Durisdeer Wed 9th Jan 08

First walk of the new year could easily have been cancelled due to the severe storm on Wednesday early a.m. The hardy boys turned out and were rewarded by the weather, Baltic but dry and sunny. Present were Paul, David, Jimmy and me of course. We revisited the small bothie to the south of Durisdeer for morning coffee. On exit we spotted a barn owl which had set up home in the wrecked house nearby. We proceeded onwards towards Thornhill reservoir and eventually to Morton Loch and Castle. Lunch in the lee of the castle in a very idylic spot. Jimmy assured us that we would be back at the car by 2 p.m.. We managed to be there by 2.15 which proves that Jimmy miles are getting shorter. On the day we spotted a barn owl,a kestrel, pheasants, grouse, field fare, shelfies,buzzards and lots of wee broon burds. A small refreshment in Kirkonnell and a blether in the pub rounded off the day.