Friday 28 March 2014

Portencross 26 March



Allan, Andy, Johnny, Malcolm

Since Allan hadn’t been too well and Eddie was to make a return after a hip replacement, the North Ayrshire Chapter decided to do the Portencross circuit rather than travel to Wanlockhead. In the event, Eddie reneged, but the four others started from the car park, in overcast, chilly conditions, and headed in an anti-clockwise direction. The sun soon emerged and we took time to stop and observe workers laying protective fleece over drills of potatoes? maize?  whatever. Continuing along the track we couldn’t help notice the amount of water still lying in the fields. ‘Petrocelli’s  house’ was reached and the surrounds were not yet finished and some of the cladding needed treated again. What’s taking them so long? Ambling along the road up to the A78 the chat was of Johnny’s latest technological acquisitions – those who missed this particular walk should brace themselves for the update.
Cutting back in to the Hunterston estate, we made good time up to the road to the power stations and continued along to the usual stopping point on the rocks. We were surprised to see the hive of activity in the area with works being done on the hill behind Hunterston ‘A’. Speculation was that this was wind turbine related, but time will tell.
Having enjoyed lunch, the trek across the track to Portencross Castle was easily negotiated, despite some mud, and the cars were reached by 12.50.
Andy had to go straight home to man a desk selling tickets for the forthcoming performance of ‘The Cheviot, The Stag, and The Black, Black Oil’ by the Largs Players. Andy plays the third sheep from the left – say no more!
The rest were welcomed back to Johnny’s for home brew. Thanks again, Johnny!

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