Annbank Circular 7 March

Alan, Allan, Davie C, Davie Mc, Dougie, Gus, Ian, Jimmy, Johnny, Kenny R, Kenny T, Malcolm, Paul, Peter, Rex, Robert

It was about 9.40am when we set off from the Annbank Bowling Club to do the ‘Annbank Circular’ in the clockwise direction. The weather was dull, but dry, as we made our way down Weston Avenue before turning left at Mill Road and heading for the river. Underfoot conditions were reasonably good, with only a few stretches of muddy stuff to deal with, and hence good progress was made until a coffee stop was called for at the fishermen’s shelter opposite where the Water of Coyle meets the River Ayr.
A couple of tricky riverside sections had to be negotiated (as the result of wee landslips) but with the help of his minders (carers, more like) wee Davie emerged stirred and only a bit shaken. We crossed the river at the road bridge on the B744, and then continued on the path past the viewpoint at Wallace’s Seat and on towards our usual lunch spot at the Burns and Wallace Monument, dealing relatively easily with the mucky wee inclines that have taxed us previously. It had taken two hours to get there but, as we enjoyed our sandwiches, light rain began to fall so we didn’t delay too long before crossing the road bridge and heading back to Annbank. The return journey is much shorter given that the big loop in the river is missed out, and we were back at the cars in about forty minutes. The rain had accompanied us all the way back, but it was not an issue and had gone off as we changed for the journey home.
Seven miles in three hours, with two stops. Not bad!
No FRT today as we were going to have another attempt at a curry night in honour of ‘handsome’ Davie’s landmark birthday.

Ever wondered how they make Irn-Bru?

Kenny R couldn’t join us for the meal, but Ronnie was welcomed back into the fold. The food at the Jewel in the Crown was excellent and a good time was had by all. As usual, the diehards retired to Wetherspoon’s for a wee nightcap.