Thursday 4 June 2015

Bute 3 June



Allan, Davie C, Davie Mc, Gus, Ian, Jimmy, Johnny, Kenny, Rex, Robert

The intention today was to travel by bus from Rothesay to Kilchattan and walk back, but, just as had happened on our last visit to Bute, the ferry was late and the bus didn’t wait for us. So we took the same route as we had done on 9th April 2014 and walked to the south of the island.
This route took us up the hill at the back of Rothesay, down past Loch Ascog, and over to Kerrycroy, where coffee/lunch was taken. We then followed the shore path through the grounds of Mount Stuart, passing the graveyard for the Bute family, and taking a look inside the old boathouse, where we were surprised to see a very large mirror on the back wall and stalactites hanging from the roof. Davie C, the scientist, decided to taste one. Silly boy! From here we alternated between walking on the shore and on the fields which were extremely muddy in places.
We weren’t as lucky with the bus this time as we were only at the start of the beach in Kilchattan Bay when we saw the bus in the distance. There was no way we could make it so we settled for the option of going up to the Kingarth for a pint whilst awaiting the next one. The pint was rushed as Allan indicated that a bus was due, but when it didn’t arrive, he noticed only then that that bus only ran on non-school days. Despite protesting that this was a non-school day for the Ooters, as is every day now, there was no option but to wait for the next one which would make getting the 4pm ferry very difficult, and since the next ferry today was to be half-past five, it could mean a long time in the pub in Rothesay. Heavens above!
Most of the guys decided to walk along the road back to Rothesay rather than just wait at the hotel. Allan, Johnny and Ian waited, but Ian soon talked himself into getting a lift back to the pier as he was desperate to get the ferry. When the bus did come, you’ve guessed it, it was late, and enabled the main body of the company to reach the War Memorial before being picked up.
Although the bus was late, the ferry was even later, and we arrived in Rothesay just as it was docking. We were back in Wemyss Bay by about five o’clock, where a sub-group headed for the Station Bar whilst the remainder headed off home.

A good day out nevertheless, but surely West Coast Motors and CalMac should talk to each other and made it easier for visitors to the island to get about!
Man talk!


Not easy walking on the sand

Jimmy parts the coos

A new born

The warrior sleeps


Kerrycroy


Don't do it, Johnny!

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