Five of us left Postbridge Car park in anticipation of seeing the comet Neowise and
nightjars on a pleasant warm evening. Across the road to pick up the footpath
by the well manicured playing field and up the rough steps onto the open moor
and a nice wide track to Bellever. Through the car park where we could see many
groups of campers enjoying the warm summer evening on the south side of the
East Dart river. We followed the track to Laughter Hole farm past the lovely
hay meadows waiting to be cut. Through the farm, and all remarked how sorry it
was to see it so run down and in such a sorry state. Once past the farm we
picked up the forest track and zig zagged the tracks and fire breaks for 30
mins to come out onto the open moor 800 metres from Laughter Hole farm!! We had
a good view of 2 hinds with their fawns on the way. Time for a cuppa, but it
was in the shade and the sun was out on Laughter Tor so off we went, but of
course when we arrived the clouds had hidden the sun, so on with the jumpers
for a cuppa, or can of cider, as we
watched a glorious sunset beyond Bellever Tor. While on the Tor excited shouts
of “there’s the comet” and much pointing but it was decided it was a plane
vapour trail! As we left Laughter Tor more shouts of “there’s the comet”,
binoculars came out and much scanning to the NW with shouts of “that’s
definitely the comet”, but another vapour trail was the conclusion!! On to
ascend the S face of Bellever Tor in increasing darkness hoping for a comet
sighting to be met by a group camping on the side of the Tor who had never been
there before but were enthralled by it!! By now it was dark enough to see the
comet, but it was just too overcast so off to descend the N face with the
anticipation of seeing the nightjars. We heard more than we had heard before
but only had a couple of brief sightings as we made our way to the cars through
the forest passing a young couple walking towards us who flashed the brightest
torch at us as they thought we were deer on the track!!
A
longer walk, 6.22 miles, and a later finish than usual,2230, but a thoroughly
enjoyable evening to be out on the moor.
Terry