Friday, 5 September 2014

Irvine and beyond 3 September



Walking: Alan, Allan, Davie C, Davie Mc, Gus, Malcolm, Johnny, Peter
Cycling: Paul, Ronnie
Only there for the beer: Jimmy, Robert

Johnny provided his legendary pre-walk filled rolls and coffee as we assembled for the day’s outing.

The walk
This took the familiar route from Bank Street, over the by-pass and into Eglinton Country Park where a short stop was made at the standing stones to admire the view and, for some, to have yet another coffee. From there it was a matter of following the New Town Trail past the remains of the castle and continuing out towards the Dirrans. The trail then took us towards Irvine Moor and back into the town before heading back to Johnny’s.

The cycle
Paul, who had cycled up from Barassie, anxiously awaited Ronnie’s arrival at Johnny’s from Kilmarnock. However Ronnie had been beset with mechanical problems, i.e. punctures and a broken pump, so Paul set off on his own along the cycle path towards Ardrossan. It was hoped that Ronnie would have caught up with him before Ardrossan, but this was not to be the case. Paul duly arrived at Ceccini’s and had a leisurely coffee, but since there were still no signs of the now pumped-up Ronnie, he decided to set off on the return journey only to meet Ronnie on the promenade at Saltcoats. The cyclists met up with the walkers on Irvine Moor and were happy to take the keys to Johnny’s house as they would be back first.

The others
It was good to see Jimmy and Robert who could not make it earlier due to other commitments,

The social part of the day
Chef Matthews provided us with home-made soup and bread followed by sausage rolls. The selection of beers from the Nythva Brewery was excellent and the banter was equally good.
Many thanks again to Johnny for his hospitality and the quality of his purvey. Thanks also to Alan for providing one of the loaves.
It was hard to determine who was shown the 'paddle of scunner’ most today as there were frequent mentions of completion certificates, Commonwealth Games, punctures and RECIPES!!! The guilty know who they are!

P.S. No pictures taken as your correspondent was travelling light on a lovely early September day.

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