Knockroon to A-frame 3rd September

 

Alan, Allan, Davie C, Davie Mc, Dougie, Gus, Hugh, Jimmy, Johnny, Malcolm, Rex, Robert

The proposed walk from Kames was postponed due to persistent rain, so the alternative was a walk from Knockroon to Dumfries House. There was a persistent smirr/drizzle as we set off up the road before cutting down through the overgrown path to the tress and then down on to the track that takes you under the road and out to Dumfries House. It was very mild, and layers were shed but, with rain jackets and wet weather trousers still on, most were getting wet from the inside.

By ten to eleven we were at the fountain in the gardens, too early for lunch, so Derval Davie suggested continuing to the A-frame. Just twenty-five minutes he said! Of course, the second half of the route to the A-frame is manly uphill meaning that progress was not so quick and by the time we reached the benches for lunch it had taken forty minutes. Davie was politely reminded of this fact! Jimmy, who had to be home early, turned back at this point without joining us for lunch.

As luck would have it, the rain got heavier as we sat, but relented again on our way back, and yes, it only took twenty-five to thirty minutes to get back to the estate. By this time Davie was regretting suggesting the extension, but we ploughed on before stopping just beyond the underpass at the main road. The group then split in half with wee Davie and his minders choosing to avoid the steep uphill section followed by the narrow tricky path and take the left-hand path up to the Cumnock side of Auchinleck whilst the remainder retraced their steps back to the cars and arrived only five minutes or so in front of the others.

Just about three hours for the seven miles in damp conditions and we were glad to get a dry shirt on before heading to The Black Bull in Mauchline for FRT. The sitooterie was not an option today! As usual, we got a warm welcome and sausage rolls and biscuits were provided. Many thanks again to the staff who make our visits here most enjoyable.

Arrangements for 10th September

Meet at Kames at 10am for the walk to and around the new big loch i.e. the walk that was postponed on 3rd September.

In the event of  adverse weather the alternative will be a walk from the Burns Centre in Alloway.

Check the blog on the Tuesday evening. If no new post then it will be Kames. 

Some images from the Knockroon to A frame walk

 

Change of plan for 3rd September

Meet at Knockroon at 10am for a walk to Dumfries House. (Heavy rain forecast for Muirkirk area and liitle shelter on proposed walk.)

Irvine to Barassie and 20th Anniversary Curry 27th August

Alan, Allan, Davie C, Davie Mc, Dougie, Gus, Hugh, Johnny, Malcolm, Paul, Rex

It was overcast as we met at Irvine beach park for our walk to Barassie, and, with rain forecast for between 10 and 2, we set off along the beach at a steady pace. There was plenty of firm sand with the tide being out, so even with walking into what breeze there was, the seats at Barassie were reached after an hour. Twenty-five minutes were spent here having a rest and, for some of us, having a snack. As we sat watching the Glen Sannox disappear towards the raincloud-covered Arran we couldn’t help but notice a fisherman in waders (we hope) casting his line out beyond some rocks and by the time we left, with the tide coming in, the water was well over his waist! The assembled company thought that his devotion to his sport was too much to say the least.

The walk back always seems longer but with the breeze behind us it again only took us an hour to get back to the cars, just as the rain began to fall. Six miles in all and we had won a watch with the weather.

 

In the evening, we gathered at The Jewel to celebrate the 20^th anniversary of the Ooters. The eleven above were joined by Alan McQ, Billy, Ian, Jimmy, Kenny T, Peter and Robert for the meal and it was great the original three, Derval Davie, Peter and Robert were there.. It was much appreciated that Peter could join us and that Ian had travelled down from Cumbernauld to celebrate the occasion. During the course of the night both Robert and Davie spoke about the origins of the group and what it has become to its members i.e. a source of exercise, camaraderie, banter, laughter, mental wellbeing, and mutual support. The words were well received. As always, Killie Davie led the company in some verses of the Ooters song to round the occasion off. Thanks again to Katrina and Lucy for their attentiveness. We all enjoyed the meal and will be back in October to celebrate the birthdays of Wee Davie and Malcolm. Most then adjourned to Wetherspoon’s for a wee nightcap.

An excellent evening! Let’s hope there will be many more celebrations to come.