a flotilla of admirals

I got out of bed (31-08-26) feeling like sludge. The weather outside was crappy and I was in no hurry to get going. The forecast was supposedly good enough to risk a trip to Saltoun. Things (butterflies and dragonflies) should have been as good as last visit and maybe better, although it (the Big Wood) has been only just up to minimum standards this year and I could do without another grim cycle there.All this notwithstanding I packed sandwiches and a cold drink in the duck-egg blue flask and set off with heart nearer weary than brim-full of anticipation. Due to a brisk Westerly the cycle there was interesting. I covered the first five in 22mins which is slightly below ambitious. Then by 10 miles (outskirts of Tranent) I was at 44mins which is decent as it covers the hills out of Musselburgh and up the gradient to Tranent. By fifteen my enthusiasm had kicked in and I increased the average pace enough to claw back 2mins, bringing the total down to 64. Again I was pleased as there is…