It had been raining for hours and the forecast was for it to continue for the rest of the day, so it was not the most enthusiastic bunch* of Ooters who assembled at the swimming pool car park in Cumnock. Jimmy arrived to say that he wisnae that weel and would not be walking, but would catch up with us in the pub later. Kenny R wanted a longer walk to maintain his fitness, so he departed to walk from Troon to Irvine and back. After some deliberation it was eventually agreed that we would walk to Dumfries House, have a coffee, and then return.
Suitably adorned in wet weather gear and with umbrellas in abundance, we set off along muddy paths, braving a smelly discharge into the river from the sewage works, and continuing into the grounds of Dumfries House and making for the coffee shop. As we devoured our scones and coffee, not to mention rolls and sausage, the rain got heavier and any notion of the brave to extend the walk soon dissipated. Peter suggested returning a different way via the new entrance gate and Auchinleck, and convinced most to join him. Allan, Davie Mc (who was a bit under the weather, literally), Malcolm and Holly retraced their footsteps and were back at the cars about twelve twenty -five, twenty minutes before the rest. Out and back was five miles, Peter’s route about six.
After getting dried off and changed, no mean feat given the conditions, the Black Bull in Mauchline was our choice for FRT, and true to his word, Jimmy rose from his sick couch to join us. As usual, the banter was lively, and a good laugh was had.
*What is the collective noun for
Ooters? A quarrel? A mincing? A confusion?
Answers on a postcard!
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