Cumbrae 20 April 2011

See us, seagulls

Allan, Ian, Johnny, Malcolm, Paul, Robert



Six Ooters met at Johnny’s for the now legendary coffee and scones before setting off for Largs. However Johnny has a new computermabob gizmo called a Boxee and a demonstration of its capabilities and of Johnny’s downloaded library of TV programmes and films delayed the departure a tad. When it was time to leave we woke Robert up.
The slip at Millport was made at about 10.45am and the first and only debate of the day involved deciding whether we would do the walk clockwise or anti-clockwise. Clockwise was the decision because, yes you’ve guessed it, we usually do it that way. The sun by this time was breaking through and before long we were in short sleeves and remained so for the rest of the day. Although warm, the visibility was hazy, but the conditions were ideal for a leisurely walk.
The route taken was the same as 8th September 2010 and this allowed us to have coffee at the Glaid Stane. Before long we were taking photos at the Cathedral whose grounds were covered in wild garlic. The aroma was something else – and, yes, we did check that Johnny did not have a curry the previous evening. A short walk took us to the Garrison for a quick look before dining at a picnic table overlooking the bay. Talk about the lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer – today was the lazy, hazy, not so crazy day of spring. There was talk of soaking in the rays for a bit longer and then getting the bus back to the ferry but the majority decision was to continue the walk as planned.
In no time at all we reached the Golf Club where drinks were ordered. What a civilised walk this was!
Eventually we dragged ourselves away and made for the path over the field and down into Fintry Bay where the kitty treated us to a ‘99’ from the tearoom.
And then it was the slog round the top of the island heading for the ferry. This was spotted leaving Largs whilst we were about half a mile from the slip so the pace was upped markedly and the 4 o’clock ferry was made.
Entertainment on the ferry was provided by the guy in front of us making a phone call. Why he needed a phone was a mystery as he shouted down the phone causing comments from those around and genuine hilarity. He took the jibes in good spirit joined in the fun.
Then it was back to the cars and home, except for Paul who had seen a sign on a shop front advertising Viking Amusements. He went off to find how much rape and pillaging he could get for a £1.
Not being much of a naturalist myself and without the resident orthi.., ortnot…, bird watcher, I am reliably (who’s kidding who?) informed that amongst others we spotted lapwings, feral geese , ducks (eider that or mallards),swallows, oyster catchers, a pheasant,a butterfly, curlews and, for Jimmy, lots of different types of seagulls. A seal was spotted by some of the company and a cuckoo was heard by all.
A very pleasant day out.