Day 10: Irvine to Ardrossen

Posted bykimonanadventurePosted inUncategorized

Day’s total km: 17km

Weather: cold (10-12C), wet and windy (as in near gale force winds windy).

Ick.

We took the train to Irvine this morning. It stopped raining while we walked to the station (about 20 min) and rained almost as soon as we arrived. Beautiful timing!

Not raining.
On the way to the station, Dad under the power tower (Wallace Tower).
Raining!
The pull on my zipper for my Arc’teryx rain coat broke a few months ago and today, the rest of the mechanism broke…at the start of the day, on the rainiest and windiest day while I’m on a walking holiday in Scotland! Unimpressed.
I maneuvered my backpack clips to keep my rain jacket closed.
The walk from Irvine to Stevenston today was not one I would recommend. It’s been my least favourite, and it wasn’t just the rain. It followed some paths and roads.
Himalayan Balsam
Rain was off and on. the wind was fantastic because it dried us.
Giant hogweed (not a friendly plant)
Bees were in this Viper’s Bugloss. It’s friendly to bees. Not to horses.
Forest eyes watching
One person bench.
We were tired and wet by the time we reached Stevenston. We were hoping to find a spot to eat and be dry and warm (to convince Dad to finish the full 15km today). This spot was protected from wind, but not dry. A Scottish Angel magically appeared and pointed out an unassuming trailer down the way that was actually a cafe! Both protected and dry! Thank you!
They even have a section for dog items on the menu. Every table but ours had a dog under it in this quaint cafe.
Grilled cheese is not the same worldwide.
My legs were soaked so that my socks were soaked too.
Dad was totally unimpressed.
We passed through Saltcoasts and Ardrossan, both of which have some charm. It was sooooo windy though!
A series of plaques at Ardrossan South Beach displayed quotes connecting people to place over the years.
My seaglass treasures

We went to Saffy’s in Ayr for dinner. Very good food and service.

We leave for a new accommodation tomorrow. The taxi is picking up our bags at 9:30am tomorrow and will meet us in Largs at our new place, at 5:30pm. Dad and I will bus back to Ardrossan in the morning and walk to Seamill. After Seamill, we will bus north to Largs.

4 walking days left.

Published by kimonanadventure

Explorer, learning to be at home in the world and within myself.

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