Lake District, May, Day 7

A splendid morning greeted us for our last day, although it was to become very humid and finish with a storm again later.  Tired after our recent days of exertion, we had a lazy morning and lunch at the van before heading off to Silverdale, yet again, and a very pleasant walk along the beach that Heather had discovered with Linda the day before.  We then continued on to Warton Crags that we had been told about as a good site for butterflies.  The old quarry was impressive with vertiginous limestone walls, alive with the sociable calls of jackdaws.  I also heard ravens cronking but couldn't see them; apparently they breed here.  In the short time at our disposal I wandered up the path to the top of the quarry.  Although only here for a short time, there were quite a few butterflies about.  Sadly pearly bordered fritillaries were not in evidence but I did see orange tip, brimstone, red admiral, dingy skipper and common blue.  Early purple orchids were growing well and I was pleased to see plenty of birds foot trefoil and some rockrose.  This site certainly calls for more exploration.  A quick call in to the hide at Condor Green on the way to Thomas's for a last fish and chips before he moves to Sheffield, rewarded me with avocet with chicks and common terns already on nests.  Both canada geese and greylags had large goslings.  By now it was grey and beginning to rain.  When we got back to the site there had been a drenching storm but we were rewarded with a sudden and brief stunning sunset painting the lowering storm clouds a vivid orange.  An excellent final day.  Tomorrow is all about packing and getting off, never a favourite occupation, although we only have to drive to Blackpool to stay with friends for a couple of nights. 

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Silverdale, Post Office Lots behind the cottages

Thrift or sea pink, Silverdale

Brimstone

Rockrose

Sunset Ashes Lane

Sunset Ashes Lane