Cumbrae 9 October

Alan, Allan, Billy, Dan, Davie C, Dougie, Hugh, Iain, Ian, Johnny, Kenny T, Malcolm, Rex, Robert

The occupants of Alan’s car made the 9.45am ferry from Largs by a whisker, but, nonetheless, a good contingent of Ooters headed for Cumbrae on a day that promised lots of blustery showers. Given the forecast it was decided that we would simply head up to the Glaid Stone, continue down into Millport, and then return by Ferry Road.

The familiar walk up to our highest point was made in good time and in very decent conditions, and for the most part we were sheltered from the wind, but, because of this, we took coffee in the calm at the benches just below the trig point. On the walk down to the town the rain came, but nothing too drastic, and by the time we made the Garrison, it had abated. We chose to have lunch in the Garrison café, watching, as we did, the sunshine returning.

Having spent a leisurely forty-five minutes there, it was time to move off and, as we did, the rain reappeared. It did not amount to too much and by the time we were heading down towards the ferry the weather had improved drastically. Passing the shore at the water sports facility, we noticed a seal sunning itself on a rock not too far out into the water. We’ve encountered a basking shark or two on the Cock of Arran walk, but today it was our turn to witness a basking seal!

We reached the slipway at ten past one, three hours and ten minutes after having set off, and having covered seven miles. A good step out, as they say, and perfectly adequate given the very changeable conditions, and indeed, it was raining again as we boarded the half-past one ferry.

Wetherspoon’s was, as usual, very busy, so we headed for Drouthy Neebors for FRT, but, as we got settled, we were informed we could not be served as Dan was under eighteen. Only if a family meal was bought could we have refreshment, and a couple of portions of chips didn’t count. Not even the mention that Holly had been allowed to join us on many occasions, and she was under eighteen, could sway the decision. So, we left and returned to Wetherspoon’s and managed to get ourselves organised to sit together. The licensing laws seem to be a strange thing and be interpreted differently in different locations.

A lively hour and a bit was spent here, and, eventually, most decided to make their way home. Not even the offer of a complimentary third drink from Davie to celebrate his recent birthday could tempt them to stay. However, he was kept company by his carers. How does the song go?

When I get older losing my hair
Many years from now
Will you still be sending me a Valentine
Birthday greetings bottle of wine

Will you still need me, will you still feed me
When I'm sixty-four

Etc etc

The saga of Ian’s wallet

Ian couldn’t find his wallet after having given Davie his kitty money whilst awaiting the ferry at Cumbrae slip. He checked out his bag on the ferry but, on failing to find it, he returned to Cumbrae to have another look, before returning to Wetherspoon’s after having gone to the local bank to cancel his card. He was not a happy bunny, naturally. On the way home we wondered whether he had simply put it in someone else’s bag by mistake. To cut a long story short, when Allan was emptying his rucksack at home, what should he find?

All’s well that ends well! Well, nearly. Does this go down as a senior moment? Or is there a conspiracy theory? Answers on a postcard please.

Cross your fingers and make a wish!

Is this the same day?