This past Sunday, October 19, we enjoyed a very robust turnout for a visit to Aberlady Bay. Once the bus/train/minibus mini debacle had been resolved, we were able to transport everyone to the nature reserve, which is located on the Firth of Forth southeast of Edinburgh. Once there, our guide, John, led us through a land of golf into the grassy dunes. Once assured that we were protected from Third Reich tank advances, we turned our eye toward the real enemy, sea-buckthorn, a shrub reintroduced to areas of Scotland that outcompetes other plant species essential for the functioning of the dune ecosystem. It’s everywhere. So, John led us to the “affectionately named” Fox Hollow where we picked, lopped, and dug out as much sea-buckthorn as possible for the remainder of our day, tossing our sea-buckthorn victims into a glorious bonfire that raged the whole time, and occasionally munching on the buckthorn’s berries filled with sweet and sour orange paint-like juice.
So, my second Dirty Weekend was a wonderful, sunny day of good things, with a fine unwinding at the Auld Hoose (spicy chicken dippers this time). Also, thanks, Amy, Margaret, Rosie and special guest, James for preparing a bountiful sandwich lunch, and thank you, Ellie for once again driving that minibus!
Topher
