Sorn towards the Haugh 28 September

Allan, Davie C, Davie Mc, Dougie, Ian, Jimmy, Kenny T, Malcolm, Paul, Rex, Robert

The trip to Penpont had been postponed due to the adverse weather forecast and it was drizzling when we assembled at Sorn for our familiar walk up towards the Haugh. Wet weather gear was donned from the start and little time was lost making our way up the road to the War Memorial above Catrine and then down steps further along Chapel Brae leading to the Square and thereafter to the riverside path. By this time the drizzle had intensified and eventually reached serious rain proportions. Reaching shelter under the road bridge at Howford we were well drookit and took time to have coffee and to dry off.

Jimmy (who had left his waterproof trousers in the house), Allan and Malcolm decided enough was enough for one day and set off on the return journey whereas the rest continued on their way. The three retraced their steps to Catrine and then took the riverside path back to Sorn arriving two hours forty minutes after having left. To be honest the rain had eased substantially on the way back, and by the time they had got changed and had their lunch it was dry. Whilst waiting for the main party they checked out the memorials to the Covenanters in the churchyard and then went over the road to check out the smallholding where some chickens had gone on to the road holding up the traffic. Malcolm, the chicken whisperer, used some fowl language and managed to get the errant burds back home. He was then propositioned by a rather large sheep, and as they say, the rest is history.
Before they knew it the main party appeared, having gone up to the viaduct and venturing a bit further before deciding to turn back. They had taken an extra fifty-five minutes (including lunch) and were glad for dry clothes.
FRT was taken at the Black Bull in Mauchline which is fast becoming a favourite especially when the barmaid presented us with sausage rolls and pies. Very unexpected, but very much appreciated. Thank you, we will be back!
Despite the conditions we got some much needed exercise and, as always, the banter was good.