Auchincruive and Rex's 80th 28th May

Alan, Alan McQ, Allan, Davie C, Dougie, Graham, Gus, Hugh, Jimmy, Johnny, Malcolm, Rex, Robert

We were ready to set off at ten minutes to ten on a bright morning from the car park near the Bothy café at Auchincruive. Alan (the younger) led us on a circular route out through the estate before we emerged at Oswald’s bridge which is having its stonework repaired, a painstaking job for the stonemason. We stopped for a quick coffee at the Wallace and Burns monument before making our way along the riverside path and up to the Bothy café where most took the opportunity to have a coffee and a bun.

Since it was still quite early when we finished our snacks, it was decided to continue for another couple of miles and so we set off down the footpath towards Annbank before taking a left up a steepish track to join another one heading back the way. It was on this last leg when the path got narrower with a steep drop on one side that Allan and Davie got detached. Eventually they got themselves back down to the riverside path and answered Rex’s phone call to confirm that they were OK. The rest had stayed high, had come across a fawn by the path, and had reached the cars by this time, although some waited for the last two at the café.

It was quarter past one when the stragglers reached the cars having covered six miles in good walking conditions, with only a short, very light shower to contend with. No FRT today as we were heading for the Jewel in the evening to celebrate Rex’s eightieth birthday.

 

The thirteen above were joined by Billy and Derval Davie at the Jewel for what turned out to be a great night in celebration of Rex’s special birthday. Thanks again to Catriona and Lucy for attending to us so well and contributing to the night and to the table of four who came into the restaurant and seemed to enjoy the atmosphere. Indeed, one chap came over and congratulated Rex as he was leaving. In some way all contributed by just being there but mention must go to Gus for his presentation to Rex, to Derval Davie for his quiz regarding backing groups, to Wee Davie for his song in the Aussie dialect, to Alan for his words of friendship and thoughtful gift to Rex, a hard act to follow, to Rex himself for his words of thanks, to Allan’s daughter, Ainsley, for making the cake, and to Johnny for printing the words to the Ooters song. We wish Rex a happy birthday on the 29^th and suggest he doesn’t lose too much sleep over what to do with his 25p a week pension increase.

We then adjourned to Wetherspoon’s for our traditional night cap. The evening typified what the Ooters are all about i.e. good banter, laughs, and above all, camaraderie.

 

Arrangements for Wednesday 4th June

Glasgow Canal 

Meet at the Counting House in George Square at 10am for a walk alongside the canal.

Some images for the Auchincruive walk

 

Sorn to boardwalk 21 May

 

Alan McQ, Allan, Davie Mc, Dougie, Gus, Hugh, Jimmy, Johnny, Rex, Robert

Nine Ooters assembled in the car park at Sorn on another glorious morning for our walk to the boardwalk along the River Ayr Way towards Muirkirk. Davie had indicated that he would start later and meet up with us on our way back, so we were on our way at five to ten and took the high path from the cars to the main road. Crossing over and finding the start to the trail, we made good progress and noted that the first boardwalk we came across had been recently repaired after some damage. Underfoot was dry after a month of sunshine and with the river to our right and fields of barley (we think) to our left we marched on commenting that the crops could do with some rain. And why did one field in particular have some large stones dotted across it? Answers on a postcard!

The stiff wee climb was negotiated and, before we knew it, we were at our stopping point i.e. the boardwalk overlooking the river. It was about ten past eleven by this time and although some took lunch most thought it too early and just made it a coffee stop.

There was a suggestion to extend the walk by an extra half mile but, in the end, all chose to simply retrace their steps from there. After about fifteen minutes and at the top of the hill we met Davie and Isla coming the other way, so the nine became ten and we made our way back along the path until a short stop at the bench by the river which allowed Isla to go for a swim. Nearing Sorn we diverted down to the Glenlogan bridge where we stopped by the river for lunch/drinks.

Most took the pavement route back to the cars which were reached at about quarter past one. The gizmos didn’t agree as to the length of the walk but a tad over seven miles would be about right. Not our longest walk but, given the hot weather, an appropriate distance for the day.

FRT was taken in the sitooterie at the Black Bull in Mauchline where we received our usual hospitality and were warmly greeted. Thanks again, folks. A pleasant hour was spent here before setting off for home.

 

Some from the River Ayr at Sorn

Alan's attempt to walk on water ends in failure.

 

Arrangements for Wednesday 28th May

Auchincruive

Meet at the car park near the Bothy Café at Auchincruive for a five mile walk around the estate. We can have coffee at the café.

If approaching the Whitletts roundabout on the A77 from the north, take the first exit and follow the B743 towards Mossblown. Take second road on the right and the car park is a short distance further along on the left.

My first Ooters walk - 20 years ago

 Davie, Johnny, Rex, Robert.

I thought better about writing the story of the trek - it would just have been a lot of Cobblers.

 

Seamill to Portencross and Curry 14th May

 

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

Yesterday had been the hottest day of the year with temperatures reaching 25 degrees but today it was only about 12 degrees when we met up at the car park near Seamill for our walk to Portencross. Fleeces were quickly dug out before we set off along the beach (at 9.50) on this familiar route and, as usual, we were quickly strung out before coming together at the Hydro. Some stayed on the beach whilst the rest took to the path adjacent to the golf course. We paused at the bench at the end of the golf course as Derval Davie had set this as his limit for the day and said he would have his snack there before he and Isla returned to the car. We would see him later at the curry.

Some headed to Portencross by beach and field whilst others made for the road and, by quarter past eleven, we were seated having coffee/lunch.

The return leg saw the sun breaking through and the temperature rising although there was still a fresh breeze. Most stuck to the paths on the way back and, although strung out again, were back at the cars, now in warm sunshine, by one o’clock having covered a tad over seven miles. No FRT today as we were currying at night.

 

Those above were joined by Alan, Billy, Hugh and Jimmy for a curry at the Jewel to celebrate the 75^th birthdays of Allan (last December) and Johnny (yesterday). The food was up to the usual standard, and we were well attended to by Catriona and her assistant. A chorus or two of the Ooters song was delivered followed by a rousing rendition of’ Waltzing Matilda’ in anticipation of Rex’s imminent 80^th. Ripper!

As per tradition we then adjourned to Wetherspoon’s for a night cap. Wee Davie was going on holiday the following week, so he passed on the kitty to Alan ‘The Tip’ McQ who appointed himself as our investment manager! Watch this space!  

An excellent night out!

Johnny and Allan would like to thank the Ooters for their generous gifts, totally unnecessary, but very much appreciated.