Now that we were all back together again we decided it would be a good time for a spot of lunch.
We crossed Elie Golf course, pausing for a moment to give some coaching advice to some ladies struggling with their swings, and continued east through the town. On the main road somebody had put some gutties in a planter. In the unseasonable sunshine they had sprouted into a mashie, a niblick, a cleek, a spoon, a brassie and a baffy.
We strolled into Elie Golf Club in the warm sunshine, hoping to find somewhere we could sit down and have something to eat.
Thankfully The Pavilion was open and we enjoyed some beer and sandwiches – and a well earned rest in the sun. Unsurprisingly, Mushroom had… mushrooms. The weather was glorious so we relaxed and took the best part of an hour over lunch.
We left Elie and The Pavilion and headed back to the coast.
The scenery was picturesque and the sun kept shining.
The path then took us between the beach and the fields.
It wasn’t long before we reached the ruins of Ardross Castle. What a beautiful day for a relaxing stroll along the coast…
…Kraken!!!
Recovering our composure, we could now see St Monans in the distance as the weather continued to favour us. Beautiful clear skies, sunshine and blue water abounded.
Wait a minute! Sunglasses in September in Scotland???
Shurely shome mishtake?
The ruins of Newark Castle indicated that we were approaching our first day’s destination.
Rounding the headland we arrived at St Monans.
Just after four o’clock and the first day’s walking was done.
We took in the view of the harbour before the drivers all piled into Pud’s car to return to the start point for the other vehicles.
Three of us were left awaiting the return of transport. We fancied a coffee or, if we really had to, a beer, but hadn’t reckoned on St Monans’ cafes all closing at four and no pubs in the village. We made do by sitting overlooking the harbour for half an hour, discussing what it must be like living there. Eventually Radar arrived to pick us up and drove us to Anstruther’s Bank Hotel.
We enjoyed a pint in the bar while the rooming arrangements were decided by lot. Radar was with Jeth, Ashtead was with Club, Mushroom was with Harry and Elton was with Pud. (Pud with Mushroom would have been an interesting, if unappetising combination – Ed.)
Dinner was booked for 7:30pm so we reconvened in the bar an hour before.
One issue with large groups is dividing bills. After a successful deployment on the West Highland Way we again used the TriCount App to manage the distribution of costs. Club, using his years of accountancy experience, set it up and consequently all expenses thereafter were calculated in Euros.
On reflection that was inevitable.
Our table in the dining room was occupied by other guests so it was nearer 8pm before we sat down to eat. Jeth and Mushroom pontificated over the wine order. A Rioja was favourite until Mushroom read the label which showed it to be CDC (a blend of years and vineyards from the region) and immediately dismissed it in favour of a Malbec. Picpoul was the chosen white which completed the order.
It was decent standard pub grub, with portion sizes suitable for grown men who had walked all day. There was a preponderance for fish and chips. Just for a change Mushroom had mushroom sauce on his dinner.
Even after his huge main course Ashtead couldn’t resist a “small” dessert. Suddenly concerned that he might have eaten too much, Radar decided to practice his Highland Fling to mitigate the calories he’d consumed.
Two courses and five bottles of wine later, we all retired to bed.
It was just after 10pm.
Changed days…