Rex, Alan M, Paul, Jimmy, Gus, Hugh, Robert, Jimmy, Davie M, Ian
Nine Ooters gathered at Kirkfieldbank, with Davie arranging to meet us further into the walk.
We chose the usual clockwise circuit and Jimmy's photos are witness to the autumn colours we experienced on the walk ... but it has to be said it was a bit of a 'meh' kind of day. The high pressure stuck over the UK meant there was no rain, there was no sun, there was no wind, it wasn't hot, it wasn't cold, the light was a bit flat with the cloud cover, there wasn't much water in the Clyde, the Falls were unimpressive, ... (that's enough gloom, Ed).
So anyway, after a coffee stop at New Lanark we crossed the river and duly met Davie, having previously been hailed by him from across the gorge. Isla was delighted to see us and no doubt Davie was too although he was more restrained. We had a very early lunch overlooking the falls and completed the walk in the usual three and a bit hours.
We were in the Black Bull, Darvel by 2 pm. The pub was busy, with hygge lights enhancing the air of conviviality. No free food for the Ooters (don't mention the crisps) but Isla was offered a doggie treat. The usual hour of banter and nonsense ensued!
It was definitely the highlight of the day.
It got me thinking of previous visits to New Lanark so I did a little research. 19 trips are recorded in the annals although one, in 2016, seems to have been a solo effort by Davie M. Was the visit 'officially' called off because of bad weather?
For your scribe, two trips stand out.
September 2009. Johnny's ailing car. Lost near Lanark, Dog whispering gone wrong. A lost wallet. A trip home for Johnny and Allan in the cab of an AA truck. Not bad for one Ooters day out.
January 2011. Bambis on ice (apart from Rex and his Yak Trax).
The Register:
Moral of the story: There's a lot to be said for 'normal' Scottish weather.
A meline mural in memoriam.