Newly appointed recorder for VC49, Philippa Thompson, organised this unofficial meeting for a few friends in her local area. Peter Martin and Claire Halpin arrived at base camp (her house) on a soggy Friday in mid May. It had been raining for a few days and the bryophytes looked stunning…
The forecast for Saturday was showery but didn’t look too bad, so Philippa, Pete and Claire met up with Lucia Ruffino and headed off to explore Cwm Eigiau, a short drive away. In the event it was cold and wet all morning and we almost gave up, but fortunately the sun came out around lunchtime and we warmed up. Highlight of the day was probably a lovely patch of fruiting Rhabdoweisia crenulata, found by Lucia.
Having spent a very wet Sunday looking at the specimens we’d collected on Saturday, we were raring to get out again on the Monday, and fortunately the rain dried up around lunchtime so we arranged to meet Lucia near Trefriw and take a look at some disused lead mines and woodland. However it didn’t prove quite as straightforward as we’d thought…
The forecast for Tuesday was good, so we planned a Grimmia day around the reservoirs of Dulyn and Melynllyn. Lots of specimens still to look at…
Many, many thanks to Philippa and her very patient and tolerant partner Malcolm, for their hospitality and generosity in sharing their home for these few days.
