Tuesday 22 June: Lindisfarne

 Chilly night upstairs and we need the blanket. Our neighbour has been up all night photographing noctilucent (ice) clouds. The longest day is apparently the best time to see them at this latitude.  We leave him to sleep and head off dressed for walking but on bikes. Over the causeway with thrift aplenty on either side and samphire. We visit the outskirts of the Priory ( should have pre booked) but can see most of what there is to see and then the castle (ditto).. 

We start the walk around the island and pause at a sandy beach for sunbathing and reading and lunch. Then continue onwards. Lots of viper bugloss and orchids among the dunes. Female eider ducks bob around with their young near the shore.

Coffee and Lindisfarne gin purchased we head back on the bikes and stop at The Stoop to look for the Lindisfarne orchid  no luck! We do see the Marsh Heliborene though  which is apparently more beautiful. 

Back to base camp for tea, shower, rosé, crisps and m&s tinned curry and tinned peas for supper. Even at 10:30 it’s still pretty light.