James & Ethel Gray Park: A Slip, a Wag, and a Magical Morning

So, if there’s even a shred of "woo-woo" in you, you will agree that this day was sprinkled with something that looked suspiciously like cosmic alignment.

I would finally meet one of my Facebook followers. She’d messaged me a while back about hiking together, with one non-negotiable: it had to be a dog-friendly trail, for Boris, the MVP in her life. And honestly? Fair. I fully respect that level of devotion.

So the plan?

Me.

Boris.

His mom.

My son Salt.

Salt’s human partner and his two adopted four-legged children.

Yes, it’s a lot.

No, there won’t be a quiz.

Then came "The Message". At stupid-o’clock in the morning. My traitorous son Salt informing me that they were now bailing.

Now, the pre-hiking me would have gone all passive-aggressive: “Fine, whatever, just don’t commit next time.” But new me? She’s trying out this thing called “grace”

Since I had decided to give Hartbeespoort a break, I had planned a trail in Parys. But Boris’s mom had been a little nervous about the distance—and to be honest, I’d never driven that side alone either.

So I gracefully pivoted.

I Googled dog-friendly trails, a search that normally sends me spiraling into a black hole of too much information… and yet, somehow, not enough.

But this time? Only James & Ethel Gray Park popped up. Never heard of it.

Fifteen minutes away. Dog-friendly. Off-leash permitted. "woo-woo" indeed.

I sent the link to Boris’s mom. She was keen. Life was good.

Now, if this is a wildly well-known trail, please don’t ruin this for me. I’m claiming this as my personal discovery, and I will die on that hill. (Preferably not literally, but with my ability for inclines? Who knows.)

Boris - Naturally!

It was everything: towering trees, a duck-filled pond, amazing energy and total choose your own trail vibes. Want to walk for an hour? Great. Two? Go for it.

It started slightly prickly. First, Boris's mom was on the wrong side of the park (not its most attractive side), but that was easily remedied.

But more importantly. Me? I did not get lost.

Let that sink in.

Frankly, THAT should’ve been the headline: “Hag locates destination without detour or meltdown.”

As we set off, we had a "situation". Someone’s unleashed dog decided it was time for a full-on “you and me, now” moment with Boris.

Now, if you’re going to let your dog off leash in a space that allows it, you’ really should be certain they’re not out there looking to start turf wars.

I was mortified. If Boris had ended up in a fur-flying frenzy, I would have never forgiven myself. At that stage, I was ready to go home and slap Salt (metaphorically... mostly).

Things de-escalated eventually, but PSA: if your dog is getting testy and another dog is clearly uncomfortable (as are its humans), call your dog off. Don’t just stand there watching to see if it sorts itself out.

And Boris? An absolute king. Gorgeous boy, beautiful temperament, behaved like a gentleman in the face of nonsense.

Then—as if that wasn’t enough—poor Boris misstepped and landed straight into the freezing duck pond. Sorry, Boris. Damn you, Salt.

Post walk, we grabbed takeaway cappuccinos from the coffee shop and found one of the many benches scattered throughout the park—ideal for the less fit, the overly dramatic, or those of us who just want to soak in the energy.

Meanwhile, Boris was out there living his absolute best off-leash life.

Oh, and still on the fence about the “woo-woo” thing? On the previous day’s brutal hike, I proudly declared to anyone within earshot, “I haven’t slipped in ages!”

This soft, flat, gentle walk in the park? Shoved by the universe straight onto my butt down a virtually flat dewy patch of grass.

No injuries—just a bruised ego, some soggy dignity, and undeniable proof that they’re listening. And no, they’re not always magical. Sometimes, they’re just petty with a wicked sense of humour.

So yes, first real-life meetup with Boris’s mom = success.

Boris has given full consent for his photos to be published—because even Internet strangers deserve to bask in his magnificence.

RATING

AREA - Melrose

COST - Free

DIFFICULTY - Easy

LENGTH 

Up to you - we did 6 km

TIME 

Time is irrelevant. Especially when you’re chilling with emotionally intelligent dogs.

HIGHLIGHTS 

The trees—majestic and calming.

And of course, "The Spot Where Boris Slipped": Sorry again, Boris.

Salt—explain yourself. Immediately.

ABLUTIONS

SAFE FREE PARKING

AMENITIES 

Coffee shop, picnic areas, kid's playground acrobranch, Padel... and probably even more if you go looking.

NOTE TO SELF

You had blisters from the previous day’s hike. Yes, from "the expensive" shoes (damn shoes - never had blisters in the cheap crap. Ever).

You didn’t need a mountain. You needed a pleasant, local stroll… in your old reliable shoes, thank you very much.

So, you know what? The universe showed up, delivered, and tossed in a little magic—and a cappuccino, because she’s extra like that.

But Don’t let Salt know it all worked out for the best. He needs to live with the guilt and owe you for the rest of his natural life.

ON A FINAL NOTE

Lovely morning. Gorgeous dog. Great company.

A hike that felt like an unexpected little gift.

Totally recommend it for anyone looking for a park walk.

(TO)SOLO OR (NO)SOLO

SOLO....SO(SOLO)!!!