Kames to Loch Lapraik/Wellwood 22nd July

 

Allan, Davie C, Davie Mc, Gus, Hugh, Johnny, Malcolm, Paul, Rex

The fine weather continued as we met at Kames although, thankfully, it was a bit cooler this morning. As we left the car park we, unforgivably, missed our normal path, perhaps due to it being a bit overgrown, but were soon back on track, albeit having taken another overgrown grass path. Passing over Tibbie’s Brig, we went straight on rather than following the riverside route and soon came to the wooden steps that lead to the old railway line and a straight road to the loch. It was a fine day and the pace was casual and with only a couple of closed gates to negotiate, easier for some than others, we arrived at the loch (Lapraik or Wellwood depending on who your loyalties lie with, Davie or Jimmy) at ten past eleven and sat down for a leisurely coffee break.

Fifteen minutes later and it was time to move on, but in different directions. Derval Davie, Gus, Paul and Rex decided to go round the loch clockwise and return via the boardwalk whilst the rest took the easier option, considering the increasing temperature, and simply retraced their steps, arriving back at the cars at twenty to one. The last time we did this walk the path was extremely wet and mucky in places but, given the recent dry weather, it had almost dried out completely. Having taken lunch and ascertaining that the others would be some time yet, they headed for the Black Bull in Mauchline to await the foursome.

It was a good hour later that they arrived back having done nine miles compared to the six done by the earlier group and having, on their way back, taken a wrong turning or two. Now, with some wrong turns last week as well, are the Ooters losing it, is it due to the paths being overgrown, or is it due to being involved in the riveting conversations that take place during a walk? Answers on a postcard! Derval Davie was cream-crackered and asked those present to stop him choosing the longer options on any walk in the future. Silly boy!

The pub treated us well as always, thanks folks, and a merry time was had. Johnny was in good form giving a masterclass on how to cook a dinner primarily with spaghetti and an Aldi steak. His demonstration should be on YouTube soon. He then turned his attention to his gnarly knob, a subject that caught the imagination of all, and not a pleasant picture. Before he could offer us photographic evidence, too much detail, he explained that it was to do with a bush/tree in his garden, although, to be fair, he wasn’t too convincing. Well, it makes a change from Georgian architecture!

Another good day out.