Dundonald to Irvine 12 March

Alan, Allan, Andy, Davie C, Davie Mc, Gus, Jimmy, Johnny, Malcolm, Peter, Rex, Robert

Special guest appearance: Paul

What a change from all the rain!

Johnny seems to have lost his wooden leg

It is amazing what a glorious spring morning and the promise of coffee and bacon rolls does for the Ooters i.e. no call-offs other than for very legitimate reasons. Malcolm and Anne provided the purvey and we are indebted to them for their hospitality. Thanks again folks.

Davie C decides to walk the rest of the way

From Malcolm’s house we made our way on to the Smugglers’ Trail by taking the road past the Nursing Home and continuing on into the woods. The path at this point was still mucky but we were soon on dry ground and before long were at Collennan Reservoir. Tradition was broken here as there was no coffee stop, it being only a short time since we had partaken at Malcolm’s. When the main road was reached we turned right and made for Barassie shore front where a short stop was made. Davie Mc, returning to the fold after illness and not fully fit yet, was able to reassure his wife by phone that he would be O.K. to complete the walk although the walk along the beach to Irvine would prove to be a struggle at times. Still, it was good to have him back – well, somebody had to say it!

Doing what they do best

The walk back to Irvine was made at a very sensible pace and time was taken to enjoy the sunshine and clear blue skies. Lunch was taken at ‘the dragon’ where it soon became standing room only as we were joined by others. By one o’clock we were at the Ship Inn at Irvine harbour and a good hour and a half was had enjoying FRT in the sitooterie. Holly slept most of the time having run herself ragged on the beach and having managed to procure many a bit of peece at the lunch stop.

We were delighted to be joined by Paul, still recovering from his op, and Margaret for part of the afternoon. We wish Paul a speedy recovery and hope it won’t be too long before he is back in action with us.