18 December: Annbank to Ayr

(Andy, Johnny, Malcolm, Paul, Rex,  Alan, Davie C, Davie M, Gus, Paul, Peter)

After a fortnight the memory is a little hazy so this is a brief blog – chiefly for the record!

There was a good turnout outside Annbank Bowling Club for the final walk of the year. We took the short route from Annbank to Auchincruive, on the north side of the river and  is our wont, we stopped for refreshments at the Wallace and Burns monument.  

Confusion reigned when we resumed the walk. The majority headed off up the road en route for Ayr whilst Paul and Davie M looked at each other and enquired why we weren’t returning to Annbank, via the opposite side of the river, as per the blog.

Paul hadn’t been present when the day’s walk was agreed  and had just read the blog, so he had a perfect excuse but Davie had been present and had agreed to write up the details ask Kay to write up the details of the walk.  Perhaps he had switched off his hearing aids since everyone else claimed Annbank to Ayr had been agreed. The majority prevailed.

Soon after we had left the tarmac Peter announced he was only doing half the walk since he had urgent business to attend to, so we bade him farewell as he retraced his footsteps.

Lunch was taken, as usual, by the stepping stones across the River Ayr and then we made speedy progress into town.  We arrived at the bus station, went to the stance for the Annbank bus, only to discover that the bus no longer left from there. We wandered aimlessly around the bus station looking for the correct stance until a friendly local took pity on us, asked where we were going and directed us back to the High Street.  We were soon aboard the elusive bus. Why do people have to make changes to the way we have always done things?

FRT was taken at the Tap o’ the Brae where  Alan conjured up a magnificent spread for us!  Salmon, caught and smoked by his own fair hands, home-made pâté, horse radish sauce, oatcakes, blinis (wee crumpets, if you hail from Springside) and other treats too numerous to mention. We all tucked in and Alan’s generosity was much appreciated.

A good walk to end the year, topped off by Alan’s fine spread. Thank you Alan!
Paul.

Great post Paul.  As Paul was driving and looking after himself he will be for given for omitting the contribution by Malcolm who allowed us to celebrate with him by wetting his new grandson's (Leo) head as he bought drinks all round.  A treat I hope I will be allowed when next we meet en mass. John arrived on the 23/12 2013.  Mother and young man all well even although he got an earlier stork than had been booked.
Johnny


Oh yes. That was most remiss of me. I told you things had become a little hazy after a fortnight! Thank you Malcolm!!
Paul