Ayr and Pool 14 February

Alan, Alan McQ, Allan, Davie C, Davie Mc, Dougie, Gus, Jim, Johnny, Kenny T, Peter, Rex, Robert

The Walk

Given that the forecast was for wet and very windy weather, today’s walk had been changed to a circular walk from Chez Rex, a walk that could be adapted en route to cope with any worsening of the conditions. We accepted Rex’s hospitality and enjoyed coffee and scones/buns before, reluctantly for some, it was time to make a start. Well-wrapped up against the chill wind we crossed over into Rozelle Park and made for the Maclaurin Galleries to check out the Glasgow Group’s exhibition, featuring our very own Peter. Next stop was Rozelle House to take in the Lego exhibition and the display of Goudie’s Burns inspired paintings. From here we followed one of the many paths through the estate before coming out at the Loaning. We marched up Laughlanglen Rd and turned right into Whin Hill Rd which eventually took us on to Maybole Rd and the cycle track near the A77. Turning on to this we followed the track down to the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum cut-off where Peter, having things to do, left us. So far, so good, as far as the weather was concerned, very windy and chilly in exposed areas but, since we had been sheltered for the most part, not an issue. Since conditions were better than expected it was decided to extend the walk from here, so we followed the track up to Dunure Rd, which we crossed, and turned and headed for Greenan, staying on the path. We crossed the Millennium Bridge over the Doon and headed up to the Honda Garage at Doonfoot and crossed over into Belleisle Park for a stop at the Conservatory. From here we crossed the golf course, re-entered Rozelle Park and reached Rex’s house three and a half hours after starting out. 7.7 miles was the call, and it felt like it since most of the walk had been on hard surfaces, and the feet knew it. Nonetheless, we had got our exercise in much better then hoped for conditions.

The Pool

It was about two o’clock before the pool competition began, and since, given the varying skill sets on show (let’s say no more), the games were taking some time, we were beginning to wonder what Rex had laid on for our supper. Nevertheless, the cream rose to the top and the final was a close-fought tussle between Alan and mine host, Rex, with Alan edging it to take the title.

Well done to Alan, and indeed to all the guys, for participating in an enjoyable afternoon which ended at about half past four.
Special thanks to Rex for hosting the competition and for procuring the pies and being head cook and bottle washer.
And yes, for some, it was a three pie day!
Footnote: The competition took place on the 14^th of February, exactly 14 months after the last competition on 14th December 2016. Pity there hadn’t been fourteen of us. Mind you, if there had been, the competition would still be in progress!