Sunday 6 Sept 2020. On this fine if breezy spring Sunday the Handels again ventured onto the Maribyrnong River Trail, this time cycling south-east from Footscray Park to Newell’s Paddock Conservation Reserve – barely a five-minute ride – to play Frisbee and commune with the ibises, swans and gulls. Despite its proximity to the river trail, alive with walkers, joggers and cyclists in varying states of immaskment, Newell’s Paddock was quiet and peaceful; only a handful of others passed through while we were there. The Black Swan couple were again enjoying time on the grass with their young ones; signs appear to have been installed since our visit last week requesting visitors not approach them. According to Friends of Newells Paddock, the swans were here last year too with a previous brood. We stayed for an hour or so then rode home via Seelaf Square, a pretty little reserve complete with children’s playground we had only recently come across.