The view on the lower slopes has changed a lot with the removal of the Phytophthora infected larch now almost complete. It’s good to see the occasional oak that for so many years has been hidden in amongst the conifers.
Everywhere
is very dry but the mountain still has plenty of wet spots. At one stage we
were walking along a shallow stream being patrolled by a Golden Ring,
presumably looking for a mate. It latched onto my walking stick and was very
reluctant to let go; I think I was being given the evil eye and told to get off
his patch.
 |
| Golden Ring - 'Clear off!' |
The beauty
of going up is that the cooling breeze gets stronger and soon you’re above the bracken
line and into the bilberries – there’s a bumper crop. Pop a hot, sun-warmed
berry into your mouth and it explodes with flavour.
Now that
Haydn is a geology student we are trying to be a bit more purposeful in our
walks and took with us the brightly coloured geological map of Snowdonia. Our
local mountain has so much variety which is evident from the many bands of
colour on the map that need to be crossed to get to the summit; it’s also
evident simply looking at the rocks themselves. Exotic sounding Breccia is my
firm favourite.
Birds were
keeping a low profile in the hot sun but butterflies were out in force, lots
and lots of Small Heath. Also loads of little white butterflies (or moths?) –
must take a closer look next time. Bog Asphodel was striking and so too the Sundew.
Towards the top I noticed a compact plant that I now know is called Alpine
Clubmoss. A perfect
day.
