Sorn (and Curry) 2 March

Alan, Allan, Davie C, Davie Mc, Dougie, Gus, Johnny, Malcolm, Paul, Rex, Robert

It was grey, raw morning as we met at Sorn for our walk up the River Ayr Path, a shortish walk today as we had curry duties in the evening. Before we set off, Peter arrived to see Derval Davie’s new dug, only to be informed that he hadn’t brought Isla today. No matter, it was good to see Peter.

We took the high path up the back of the village before crossing the main road and joining the track which we would be on for the rest of the time. A notice told us that the path was blocked because of fallen trees, but our scouts had assured us that the obstructions were easily negotiable, and so it proved to be. The fact is that a bloke with a chainsaw could have removed the obstacles in no time at all, probably in less time than it took to design, print, and put up a sign! Underfoot was good with only a few wee muddy stretches, but the wind was cold, so no layers were taken off as we progressed on the mainly flat route with only one steep climb.

 

Our lunch/coffee spot at the boardwalk was reached at quarter past eleven and we took a leisurely twenty-five minutes to sit and enjoy our pieces before retracing our steps most of the way. Just before we reached Sorn, ‘Handsome’ Davie took us down another path which took us on to a tarmac, riverside track back into the village through which we walked back to the cars.

Two hours and fifty-five minutes for about seven miles, and DD’s promise of a three-hour walk was spot-on.

At night, the eleven above were joined by Alan McQ, Billy, Hugh, Iain, Ian*, Jim, Jimmy, and Peter at the Jewel to celebrate Alan’s seventy-fifth. As usual, everyone had a great time, and the food and service were as we have come to expect. Happy birthday, Alan!

*Ian had arranged to meet up with some of the guys for a pre-meal drink. Having waited on his own, and having had a couple of pints (knowing Ian, that would have taken him some considerable time to finish), he wondered why the others hadn’t joined him and ultimately decided to check the blog only to find he had been sitting in the wrong pub. In future, Ian will bring his carer with him!