Monday 22 April 2022 - St Ninian's cave, a coastal walk to Whithorn, and Cairnharrow

 

18 of us set off through lovely woods on Robin's excellent 10km coastal walk to celebrate his birthday, starting from St Ninian's cave. 

There were lots of flowers on view today - see below.

The route took us over Burrow Head, shortly before which everyone paused in memory of the Wicker Man film (1973), which was filmed nearby.

Views extended to the Isle of Man and many other landmarks.

Lunch on Burrow Head, then, after more lovely coast, teas in the Isle of Whithorn café before nine of us headed up to Cairnharrow. This was a nice summit after a short, steep climb, with extensive views, in continuing fine weather. A 50 minute ascent.

Heading back down, we reached the cars at 6:10 and were back at base by 6:40, in time for a quick wash before enjoying a selection of risottos prepared by Heather and Roger. Delicious.

In the woods:

Bluebells, Lesser Celandine, Wild Garlic, Great tit, Blue tit, Chiffchaffs 

On the coast:

Spring squill, Meadow Saxifrage, Gorse with a strong smell of coconut, Stonecrop, Sea Campion, Red Campion, Common Dog Violet, Thrift, seals, nesting tufted ducks.

On Cairnharrow:

Primroses, wood anemone, wood sorrel.

Plus much more...

Sunday 21 April 2024 - Cairnsmore of Carsphaim

Here's Stewart House, our quirky abode for the week. The fire alarm woke anyone who might have thought of sleeping in, and the power surge that caused that also turned the heating off. And Richard's bed broke! All sorted by a maintenance man from Dumfries.

A 35 mile drive took us to the hamlet of Carsphairn. Then a path past the Green Well of Scotland saw us admiring the feats of Sand Martins in a sandy bank above the Water of Deugh.

For a while the weather was fine, though the Highland cattle seemed dubious.

Light rain started, and lasted for the rest of the day. After a couple of hours we reached the summit of Cairnsmore of Carsphaim, where my five companions duly posed on the summit before tucking in to their lunches.

After that, plenty of 'down', eventually being released from the mist and our unexpected need for warm winter gear.

The birds were active on the descent - oyster catchers, wheatears, sand martins, and a variety of small tweeting treasures.

Sue, Phil and Jenny took a longer route back, leaving Sue, Richard and me to admire the sand martins again.

Dinner involved a wrestling match with cooker and ingredients, eventually resulting in a just about acceptable beef and Guinness pie for the ten of us in Stewart House.

A Visit to the Penninghame Estate, near Newton Stewart

 

Penrith parkrun, after a 7am start from Timperley in lovely weather.

Then a trip to Dumfries for provisions.

The Threave House and Gardens provided an excellent venue for coffee and cake, then a picnic lunch.

After that, a short journey to our destination, where 20 of us are celebrating Robin's 60th birthday. 

Dinner at The Crown, in Newton Stewart.

Friday = Isabella Day (65)

Rabbits in the kitchen. 

Then a trip to Wythenshawe Park for some scootering and practice on a balance bike.

After that we went home for a fun day with Grandma Sue.

After which Grandma Sue was shattered! And I expect Isabella slept well!

Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 April 2024 - Fletcher Moss parkrun, and the Manchester Marathon

We chose to avoid the Wythenshawe mud, in favour of Fletcher Moss's network of dri(ish) tracks, for Saturday's parkrun.

After dropping Isabella off last night, Sue and I enjoyed the company of Mick and Gayle, who had parked their campervan, Bertie, in nearby Frieston Road.

Mary Berry's 'Humble Pie' seemed to be appreciated, washed down with a bottle of Mick's finest Bordeau Superieur.

Anyway, Saturday morning was soon upon us, and we took a 15 minute drive in convoy, to park outside Isabella's house in Didsbury, from where a short walk took us to the lovely tree-lined start of Fletcher Moss parkrun, pictured above. 

Setting off at the back of 455 participants, Teddy, on his first parkrun, got pushed the first section. We took over 9 minutes for the first kilometre, but sped up after that, as Teddy and his family spectated from the banks of the River Mersey.

 

The Barbers joined us afterwards for coffees in the Sports Centre, and Jenny and Owen also turned up. It was Mick's 100th parkrun, achieved nearly 18 years after his first parkrun, which he assured us was some sort of record to be proud of. Perhaps!

 

Full results are here.

Sunday morning found Sue and I trapped in our housing estate, with our local roads closed for the annual Manchester Marathon. I'd been on the point of entering, but was put off by the advertised 6 hour cut-off time. I'll know better next time! (The last finisher took 7:24.)

The half way point is about 200 metres from our house. There were cheers from the roadside as the leaders went past at about 11:10.

Two of those pictured above, 108 and 113, came second and third in around 2 hours 18 minutes. The winner must be hidden from view. Number 156 dropped out.

Those following were cheered past as I watched from Park Road. Here's the 2:45 pacer with his entourage.

A couple of hours later, Sue and I went out to cheer on our friends, Caroline and Lexi, who would finish in around 5 hours, with Caroline overtaking her daughter at around the 18 mile mark. Sue ran with both of them for a while, and I failed to get any pictures. I was too busy ringing the handbell we have for such events.

A massive choir was putting on an impressive performance outside Timperley's Methodist Chapel.

By the time the runners (many of whom are walking at this point) had been to Altrincham and back, they were strung out along Altrincham Road before returning to Timperley. At this point the 5 hour pacer went past, closely followed by the 4:45 pacer. Oops!

A great event in perfect weather (results here) with 21,500 finishers. Well done everyone.

Friday = Isabella Day (64)

Another lovely day with Isabella.

"More fish fingers? More beans? I think I'll give Grandad's soggy toast a miss!"

Adventures with Thomas. Great fun!

Then some banana flapjack was made, and before we knew, it was time to go home.