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December (Xmas) Day Trip to the Arrochar area
Adult Hikers (in no particular order of importance): Elena Chalmers and Gaius the dog, James and Susan Anderson, David Anderson and Chanel Asquith, Hilary Anson, Willie Robison, Hamish Dallachy, Bob MacDonald, Ian and Iris Moffatt, Cornel Brozio, John McKeown and Diane Burton, Mark Setford, Miriam Murphy, and of course Santa in disguise as Steven.
Young Hikers: Steven and Hilary's grandchildren Katie and Abi Byrne, and Leon and Ivy Anson.
The hikers met at the Tarbet Hotel at the junction of the A82 and A83 on Loch Lomond around 10am to enjoy hot rolls and beverages in the warm lounge. Due to the drizzly weather, plans to walk part of the Three Lochs Way to the Loch Sloy area and dam were abandoned, and we took to the slightly sheltered but undulating Cowal Way from Tarbet to Glen Loin. The match box filling competition organised by Susan proved a useful distraction for the young hikers, and was an equal draw.
Around 2pm we were back at the cosy lounge of the Tarbet Hotel with hot and tasty mince pies and mulled wine being served.
The afternoon festivities included:
The Guess the Munros quiz, capably researched and organised by Susan, which was won by Mark .. and The Guess the Confectionery quiz, organised by Hilary with support from Katie, Abi, Leon and Ivy, which was won by David and Chanel.
Santa made his highly anticipated appearance, with Katie, Abi, Leon and Ivy helping Santa with Gift giving .. hopefully everyone was happy with what they received.
A little 3 year old girl in the room was amazed at seeing a 'real' Santa! He made her day by going over and talking to her and giving her some chocolate coins. Her parents were of course delighted!
Steven as usual missed meeting him.
The newly-introduced Xmas sweater contest was well received, and was judged by Katie, Abi, Leon and Ivy, with assistance from Santa .. and was won by Mark, with 2nd prize going to Diane.
The raffle of a bottle of Malt Whisky in aid of Scottish Mountain Rescue was won by John. It was well organised as usual by Bob and raised a record £120.
An exchange of Xmas cards concluded the fun, and the activities ended about 4.30pm with everyone setting off for home with smiles on their faces.
Santa Steven
The next social evening will be at the Counting House from 7pm on Tuesday 7 January.
Talk (amongst other things!) will be about past and proposed outings ...
The social evening dates are noted in our Outings Programme, and a reminder will be sent by e-mail about a week beforehand.