Exploring on your doorstep

I've been spending a lot of time in Ayrshire post op as it means I can get out and about with Steve being my taxi - thank you ;-) Irvine and The Three Towns, Ardrossan, Saltcoats and Stevenston, aren't really known for their picturesque coastlines. Ardrossan is better known as the ferry port to Arran. Saltcoats was a bustling seaside resort from the 50's to mid 70's which just doesn't stand a chance in competing with what we look for now. Stevenston was once dynamite town but that's all but gone.

There are still treasures to be found. We took Craig to Irvine Beach Park this weekend. It was a wasteland until 35 years ago when it was redeveloped to save the dunes from erosion and for local recreational use. Steve hadn't been here for years and Craig had never been so it was a "Dora the Explorer" outing as Craig described it ;-) Heading first to the wee loch gave the opportunity fotr Craig to check out the skate park before we were bird spotting. It wasn't just gulls.

Craig feeding the swans

The birds....... the birds...............

Next was taking a "Morley Path" heading for the stone creature over the undulating hills. The sculpting of the hills is great for kids and dogs as they can run up and down, great way to tire them out ;-) They'll also be great for sledging down when we get that rare coastal snow. It was really pleasing to see lots of people out and about using the place. It wasn't just dog walkers, families were enjoying the play areas as well as the beach and there were even some art students using it as their backdrop for a film shoot. And no wonder with views on this sunny day.

Steve & Craig off exploring

Looking back to The Magnum Centre and loch

Steve walking towards the stone dragon

Father and son

Stone dragon looking over Irvine Beach to Arran

Irvine Beach

Hazy Arran from Irvine Beach

It was tinged with a wee bit of sadness as we headed back to the car looking over to the now closed The Big Idea

Last stop was the Harbour arts Centre for a wee post wander refreshment and de-brief of the day. General consensus, twas a grand day out and all on the doorstep.

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