East Lothian Summer Series

 

I was late to the party for this excellent series. I think I did a few sporadically a long time ago and then got out of the habit. This year, being less inclined to work, I had more energy to spare for these weeknight 5ks around 6 venues spread across East Lothian. I saw the first couple and thought I must sign up, but didn't get around to it till race 3 (of 6) which was at Archerfields. There is an obligation to do 4 out of 6 which meant having missed the first 2 I'd be looking to do all the rest. Surprisingly I managed! And really enjoyed them. Here is a quick summary...

Leg 3 Archerfields 11th July: I'd missed the Newhailes leg on 20th June and the Haddington leg on the 5th July. I'd really liked the look of the Haddington leg which was on trails along the Tyne and this spurred me on to get the finger out for Archerfields. Not being a driver, I stood in town waiting for the North Berwick bus for half an hour. When it didn't appear I began to consider getting the train to Drem and running 3+ miles to the start, however on the way from Waterloo Place to Waverley I saw the NB bus and ran back to the stop. The good news was it stopped directly outside Archerfields and it was less than half a mile to jog to the start. 

photo Stuart Hay

Although I was number 102 not everyone turned up to each race. I'd say about 70 ran on average. There was a really good low key feel to the organisation, and the entry fee for each race was only £2 which is ridiculously low! Routes were well marked and marshalled and generally a mix of some road and mostly off road. Like Summertime cross country. There was 20 mins for a warm up to run out the rumbling adrenaline from nearly not getting there, which I did with Nick.

photo Stuart Hay

photo Michael Philp
Big thanks to Michael who took some great photos at these events.

I set off too fast which I paid for in the second half when I was floundering and trying not to drop too many places. The course was around grassy and dirt trails between Archerfields walled garden and Dirleton and it was all very pleasant and mostly flat. It was the only course I did sub20 on. Most were a bit hillier or slightly longer than the 5k, so although it was my fastest time it was also my lowest place.

for full results check ELSS fb page

Leg 4 Whitekirk 25th July: This was tricky to get to for the non-driver. I put my bike on the NB train and cycled 5 miles from North Berwick to Whitekirk under dark grey skies that threatened to unload on us any moment. It was only when I was in the station I realised the bikes spaces on the train might already be fully booked with commuters and my East Lothian Summer Series would then be in jeapordy. However it worked fine. 

photo: Stuart Hay

The race was a toughy. All grass and dirt trails with lots of undulations which felt fine warming up but then I probably set off a little quickly (a pattern forming here?) and the big hill at the far end nearly killed me both laps. Lauren went past on the first big hill (which was short but STEEP!) and although I tried to catch her on the second lap, there was never a chance. At least the spitting rain never turned into a deluge. I didn't hang about for team photos as it looked like rain at any moment and I had a train to catch.

Leg 5 Behaven 8th August: Much easier travelling on the train to Dunbar and a 20minute run across town to Belhaven Bay. Excellent new toilet block. Which came in handy. The problem with evening races can be trying to hold off for a late lunch or a small afternoon snack without going into the race too hungry. Or worse, bloated and feeling like a snooze. The weather had pulled its socks up and it was a delightful evening without being too warm. In a delightful place - pretty much 2 laps round the lovely sandy trails that go along to Hedderwick Point and back along East Links Farm. One of my favourite places for running trails. 

being such a glorious evening I ran with the camera

lots of Porties on the start line

Which was not to say it was easy or pain free. In fact there were several fallers: you had to watch out for roots and holes in the sandy trails and it was hard going running through soft sand. 

photo Stuart Hay

I felt I was finally getting into the swing of these short fast 5ks and set off within myself on this one. I was just behind Lauren and let the fast boys race away ahead. It was possible to take different lines and by running to the left or right you could find a less deep sandy trail and go faster. I know several folk found the sand hard to run on including Lauren who was slipping about in road shoes. I overtook her and stayed ahead, the only time this happened during the 4 races I did. 

and they're off!

Lauren ahead at the start

Just after this and quite early on the first lap, Dunbar runner Richard T took a tumble. Someone asked was he okay and he got up saying yes, however he failed to continue having damaged a leg stepping into a deep hole. He had been leading the v50males at that point. And sadly this ended his ELSS and he didn't race the last 2.

distractions of East Links Farm

photo credit maybe Marshal Matt

note: running to one side where the going is firmer
photo: Marshal Matt

The sandy trails made it hard going, and you knew exactly how long the second lap was having done the same on lap one. Nothing for it but to knuckle down and enjoy the scenery. I tried not to drop too many places although one or 2 went past.

photo: Stuart Hay

David had a fairly big fall as well,
scuffing his shoulder and wrist/hand.

