Family Walk: Melbourne countryside (of mud and brussel sprouts)

Melbourne parish church, seen from across the Pool (it's not a pond)

Our Saturday afternoon had a rare combination of factors: everyone was rested, everyone was happy, the weather was pleasant, and we had nothing planned.  As a result, we took a walk I've wanted to do for a while.  The route is out of a little book called Walks around Melbourne that I picked up in the village.

Here's the route from Runkeeper.  3.1 miles, 1 hr 21 min.  Completed with no piggyback rides and only minimal cajoling.

Kristine wisely had the girls put their Wellies on.  Despite several days without rain in the preceding week, the paths were reasonably muddy.  The Wellies gave the girls freedom to splash, squish, and twist to their hearts' delight.

Our walks through Melbourne usually go past terraced houses and businesses.  This took us through a residential area.

One of the doors to the Parish Church.  We had some difficulty getting everyone looking at the phone.

The Pool (not pond) is a favorite stop of ours if we have bread for the ducks and swans, which we didn't this time.  Elise decided it would be fun to walk along "The Great Wall of Melbourne."

She also decided she wanted to go in front.

Photo op by the Pool.  Still having trouble getting everyone looking at the phone.

We were either enjoying the mud or appreciating the view across the Pool.

Lots more mud on this path through the Pool Farm.  Crops are ??

Brussel sprouts.  Grown because everyone eats them even nobody I know admits to liking them.

More brussel sprouts.

Short jaunt on the road between Pool Farm and the footpath at Woodhouse Nurseries.  Unlike the parents, the girls thought walking on grass beside a busy road was lots of fun.

On a footpath again.  With lots of mud that put the Wellies to good use.

One more footpath - with bright sun that allows a photo of shadows.

We're at almost 3 miles of walking here.  Clare is starting to flag (hence holding Kristine's hand).

Through the last residential stretch before our house.  Fortification with cookies has provided energy for the last couple of blocks.

One more stop in a puddle.  Fortunately the car didn't get splashed (the owners are friends of mine from the brass band).

Our weekend routine has stabilized enough this school year that we can start thinking about activities like this one.  Completing a 3 mile hike as a family opens up lots of options.  We shall see how many we take advantage of.