Greenock Cut

23 January The Greenock Cut
Alan, Davie, Jimmy, Johnny, Paul & Rex
Rain!
We gathered at Johnny’s place - his homemade scones and coffee went down a treat. Well done J - and debated whether we should do the sensible thing and stay indoors or brave the elements and get some much needed exercise. We are all too old to be sensible and definitely in need of the exercise so the hike was on. The weather god who blessed our last two outings deserted us this day for the sky was heavy with clouds that hung low down on the tops blocking out any extensive views. Rain fell more often than not, whipped along on the fresh westerly and limiting visibility even further. And six of us attempted to have a pleasant walk.
The car park at Cornalees belied the conditions. The trees sheltered us from the wind and the rain was off for the moment but we were wary enough to don the waterproofs from the start. Just as well, for rounding the shelterbelt we found the wind lashing the water of the loch into dull grey-green peaks topped by dingy white crests. It looked cold even if the thermometer said it wasn’t. We strode out to stir the blood and warm us up. The granite fronted natural spring was noted in the passing, and it was in the passing, for this was not a day to hang about. Loch Thom was no less depressing than its wee brother, perhaps even more so for the hills on the far side were obscured by drizzle. Then the rain hit. It was not particularly heavy rain but it was wind-driven and wetting. Fortunately it was on our backs. And, in the downpour, we climbed to the head of the pass.
No elevenses at the wee jetty as we had the last time we were here but the, now downward, progress was continued. We found The Cut just above Greenock. The ruined house that was here at our last visit and which might have given shelter enough for coffee, was now partly re-roofed and a gang of workmen were busy in and out of it. They looked as thrilled to be in the weather as we were but, at least they were being paid for it. We were doing it for pleasure/fitness/endurance/masochism*. So it was onward yet. Without coffee!
We now followed the cut westward. The rain went and the sky lifted sufficiently to show the hill above Helensburgh brooding, black and sodden on the far side of the estuary. A sheltered spot by the lea of a wee cleugh was found for a break. Elevenses and, as it was now quarter past twelve, lunch as well.
Peece-time was just finished and we were packing up when the first spots of rain hit us. Out of the shelter of the cleugh we found the wind as well. Rex said, as the wind driven rain stung into every bit of exposed flesh, ‘At least it stops us from overheating’. (It must be an Aussie thing. Or see * above). The weather god must have found this comment to his liking for the rain subsided and that was the last we were to see of it for the day though the wind continued and the waterproofs stayed on.
The Kingfisher was spotted by the advanced pair as it flashed up the water but, by the time it was reported to those behind, it had gone. Jimmy had us all stopped further along as he spotted the bird again but it mysteriously turned into quivering leaf as we approached. Jimmy is good at spotting quivering leafs.
We came up under the dam to Cornalees car park where, thankfully, all our dry clothes were.
A wet day, but somehow enjoyable. (See* above)

*Delete as appropriate to yourself.