Change to arrangements for Wed 18th March

Meet 10.00.a.m. ,Whitelees car park. This way we can walk as long as we want then go our separate ways afterwards. Some can go to the pub if they so wish while others can go directly home. All 70+ types can  hopefully stay virus free. ( and everyone else.)

Glasgow 11 March

Allan, Billy, Davie C, Dougie, Gus, Hugh, Iain, Ian, Johnny, Kenny R, Kenny T, Malcolm, Rex, Robert

The weather forecast was for showers, but we were in good spirits as we assembled at the Counting House for coffee. It was about quarter past ten when we decided to set off and, after a quick debate, it was decided that we would do a ‘bridges’ walk. As we made our way down to the Clyde, we encountered a shower, heavy enough for those with wet weather trousers to put them on. No sooner were they on than the rain eased, then went off, and we were to get it dry and bright for the rest of the day.

Turning right, we headed downstream on the north bank as far as the Squiggly Bridge, which we crossed. Those at the front then rethought their ideas, so we crossed back over the same bridge and continued on the north side as far as the Squinty Bridge aka the Clyde Arc. Having crossed over here, we passed the STV and BBC studios before crossing back over at the Millennium Bridge. We then followed the pathway up to the Clydeside Distillery and then on to The Transport Museum, the Riverside Museum, to give it its Sunday name.
Where to next? Again, we came to some sort of agreement that we would continue walking for another fifteen minutes and then turn back and head for lunch. However, some of the company took so long to go to the toilet in the museum, that by the time they came back out, we just decided to head back.
When we got close to the distillery again, we used the footbridge to cross the Clydeside Expressway and it was when crossing this bridge that we encountered some really strong gusts of wind, the only time today that the wind was an issue. Two minutes later and we were down on the other side and back into the calm. Passing by Yorkhill Fire Station we headed up Haugh Road before emerging on to Sauchiehall Street just opposite Kelvin Way. From here we walked towards Charing Cross and the to our lunch venue, Hengler’s Circus (Wetherspoon’s).
Getting there at about twenty passed twelve meant that we had been on the go for two hours covering nearly five and a half miles, and, as we were there a bit earlier than normal, it was relatively quiet. Kenny T, Gus and Hugh couldn’t wait, so they set off for home, leaving the rest of us to enjoy a nice lunch and a good blether, although some of the guys complained about their beer being a bit cloudy. Many thanks to Iain for buying the first round to celebrate the birth of his granddaughter!
Whilst getting ready to leave, a lady at an adjoining table approached us and asked if we were the Earlyooters. Our fame notoriety knows no bounds! It turned out she was a friend of Jimmy and Elizabeth Johnstone and knew all about us! Small world indeed!
Another excellent day out! Here’s hoping that the weather continues to improve, and that the virus doesn’t impinge too much on our plans over the next weeks/months.

Arrangements for Wed 18th March

Meet in Eaglesham at 10.00.a.m. Meet at the top of the green park  in Eaglesham on the left of the park looking downhill. The plan is to drive all walkers to the Ballageich car park and leave some cars there. Go up the Ballageich hill and over and down to the walkway between the two lochs,then circle round past Bonnyton Golf course back to Eaglesham.

Ayr and Pool 4 March

Alan, Allan, Billy, Davie C, Dougie, Gus, Hugh, Iain, Ian, Johnny, Malcolm, Rex, Robert

We met at Rex’s house on a bright, coldish morning, and for the first time in a while there was no prospect of wind or rain. As we assembled, Rex had put on a slideshow of the early years of the Ooters and this brought back happy memories to those who had been involved and a lot of interest from those who were seeing these images for the first time. How young the Ooters looked in the mid-noughties!

We congratulated Iain on the birth of his granddaughter, Isla, and he was happy to report that all was well.

It must have been about quarter past ten when we set off, making our way to Burns Cottage and noting the renovations taking place. From there we walked halfway down Greenfield Avenue before taking a left up a track which eventually took us down to a path beside the Doon. Following this path, we came up on to Shanter Way and then back on to the Alloway Road. We had almost done a complete circle. Crossing the road, we then headed for the Burns Museum and Café where coffee and scones/rolls/doughnuts were taken. Very civilised!

Half an hour later and we were on our way again down to the cycle track which we followed out to Dunure Road. By this time jackets etc were being discarded and it was almost shirt sleeve weather meaning that there was a desire to extend the walk down to Greenan. However, our route was blocked by workmen, and anyway we had a pool competition to get through, so we walked on the pavement beside the main road up to the Honda garage. From there, we crossed over and joined Greenfield Avenue again in order to retrace our steps back to Rex’s.

We had covered five miles and were back at ten to one. 

The pool competition ran smoothly and, for the first time that anyone can remember, nobody hit a shot on to the floor. Maybe that was down to who wasn’t there today! As usual, there were lots of choice and humorous comments, adding to the general joviality. There was some fine play during the competition at the end of which Ian and Robert contested an evenly fought final, with Ian winning out in the end. Well done to him, and indeed to all participants! This is the second time running that Ian has won so there are thoughts that we wait until he is on one of his many holidays before holding the next competition, or failing that, handicapping him.

Many thanks to Rex for hosting us and procuring the pies, ice lollies and coffees, and for being head cook and bottle-washer. It was much appreciated.

We were on our way home just after half-past three having enjoyed a great social event.

Arrangements for Wed 11 March.

The plan is to meet in the Counting House ,Glasgow at 10.00.a.m. The walk can be decided on the day ,either along the Canal or along the Clyde.. We will have lunch out so no need of a packed lunch.