Fasties! 

PRC team photo, thanks Michael Philp

Final leg Musselburgh 17th August: A slightly longer course, 3.7 miles. The good news was that it was out into the strong headwind, and back with the wind pushing us home. The other way round would have been hellish.

start: photo Stuart Hay

front runners early on
photo Michael Philp

Mary and I had cycled down together. It seemed like a mild evening but the wind along the coast meant you were glad of a jacket (if not running). I warmed up with David, Lauren and Steve then set off a little too quickly heading East along the coast. We crossed the Esk and headed out along the seawall, until we turned up the new road past the new bird hides heading back to the Esk. Alex G overtook me but once I got the wind behind me on the return leg I got the place back, and kept it. Mostly tarmac with dirt and grass trails, I ran as fast as possible for the best part of 24 minutes.

Mary took photos in the last half mile.

There was a great atmosphere at the end. A BBQ had been set up and there were age group prizes for those who had completed 4 races. There was a great attendance from PRC and it was all done very well by those who organised it; from route setting, marking and marshalling to food and drink and prizes. Big thanks to them. I was still a little too raddled from running hard to eat anything but was pleased to get the v60 prize. 

Aileen v60 prize
photo Alison Caldwell

George v40 prize
photo Alison Caldwell

Lauren first woman
photo Alison Caldwell

PB: old dog prize!
photo Alison Caldwell

As someone who got out of the habit of racing during the Pandemic this was a lively entry back into the scene. A reminder there is more to racing than just pinning on a number and belting out a fast run. The social side and going along to different places. It gets you out the house! Big thanks to the organisers, I must do more of this sort of thing.

Big Wood 1

 

14-08-23 A fantastic day at Saltoun Big Wood.

Around August, life can get a bit depressing. (And not just because of the Edinburgh Festival!) All the butterfly species that emerge over the year have emerged, and it feels like the another year has come and gone with little left to look forward to. However there is one treat left and that is Saltoun Big Wood. I usually visit there 3 or 4 times in August and September and results can vary from a pleasant wander in the woods to a butterfly spectacle unequalled in Scotland.

three peacocks

always reminds me of the three tenors when I see a trio like this

Mary was up for a cycle there and so we set off (I see from the Suunto record) quite late in the day. After 1pm! (Mary was working in the morning.) Maybe the weather was iffy earlier. We have been having really quite shit weather: much of the usual August stuff which involves festival jesus hosing down the tourists twice a day for their sins.

We chose the scenic route. From Musselburgh up the Esk and onto the Pencaitland cycle path which is wonderfully traffic-lite if a bit samey. Sometimes I carry a compact camera in a bumbag for photos as we ride, but not today. At the end of the cyclepath you pop out onto tarmac half a mile before West Saltoun. We were coasting down to the village when I saw a buddleia that looked to have a few occupants and shouted to Mary to stop. On closer examination it proved fabulous. About 15 peacocks, a handful of red admirals, 3 commas, a couple of large whites and a couple of holly blues kept us entertained for 20 minutes taking photos. 

comma

RA and peacock

I noticed some of the butterflies would take a breather on the surrounding garden furniture - the hedge we were leaning over, the trees nearby etc. This admiral chose an apple and it made for a very pleasing composition.

Every time a car came past (only 3 or 4 in 20minutes) they would all leave the butterfly bush and fly around the air in a giant butterfly cloud before settling again. Sadly the video I took was glitchy on the PC and I wiped the SD card before remembering to download it to a better machine. You'll have to imagine how delightful 30 butterflies flying around our heads was!

Similarly this tree which made an excellent backdrop for the butterflies.

large white

The main buddleia bush was an excellent colour combo to compliment the butterflies - sometimes the darker pink and purple buddleias fight with the colours of the insects or are so brash, when zoomed in, you almost need to desaturate the photos in post for it not to look razzy. This one was just perfect background colouration.

the magical buddleia bush!

large white

We parked our bikes just beyond the old car park. 

Although you could cycle round the woods, it is easier to be hands-free and just walk.

We found the commas had not arrived in force just yet. There were a couple about the place and the devil's bit scabious was in flower, but it would be another couple of days before they descended from wherever to land on the lilac coloured blooms that line the paths round Saltoun. The peacocks had arrived though and there were dozens out, most looking 100% fresh and brand new. It is a delight and rather reassuring, in these times of wildlife doom and gloom, to see anywhere so lively with dozens, maybe hundreds of butterflies.

