Monday's Autumnal Jaunt

A double figure attendance again yesterday for a ride up to Torphins in beautiful autumn sunshine. In view of our numbers - 11 - John Morton took it upon himself to phone and check that Platform 22 could take us OK - and they could. We indicated our eta would be c. 15:00 and set off on our way.

Home Farm was the route, with most going up the Glassel road whilst 4 of us went through Inchmarlo estate, where we came across a potential obstacle:

Drew stops to let the cattle pass

John Morton was the photographer on that one and he also took the next two, the first of which was taken as we came off the Glassel road and headed along the bumpy farm tracks and through the gate:

l-r: John Meaden, Ken Page, Dave Williamson, Bob Elder, Dick Taylor, John Perry (in non-regulation blue), Ian Stewart, Drew Leslie & Scott Hunter. Missing for some reason is John Larkin and John Morton was the other side of the camera lens.

There was a split when we got to Torphins, with Dick, Scott and I opting to head straight to Platform 22 for an early scone, and the others choosing to add the Pitmurchie loop before stopping. We were all together for the team photo outside afterwards, however:

l-r: Dick Taylor, John Perry, Bob Elder, Ken Page, Dave Williamson, Ian Stewart, Drew Leslie, John Meaden, John Larkin, Scott Hunter & John Morton

The golf course loop was (very) briefly discussed - and quickly dismissed - so we all headed for the usual Campfield route then Hill of Brathens. John Meaden took a couple of shots as we gathered at the Brathens turn-off:

For the majority, it was a 34 kms run with 356 m of climbing.

There was talk of the Christmas lunch - where was Rob, everyone asked? The assumption was that it would again be held at the golf club on a Thursday, mid-December - probably the 15th? Check your diaries.