Church to Dysart Sunday 29th November 2009

Of a' the airts the winds can blaw, we got the full blast of them today. We started at the kirk, walking down Salisbury Street, Townsend Crescent, Townsend Place and Coal Wynd before we reached the Harbour end of the town. Rona, leading today's walk took us past the Harbour and Hutchison's flour mills and on to, I mean right onto, the beach. Bracing it was, and a few of us were almost caught out when a wave came further in than expected and had us squealing and clambering onto some wee rocks for safety. We followed the pathway under Ravenscraig Castle and some remembered the area from childhood when there was a beautiful beach there and they used to pick a spot by the big wall to sunbathe on their beach towels. Alas, there is no attractive beach there any longer, but still a nice walk with great views across the Forth and even along the coastline. And a couple of wee robins posing on branches just waiting to be admired reminded us that today is the first Sunday in Advent. We had booked lunch at the Harbourmaster's House Bistro at Dysart. We were therefore suitably dismayed when we got there only to find the door locked. So we chapped and rang the bell and keeked in the windows till someone came and explained that the fire alarm had gone off and wouldn't stop ringing. No fire , just the alarm. But H & S regulations meant that they couldn't let us in for our baked tatties. Royal Hotel, here we come. We all had a fine hot bowl of scotch broth, then cakes, scones and a cup of coffee. It was just the biz.
We didn't delay too long though as, even at 3.00pm, the light was changing and the cauld getting caulder. We walked back through Ravenscraig park this time, blethering non-stop as always. After St Clair Street, we went along Commercial Street and through Pathhead village, stopping only briefly to wave to Jenny Walker in her wee hoose.
Those in front were speed-walking along Victoria Road, but had to stop and tie our laces a couple of times to let the auld folk catch up. Up Dunnikier Road and onto Meldrum Road and the end was in sight. Back at the kirk we said our blessing together and thanked each other for the good company we've shared over the last six months on Sunday afternoons. That will be our last walk until January when at least three new people have intimated that they will be joining the group. Until then, enjoy a warm, peaceful, happy time with the folk you love. Christmas blessings to all.