, you will get to go again and again!
ReplyDeleteNobby that sounds like a wondeful trip, you mentioned that Gail travels for free on the buses, but you did not say if you had to pay. I hope not as I think they should pay you for travelling on the bus.
ReplyDeleteHi Hilary,
DeleteI'm delighted to report that in Aberdeen dogs (of any age) travel for free on the buses.
Toodle-oo!
Nobby.
Hari OM
ReplyDeleteWell, Nobby, I am super impressed with your demeanour on the bus and I would even go so far as to say it seems you may have enjoyed it! Pawhaps it was the opportunity of cuddling with Gail enroute while she was relieved of any responsbility for watching the road or controlling a fast moving hunk of metal??? I do hope that another trip comes your way soon - just to prove the point you understand! Hugs and wags, YAM-aunty xxx
Nobby...I immediately started singing the children's song "Wheels on a Bus go 'round and 'round". No worries though as it gave me fond memories.
ReplyDeleteI am thrilled to read that your first bus ride went quite well w/o any hiccups.
Heads up though when you ride the train do NOT, I repeat, do NOT expect be be off leash at all. Gail does not want a repeat of the famous Bouncing Bertie platform caper.
Hugs Cecilia
I am now trying to picture in my mind if you and Tigger could go on a bus or train ride together and what might happen, but then pictures in my mind start to think about what Two Wiems on a bus would be like and I can't think past that.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your first bus ride and at an even younger age than Angel Bertie. I was a tad disappointed there were no wild adventures to report but so pleased to hear you will be going on other bus rides and we shall see what we shall see. Now I wonder if we can ride buses free here. I do know you would not be allowed on our buses unless you were a seeing eye dog.
In our household, the only bus trips with animals were our bus rides to the vet in San Francisco, with The Cat, who could never be found once I called a taxi! Congratulation on your Good Behavior and your splendid tartan pattern collar.
ReplyDeleteWell done, Nobby! How exciting that you had such a successful first bus ride. We can't wait to hear more about your big bus adventures.
ReplyDeleteGo Nobby!! I feel it is always a good idea to find just the right mix of "good" and "naughty" in order to keep the humans on their toes!
ReplyDeletexoxo,
Sunny
We hope you get to take more bus rides, Nobby - we just know you will behave. And everyone will adore you and give you lots of attention. Hope there is a train ride coming along soon.
ReplyDeleteWoos - Lightning, Misty, and Timber
You're a very brave pup! Chester doesn't even like getting into a car.
ReplyDeleteYou are such a good dog. Soon you will be using planes, trains and automobiles.
ReplyDeleteMy first and only adventure in public transportation wuz an airport ride as a puppy - and I was perfect. I am really good in momma's car too.
ReplyDeleteBuses are quite cool aren't they? Plenty of seats to choose from (although I'm not allowed to do the choosing), room to move around, big windows (and up higher than a car). They are a bit noisy and Athens buses seem to have no suspension (or they left it in a pothole somewhere), but people watching is a compensating sport to pass the time. Wait till you get to try trains.....Paw smacks Mr T
ReplyDeleteWow, you were allowed to get on a public transit?? That wouldn't happen here unless you were a certified service pup. Go for it!
ReplyDeleteWe need to grab that idea, too, of free public transit for those of a certain vintage...what a great idea. Maybe we live in the wrong country?!
Wow! Nobby ~ what a fun time ~ riding on the bus ~ you are on your way to be a professional traveler ~ Xo
ReplyDeleteWishing you good health, laughter, and love in your days,
A ShutterBug Explores,
aka (A Creative Harbor)