Monday 1 September 2008

September Pickings

Many years of bilberry picking have convinced me that they taste sweeter in September than in July and August.

There are three minor problems about this. Firstly not many can be persuaded to wait that long once the tempting fruit have been seen. Secondly, and consequently, people have already harvested at the more accessible gathering points before you so it's necessary to explore beyond the most obvious bushes. Thirdly the menace of the midges seems to be greater later on and the little b*****s have obviously learned to wait about here because sooner or later some unsuspecting bloke with a plastic container will appear to provide a nourishing meal.
Late bilberry flowers are also to be seen in places, as are cowberry alongside their deep red fruit.

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