The Famous Five Hogmanay Outing

You may have guessed by the title that today's match reporter was Rob:

"    As you will all remember, in 'real' life the famous five were Julian, Dick, Anne and Georgina (George) – and their dog Timmy. However, with a bit of poetic license, the mantle can be applied to Julian (John McWhinnie), Dick (Ken Page), Anne (Ian Stewart), George (Rob) and newcomer John Meaden (Timmy!!). Timmy was invited to come along by Dick, who apparently had lashings of ginger ale at the previous night's party. Julian suggested having a spiffing adventure by replicating the super time that Messrs Taylor and Sharp had on Monday...yippee. George was a bit late turning up, otherwise (s)he would have suggested going west first and then letting the considerable wind ease us back to Banchory. However, the die was cast and the famous five set off along the Deeside way, thankfully without much ice. It was a merry little group that bowled along to Drumoak and down the hill to make our first venture across the rickety Park bridge, where Anne got his box brownie out and we had a group hug!! Then up and up and up the fearsome Durris hill, where a lithesome young lady soared past us on a road bike. From up here we could see all the way to Narnia (I might be getting my metaphors mixed at this point!)

    The adventure included a couple of involuntary dismounts by Anne, but (s)he is made of stern stuff and kept her upper lip firmly stiff...or it will be stiff in the morning. We buffeted our merry way along to near the old Crofters Inn, then swooped down past the potato seed institute, to come out at the crossroads school. From here, with much giggling and joshing we sashayed down to the south Deeside road , coming out at the old Knappach toll-house. From here we had a mighty battle with the westerly wind back to the bridge of Feugh. At times, I would swear (not that we know any naughty words yet), that Anne was going backwards when the wind really huffed and puffed. Finally, after Dick had the obligatory dope test at the surgery, we got back to Tease and had scones with cream and lashings of sarsasparilla. What a super-duper day out. Thanks to the rest of the gang. Happy New Year, George    :-)"

and here's the team photo, taken on Park bridge:

Rob Pollard, Ken Page, John McWhinnie, John Meaden & Ian Stewart

 It was a 19 mile loop with almost 800 feet of climbing. Full stats here - http://www.strava.com/activities/234917466