Getting Ready

 Sunday, April 25

Tenderstem seedlings and newly sprouted peppers now potted on into pots big enough for almost a month's growth whilst we are away. Sturdy Cucumber plants also in the ground in the lean-to greenhouse. I'd planned all my planting on the well-founded assumption that we would be unable to travel. Andrea will see to the watering whilst we are away.

Not knowing that we were able to go to the Hebrides until about ten days ago, there has been a lot of re-organising to do. The Highlands week already cancelled, the route has changed. England's Travelodges closed to non essential travellers until May 17 meant a direct drive to Scotland. A long day's drive for two octogenarians. Pam decided that taking our time and making regular stops would make it possible. I ended up making it a three night journey up, we can bird as we go - nothing new there. Our first stop will be at Gretna Green, as near to the border as is possible. The second at Dunbarton, a mere 90 miles. The final night, before crossing to the Isle of Mull, is at Corran Ferry, north of Oban. Convenient for the ferry, only seven miles from Fort William and the large supermarket where we can stock up for the week. 

New rules for the cottage too. We have to take our own bed linen, kitchen linen, and towels, to Burn Cottage on Mull. All islands ask for a lateral flow Covid test to be taken three days before, and a second one one day before travel. As mentioned in my last post.That's two lots for us. The second batch of tests has arrived, I was only allowed one at a time.. 

The hotel on Skye where we need to stay after leaving Mull, and before the ferry to North Uist, had not kept our booking. I found another Hotel - all B and Bs are still closed.The ferry from Uig is also booked, tickets to be collected on the day. Phew.

So, late afternoon, after the Man U match, we went birding. To Hickling NWT Reserve where, on production of a Blue Badge, one can drive to Whiteslea Lodge. Very little about on a dull, cool day. Willow Warblers the main songsters, Marsh Harriers busying about.  On the return journey, a cloud of Hirundine appeared. Mostly Swallows and Sand Martins with at least one House Martin. I saw one of the latter at West Runton, Pam didn't. Pam got out to climb the bank for a better view, returning quickly to point out a male Yellow Wagtail on top of a tree stump. Lovely. We then drove to Stubb Mill where we had very good views of a flying Common Crane. At last.

Pam has been keeping a record of garden birds. There have been no Brambling for the last three days. 

My Gentian sink looks great at the moment. They haven't much enjoyed the overnight frost and low temperature. but look fine from a distance. One of my very favourite flowers. This particular species is supposedly an Autumn flowering variety, all the plants derived from a single pot bought from Inshriach Alpine Nursery in the Highlands.