Alan, Alan McQ, Allan, Davie C, Davie Mc, Dougie, Graham, Jimmy, Robert
It was a dry, bright morning at Sorn, but, as showers were forecast, we didn’t hang about too long in the car park and set off up the high path at five to ten, with all those coming being accounted for. Having reached the main road we crossed over and took the riverside path towards Muirkirk which involves ups and downs, wooded areas, boardwalks and flat narrow sections, before stopping for coffee at ‘the seat’ after about fifty-five minutes. The weather so far had been cool, warm, overcast, but mainly sunny, a right mixture, and it had stayed dry and was to remain dry and bright for the rest of the walk.
Moving on from our coffee stop we encountered the challenge of the steep hill (and it gets steeper every year) before the last leg to our lunch spot at the boardwalk.
Nobody noticed that Robert was missing at this point, but he appeared just as we were starting the return leg, just as the midges in this sheltered area were beginning to be an issue. He had been a wee bit ahead of the group and had walked on past our designated stopping point taking about half a mile to realise he was on his own and couldn’t quite recognise where he was, so turned back.
It wasn’t too long into the return journey that wee Davie decided to put a new slant on the walk and began to walk ‘away to his right side’ as sometimes is his wont. It was pretty bad today, but the Ooters rallied round, carried his rucksack, and physically supported him for the best part of three miles. Alan and Robert, who had gone ahead, and Derval Davie took the track down to Glenlogan bridge, whilst all others continued the upper track back to the tarmac. Alan was contacted and he came in his car and picked up Davie who by this time was beginning to get himself straightened out, whilst his escorts made their way along the pavement to the cars, arriving back at quarter to two having done the best part of seven and a half miles.
Robert couldn’t make the sitooterie at the Black Bull in Mauchline, but we were joined by Peter who was unable join us on the walk as he had to wait in for a man to sort his boiler. As usual, we were well treated with sausage rolls and biscuits and, once again, have to thank the barmaid for the hospitality shown. Wee Davie was able to make a list for the drinks and sloped off to order them, but your scribe had to leave a bit early so couldn’t say whether he was angling for a third pint. In truth, he was fine, or as fine as he’ll ever be!
A good day out!
