DC XI - day 6

As had been forecast, the temperature had dropped dramatically overnight and we were even faced with a bit of rain when we awoke on Sunday morning. The change in conditions appeared to have brought a sudden increase in the number of suicidal large toads who ventured on the streets of the village:

Were we downhearted by the prospect of some rain on our final day? Not too much:

Anyway, it soon cleared and the sun came out on the back nine so were still able to take our beers and lunch out on the veranda - albeit it was a lot cooler than it had been.

There was some discussion about the origin of this large bird - when it flew, it was like Concorde taking off, but with a mass of pink underneath, tricking some of us in to thinking it may have been a variety of flamingo, but the beak belied that theory:

Type of stork?

Malcolm and I have been trading wins and runners-up most of the week - today it was my turn to be presented with another 2010 ball:

Unfortunately, it wasn't quite enough to win me the trophy for the first time since 2001 - Malcolm's runners-up place today was enough to secure him his 5th title - but it was a very exciting finish - unlike the last 3 years - aka the Meany era - is it over? Will Nigel be back? You bet he will - meaner and hungrier than ever!

We caught the end of the Old Firm match in the clubhouse - well all bar one of us that is - Richard followed the first instruction which was to relocate to the Sports bar, not knowing we had later negotiated a better deal at the clubhouse for the Carling Cup final. It was too exciting for some, however:

Back at the Village we all packed our bags in preparation for an early departure in the morning - and I did the stats - then settled down to an early G & T watching a glorious sunset, followed by pizzas and prize-giving. I presented the trophy to Malcolm:

Malcolm correctly pointed out, however, that it really should have been Nigel handing it over - or was he just gloating a little? Anyway, here's the alternative presentation:

So, barring an uneventful journey home on Monday, that was it for another year. I thought it was a great outing - possibly the best ever - definitely at least up to Cape Town 2008 standards.