Glasgow Canal Walk 4th June

Alan, Allan, Dougie, Graham, Gus, Hugh, Johnny, Kenny R, Malcolm, Paul, Rex, Robert

Johnny, or rather Johnny’s phone, assured us that, despite heavy showers on the way up to Glasgow, the rain would be gone just after ten o’clock and it would be dry for the rest of the day. It was after half past ten when we left the Counting House, and ten minutes later the heavens opened! Taking shelter where we could, and digging out wet weather gear, we couldn’t help but notice that Rex had come unprepared for the rain. That being the case he indicated that he would go no further but wait for the rain to go off and return to the shelter of the city centre shops but would meet up with us for lunch later on. His minder for the day, Malcolm, decided he would also abandon the walk and keep Rex company.

The rain started to ease and by the time the rest had reached Speirs Wharf, it was off and jackets etc were removed as it turned into a fine day. Striding out past Firhill and down to Stockingford Junction we encountered the new, fancy footbridge which takes you across to where you can start the walk up to Kirkintilloch – remember that day? - and beyond. However, we continued to Maryhill Locks where the persistent heavy drizzle returned for twenty minutes or so. Soon we turned on to the Kelvin Walkway, past the recently demolished Wyndford flats, and down towards the Botanic Gardens. Some turned off across the first bridge whilst the rest continued to the Humpback bridge before crossing to the Gardens and, more importantly, the toilets. 

By this time, we were two distinct groups making our way eventually to Woodlands Road and to Wetherspoon’s (Hengler’s Circus) for lunch. Gus chose to head straight for his train rather than stay for lunch, but the rest enjoyed the food and drinks before leaving for their various modes of transport at quarter to three. From Wetherspoon’s to Wetherspoon’s it was the best part of eight miles in three hours and a good step-out, as they say. It rained heavily on the way home to Kilmarnock. Johnny is handing his phone back to Mickey Mouse!

Arrangements for 11th June

Smugglers Trail

Meet at Malcolm's house at 9.30am for coffee and scones. Walk to Troon, have FRT, and then take the bus back to Dundonald. 

Auchincruive and Rex's 80th 28th May

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

We were ready to set off at ten minutes to ten on a bright morning from the car park near the Bothy café at Auchincruive. Alan (the younger) led us on a circular route out through the estate before we emerged at Oswald’s bridge which is having its stonework repaired, a painstaking job for the stonemason. We stopped for a quick coffee at the Wallace and Burns monument before making our way along the riverside path and up to the Bothy café where most took the opportunity to have a coffee and a bun.

Since it was still quite early when we finished our snacks, it was decided to continue for another couple of miles and so we set off down the footpath towards Annbank before taking a left up a steepish track to join another one heading back the way. It was on this last leg when the path got narrower with a steep drop on one side that Allan and Davie got detached. Eventually they got themselves back down to the riverside path and answered Rex’s phone call to confirm that they were OK. The rest had stayed high, had come across a fawn by the path, and had reached the cars by this time, although some waited for the last two at the café.

It was quarter past one when the stragglers reached the cars having covered six miles in good walking conditions, with only a short, very light shower to contend with. No FRT today as we were heading for the Jewel in the evening to celebrate Rex’s eightieth birthday.

 

The thirteen above were joined by Billy and Derval Davie at the Jewel for what turned out to be a great night in celebration of Rex’s special birthday. Thanks again to Catriona and Lucy for attending to us so well and contributing to the night and to the table of four who came into the restaurant and seemed to enjoy the atmosphere. Indeed, one chap came over and congratulated Rex as he was leaving. In some way all contributed by just being there but mention must go to Gus for his presentation to Rex, to Derval Davie for his quiz regarding backing groups, to Wee Davie for his song in the Aussie dialect, to Alan for his words of friendship and thoughtful gift to Rex, a hard act to follow, to Rex himself for his words of thanks, to Allan’s daughter, Ainsley, for making the cake, and to Johnny for printing the words to the Ooters song. We wish Rex a happy birthday on the 29^th and suggest he doesn’t lose too much sleep over what to do with his 25p a week pension increase.

We then adjourned to Wetherspoon’s for our traditional night cap. The evening typified what the Ooters are all about i.e. good banter, laughs, and above all, camaraderie.

 

Arrangements for Wednesday 4th June

Glasgow Canal 

Meet at the Counting House in George Square at 10am for a walk alongside the canal.

Some images for the Auchincruive walk