Cumbrae 18 February

Alan, Allan, Davie C, Davie Mc, Gus, Johnny, Paul, Robert

The first hint of blue sky

The three stoogies?

The forecast for the day had improved from that posted the day before, but the threat of rain from midday meant that there was no time to hang about as we disembarked from the 9.45 ferry and headed in a clockwise direction. By doing this we hoped to have the strong wind/rain on our back later in the day. We made the Glaid Stone in jig time and paused momentarily there to allow coffee to be taken by those who needed a caffeine top-up.

Funboys three?

It was then down the road to Millport and on to the ‘usual’ shelter on the shorefront next to the helipad for lunch. We had not encountered any rain by this time and even saw some blue sky but, discretion being the better part of valour, the consensus was that we continue without delay. With the wind on our backs we made good progress up the west side of the island and soon made the toilet stop at Fintry Bay. By this time Davie Mc, who was still carrying an ankle injury, was complaining of a blister on his foot. Dr Matthews insisted, as only he can, that Davie stop immediately for attention and compassion. And so the company stopped whilst the good doctor, ably assisted by Nurse McGarry, applied a Compeed (other blister plasters are available) and gave copious amounts of advice! The A team however, not impressed with Robert’s nurse’s uniform, had remembered the motto, and walked on.

Sometimes I sit and think and sometimes I just sit

When we turned the corner for the last short stretch to the slipway we hit the full force of the strengthening wind and were mightily pleased not to have been walking into it for any longer. We were just too late for the 1.30 return ferry, so it was the 2 o’clock we took.

FRT was taken in The Village Inn at Fairlie where Red MacGregor ale from the Orkney Brewing Co. was the drink of choice and very pleasant it was indeed. (The last time we were here was back in October and Corncrake was the real ale on offer then).

We had yet again won a watch with the weather as the rains had completely avoided us. A good step-out as they say rounded off with good banter in the pub.