The lichen walk

Today I was out on the recce for the Lichen Walk for the Haltwhistle Walking Festival (still a few places waiting to be snapped up!).

Gordon Beakes is our resident fungus expert, but for this walk, he demonstrated his excellent knowledge of lichens.

We started at Black Middens Bastle. The walls are covered in a wide variety of lichens. Armed with our hand lenses (see extra), Anne and I were introduced to the finer points of the beasts.

It was a warm day - I was too hot after yesterday - and we enjoyed the walk, the chat and the lichens.

Julie came to see Mum this afternoon and I was home in time to see her too.

Tomorrow is a day of rest!