Lichen

First outing today was a trip to the Dell to meet up with R for an early(ish) morning swim. I'm always pleased when I make the effort (and it is an effort to get up, have breakfast and get down on time). It is generally very peaceful -  very rarely more than handful of swimmers, often just two, with the occasional salmon leaping and a few ducks.  This morning was no exception.  We swam passed the second pine, caught a glimpse of the boating station and swam back, which is about 750m.

I was slightly late in arriving as I'd encountered three gull chick on the pavement on the way down. They must have fallen out their nest as they couldn't fly.  I and another women got them safely across the road into the courtyard of nearby flats and another woman came to help.  The second woman had got a box to put them in to take the vets but by this time the parents had moved in closer to feed the chicks and to chase anyone or anything that approached. They were still there when I came back but sadly I don't think they will be for long. 

The afternoon VC came round and we went up Craigower - despite the recent lack of rain, everything was very green and this lichen caught my eye.  It was lovely catching up with all V's news (and I was pleased to manage the walk after my earlier exercise, although I could feel it in my legs).