We decided to focus on butterflies first and then dragonflies afterwards. So we walked past the ponds and up towards Butterfly Alley, the trails at the far end of the woods. We did have a wee look at the woodpile just beyond the last pond. There was a black darter sunbathing on a log. They are one of my absolute favourites, especially when you get them sat on a light coloured backdrops. Sadly I hear they are one of the species most at threat (possibly due to disappearing environment) on the dragonfly red list.

we saw one or 2 vintage small skippers

just loads of peacocks

occasional green-veined whites

and a few walls

small white

wall - underside (m)

plenty of speckleds

Mary was bending over to try to encourage an interactive experience with this peacock (above), when I noticed there was another one more interested, on her back pack. Possibly because it hasn't been washed since we were last abroad, walking miles under sunny Spanish skies! 

I think this was a Silver Y moth but might not have been.
There were a few about and they were not stopping for pics.

a dead womble

After butterfly alley we decided to continue round the square back to the crossroads between the ponds. There is less in the way of butterflies, the paths not being lined with scabious, but being quieter sometimes you come across other stuff - buzzards and solitary RAs or commas.

speckled wood

I thought this was a froglet from the way it was moving (and tiny size), but looking at the photos when I got home I see its skin is more warty and less glossy which would indicate toadlet. I am not an expert. And I don't suppose it matters much either. It was a very nice specimen whatever it was.

Mary is un-squeemish about most nature that would traditionally have a lot of folk reaching for a rolled up newspaper. However this tableau of a spider surrounded by fungi made her want to reach for the flamethrower. I think if you are fascinated by the stuff you come across (especially the slightly gothic) it is easier to put your natural disinclination (or more likely learned phobias) to one side and admire the marvel of it all. 

in a week's time this scene would be repeated a hundred-fold
however on this occasion it was just a solitary comma

I saw this distant wall female and approached it cautiously as I suspected I hadn't captured a female on this site yet. I got the record shot above, but when I moved in for a close up it flew off. I watched as it settled again trying to lure me deeper and deeper into the tick infested jungle. Nope, not falling for that!

I haven't really been concentrating on my crane fly enthusiasm of late!
this one seemed to be doing a very tricky yoga pose

having a top wander!

Round the next corner was a small clump of buddleia. It had some peacocks and a red admiral aboard. And possibly a comma. I really liked the photos it yielded - the soft moss green background making a lovely backdrop for the red peacocks below.

photo: Mary!

I was unaware I had a visitor. Despite washing my backpack several times since Spain! I was recently sitting on a train with my pack nicely warmed up from the mile sprint to Waverley having left the house a little late for an early morning departure from Edinburgh. And noticed it was a bit whiffy. Right enough it gets a wet back every time I run at pace. So it finished the day out with a trip round the washing machine.

photo: Mary

photo: Mary

It must have been 5pm by the time we had a quick look round the ponds for odonata. I noticed there were the usual largest jobs - blue dots on a black background - Common Hawkers. A mundane title for such spectacular beasties. But also another large dragonfly. Nearly identical but with fluro lime green dots down most of its body (blue at tail end) and that this was a Southern Hawker. They were not deferring to the Commons but standing their ground and returning the jousts from the Commons. I was wondering if I'd be able to get an in flight shot as they seemed more curious that the Commons and would hover nearby having a close look at you. I think it helped that I shared their colour scheme with the bright blue and yellow of my pack. They would fly past and then come back and have a closer look, standing still in the air just an arms length away. Unfortunately the camera has a habit of focussing on the distant background rather than the dragonfly and I took many bad photos of them.

Then a minute or 2 later I saw one swoop out of the sky and land on a bush right beside me. I couldn't believe my luck and with shaking hands zoomed in. It had just caught a fly and had landed to eat it. I hurriedly took loads of photos and shot a bit of video. Absolutely thrilled to get a decent close up on my first encounter. I later heard they have been at Saltoun for a few years now, although I have never knowingly seen one till today. They do look nearly identical to the common hawkers so I might have not realised - there is no obvious difference from a distance (or even fairly close up.) Look for larger patches of colour on thorax.

Southern Hawker - first ever photo!

Comon Hawker for comparison (from 2018)

It was a fantastic finish to a great day out. Although it was another week till I saw the hoped-for commas at Saltoun it was a really rewarding trip - from the buddleia bush at the start of the afternoon to the Southern Hawker at the other end, a real delight! And the cycle home was tailwind assisted, so it really wasn't too bad.

34 miles cycled, 3 walked