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This was very probably the hottest day we have ever had for
an expedition, not easy for a four-year-old but Fern managed
fine. As well as Fern there were just Benjamin, Rowan and
Thomas plus Howard, John and Philippa and Sharon with Ellie
trying to carry enormous sticks for us.
Unfortunately I thought the previous expedition had gone to
the Singing Sands so we went to Port a’Bhata. This was
a bit hard on Rowan and Fern who had been to Briaig on the
previous expedition and had to climb the same hill again.
We set off from Blain and quickly reached the first gate and
then came to Angus’ black bull, who was clearly relieved
to see Ellie had her lead on. Ellie passed the bull with her
nose in the air and we carried on past the Corn Kiln and up
the hill to the lochans, stopping occasionally to catch our
breath. When we got to the lochans, the boys did a bit of
hunting and found a baby meadow pipit and we all saw several
sand martins feeding over the water.
There were quite a lot of red damsel flies and chaser dragonflies
about and I saw a lacewing, but it didn’t hang around
long enough for a photograph. It was quite a slog getting
to the top of the hill and we followed the line of a dyke
for some time until we got to the other side and could look
down on Briaig village.
This time we didn’t stop but pushed on down the hill
to the junction with the Silver Walk and followed the path
eastwards to the narrow valley to Port a’Bhata. When
we reached the little wood we stopped under an ash tree and
had a break for our Tunnock’s wafers. While we were
there we looked at the wych elm and Ben and I examined its
leaves. We also had a look at some wild garlic flowers.
We waited under the tree until everyone was ready for the
return trip, it was too hot to carry on to the mill. On the
way back I found a fine Small Pearl-Bordered Fritillary butterfly
which was obliging enough to stay on a bit of bracken until
I could photograph it. Unfortunately, the explorers were very
seldom all in one place and I didn't get a picture of them.
It was a real effort getting back up over the big hill and
everyone was jolly pleased to see the Pantry and have drinks
and ice cream. All of the explorers revived very quickly and
looked quite capable of setting out on another walk afterwards.
John
Dye
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