Carrick Hills 28 October

Alan, Allan, Davie C, Gus, Kenny T, Paul, Rex, Robert

It was raining persistently as we met at the Greenan car park and there was some discussion about the merits of doing the planned walk, but Robert was convinced that, according to the BBC, the rain would go off at 10 0’clock. Therefore we set off for Browncarrick Hill on the understanding that, if the weather did not improve, we would curtail the walk. Although wet. It was warm, and good progress was made along the beach and by the time Greenan Castle was reached the rain was off and by the time we turned off at Craig Tara, aka Butlitz, jackets were being dispensed with. At the top of the hill, just before the main road, we took time to admire the reversing skills of a workman who was manoeuvring a very large mobile home in preparation of it being loaded on to a transporter, no relation to Rex.

Before too long we had negotiated the main road and had turned off to the Carrick hills. Coffee was called for at one of our usual spots before the push to the top was made. Having reached the masts, it was decided to stop there for lunch before turning back, rather than going on to the trig point.

The return journey saw the weather closing in again with moisture in the atmosphere. Rather than continue past Craig Tara, as we sometimes do, we retraced our footsteps down to the beach and along to Greenan Castle where we were stymied by the high tide. No real problem though as we found the path which takes you up past the castle. This had to be negotiated carefully due to the muddy conditions but soon we were at the top and ready for the last part of the walk. By this time the rain was on for real and we were disappointed to note that there was not a path to take us down at the other side of the castle. The path took us on a wee diversion on to the road which led to the entrance to the car park.

The walk had taken four hours and we were glad we had stopped at the masts as, had we gone on to the top of the hill, we would have spent another half an hour in, what was now, seriously wet conditions. We graciously accepted Rex’s offer to return to his house to get changed in the dry.

Pool Competition

The standard is surely improving as all present reached the quarter-finals. After some keen competition, Davie and Rex reached the final. This proved to be a tense affair and it came down to who could sink the black. After some tactical play, Rex saw an opportunity but left the black hanging over a pocket. Davie ignored Robert’s advice about how to sink it and won the final to regain the title he won two years ago. If he wins it again he will get to keep the trophy!

Many thanks to Rex for hosting the event and for arranging the pies cooked a la King Alfred. Thanks also to Davie for getting the drinks and snacks. He said he was really enjoying his alcohol-free beer!!

Last year's winner, Gus, presents Davie with the trophy

Rex congratulates Davie