Some images of the Portencross walk

 

Seamill to Portencross 15th January

 

Alan, Alan McQ, Allan, Davie C, Dougie, Graham, Gus, Hugh, Jimmy, Johnny, Kenny R, Malcolm, Paul, Rex, Robert

The frosts of last week had gone but this was still a bright, sunny, January morning with a cool breeze blowing. Perfect walking conditions. We had the biggest turnout for quite some time and since all were present in plenty of time, we set off from the car park on the Seamill road five minutes early heading for Portencross. Progress was swift, given the conditions, and Portencross Castle was reached at five past eleven. Lunch/coffee was taken, and as we were eating, a familiar and welcome friend appeared to join us. Yes, it was Isla…closely followed by Derval Davie. Davie, still unable to join us on the walks and awaiting surgery on his back, had indicated that he would come and join us at Portencross for a snack and a blether, and he was true to his word. It was good of him to make the effort.

We set off back to the cars half an hour later and were well spread out on the return journey with the back markers arriving at about quarter to one having covered the seven miles or so. Visibility was good today but, try as we might, we caught no sight of the new ferry, Glen Sannox, on the water.

FRT was taken in the Lauriston where some were disappointed to learn that the Guinness was aff. Nonetheless, a good hour was spent before heading for home.

Arrangements for Wednesday 22nd January

 Alloway and Pool Competion

Meet at Rex's at 10am for a walk around Alloway followed by the pool competition in which our current champion Dougie will defend his title from April 2023.

Whitelee 8th January

 

Alan, Alan McQ, Allan, Davie C, Gus, Hugh, Jimmy, Johnny, Malcolm, Paul, Rex, Robert … and a bit of Kenny R

The first Wednesday walk of the new year saw us arrive at Whitelee windfarm on a bright, blue-skied, but bitterly cold morning. The temperature gauges in the cars were reading -5 deg and the scenario was reminiscent of the walk we did here last January, but thankfully the underfoot conditions were much better with the tracks lined with enough snow to get a grip on rather than the sheet ice of last year. Having bid each other a happy New Year, we were about to set off when Kenny arrived, having travelled down from Elderslie to join us. However, he left his car, shook our hands and wished us a happy New Year, and then said he had to head back home as the man from Dyno-Rod had just phoned him to say he was on his way to his house to sort a central heating/drainage issue. It was good to see Kenny and maybe next time he can stay a bit longer.

Anyway, we set off on the Lochgoin circuit carefully following the signs and after about forty minutes it was time for a few to lose some layers as it was warming up fine in the sunshine. By eleven o’clock it was time for our coffee stop aside one of the turbines, but we weren’t allowed much of a rest as Robert had organised lunch for us today and he was keen to get a move-on. Suffice it to say that we were all back at the cars by twenty-five past twelve, two hours and twenty-five minutes for the seven miles or so, and not having stopped for lunch.

We then motored to CentreStage in Kilmarnock where a satisfying lunch was had accompanied by the usual banter. A guid day oot!

Burns Supper 29th Jan. 2025

      
Ooters Burns Supper 29th Jan 2025
Davy Mc, Jimmy, Gus, Davy Cl, Robert, Alan St. , Ronnie, Billy, Rex, Dougie, Graham, Allan, Johnny. Alan McQ.
14 participants
Any Ooters omitted, wrongly included or would now be able to attend inform Johnny ASAP - now printing table placemats
 

Food & Drink

Gus - Soup
Johnny - Haggis
Alan - Neeps , Bread
Robert - Apple Pie
Jimmy - Custard
Davy Mc - biscuits
Rex - Cheese

Alan McQ - Potatoes
Bring Your Own Booze

Actors
Jimmy - Chairman & Immortal memory
Johnny - Toast the Ooters
Davy Mc - Toast the Lassies
Alan McQ - The Haggis
Ronnie - Songs and Music
The Ooters - Each to contribute within their comfort zone.
 

Evening Programme
1800 – 1830    The Gathering
1830 – 1930    The Meal
1930 – 2030     Immortal Memory
                        Readings and Songs
2030 - 2040           Interval
2040 – 2140    Toast to the Lassies
                        Readings and Songs
2140 – 2150          Interval
2150 – 2240    Toast to the Ooters     
                        Readings and Songs
            2300 - Carriages