Prestwick to Troon and Curry 28th October

Alan, Alan McQ, Allan, Davie C, Davie Mc, Dougie, Graham, Gus, Jimmy, Johnny, Malcolm, Paul, Peter, Rex, Robert

The Walk

The aftermath of storm Boelo was evident as we assembled at the car park beyond Kidz Play in Prestwick. Lots of debris littered the adjacent car parks and there was severe damage to the promenade nearer the town, but where we parked was relatively unscathed. There was still a wind blowing but nothing like the weekend, the sea was choppy, but overhead was fine as we set off towards the caravan park and the Pow Burn.

As we took the path beyond the caravans there was a scene of devastation as the debris washed up covered the path making the going difficult and had us wondering who had the responsibility to clear this up and when might this happen. Probably not a high-priority matter but needs to be done. The saddest part was seeing all the plastics that had been washed up to litter what had been a pristine section of the walk. Once the beach was reached, the going was much improved and soon we were at the turn off to the Smugglers’ Trail. 

Decision time

 

Alan McQ, Graham, Jimmy, Paul and Rex decided to walk on whilst the remainder left the beach here and walked over the Royal Troon Golf Course to have coffee/lunch just over the railway. It was about twenty past eleven when they moved on along the cycle path, over Prestwick golf course and back to the cars having covered four and a half miles. Peter was left to await Jimmy’s return whilst the rest made for home.

On reaching the Lookout café in Troon, Jimmy turned back whilst the others went in and had a coffee and a roll before Paul walked on home and the others returned by the cycle path etc. covering nearly nine miles.

 

The Curry

Dougie had turned 75 years of age, and it was appropriate to celebrate this with a curry, with a difference. A new venue! With Katrina and her husband selling up and the new owners of the Jewel not yet having a drinks licence, Robert had booked the Taj in Kilmarnock. This proved to be a great choice as we had a room to ourselves, the service was slicker and the bill was very acceptable. Seventeen were present, the fifteen who were on the walk plus Billy and Kenny T, Dougie eventually managed to finish his speech after many interruptions (can you believe that?) and wee Davie read an amusing article from a newspaper which met with the Ooters approval before he was told where to stick it!

The evening was finished off with a nightcap in Wetherspoon’s, bringing to a close a really good night.

Happy Birthday, Dougie!

P.S. We hope that Jimmy has dried out by now. It was only a pint after all. And thanks to Robert for his organisational skills and his diplomacy (knowing Robert not sure that is the right word to use) in getting us a complimentary dram and a promise of another one at our Christmas night out.