The Burren

[Michael J Campbell]

In all your wanderings over the area have you noticed whether there is much colour variation ?.

Thanks for all your kind comments folks.

Dave the Gentians vary through every colour of blue and with a few white ones on the sand dunes at Fanore.
There are millions of them and I would dearly love a white one, but they are protected so I cannot have one unless I can source seed from somewhere else.

[Michael J Campbell]

A perfect rock garden in itself.

Cliff, I know the rock very well and must take a picture of it next time I visit.

[Michael J Campbell]

Can we assume that you have just taken these wonderful pictures and so mid-May is the time to visit the Burren?

David any time after the middle of May is fine but it depends on the seasons. There is always lots to see at any time of year.
Mediterranean plants grow side by side with alpines,that is what makes unique. there are also lots of beautiful caves some of which you can visit and explore.

[mark smyth]

Not many photos from my trip to the Burren. It rained and rained and .... but I want to go back. Michael I wanted to go and visit you  but the driver didnt want to. Next time!

Anyone know how to safely remove ticks?

[Anthony Darby]

Anyone know how to safely remove ticks?

Alcohol and a pair of forceps in that order. I had one a couple of weeks ago and I hadn't strayed more than 100 yards from the garden!

[Lvandelft]

No alcohol!    A pair of forceps, yes. Turn a little around and pull is the best way!
Good luck, Mark.

[David Shaw]

Yes alcohol! Alcohol taken internally goes into the bloodstream and, therefore, into the tick. It follows that if enough alcohol is consumed then the tick gets drunk and falls off. Simple! The trick is not to fall over yourself on top of the tick.

[Lvandelft]

David, that sounds much better! 
I meant anaesthetizing the tick which doesn't help at all.

[mark smyth]

Michael, B&Q sells white Gentiana verna. When they are next in stock I will get you some

[Michael J Campbell]

Thanks Mark, 

[Anthony Darby]

Alcohol (e.g. aftershave) causes the beastie to loosen its grip so when you pull it out it doesn't leave its mouth parts behind. It also sterilises the puncture wound.

[Joakim B]

Great photos of a great place Michael thanks for showing us. I almost gets nervous of plants growing in what looks like a buren landscape, being from the fat lands with woods around as I am.


Regarding ticks:
The recommendations in Sweden is no alcohol since there is a risk that the tick vomits (into the wound) and hence is more likely to spread TBE or borelia coming from its gut. After the tick is removed alcohol is great in sterilizing the wound/bite.
If the ticks in the area do not have any deceases then the Advice from Anthony is correct but if there is risk of deceases from the tick I would not use any alcohol on the tick prior to removal. Have the bite under observation to see if there is any inflammation or infection around it.

Kind regards
Joakim

[Lvandelft]

Regarding ticks:
The recommendations in Sweden is no alcohol since there is a risk that the tick vomits (into the wound) and hence is more likely to spread TBE or borelia coming from its gut. After the tick is removed alcohol is great in sterilizing the wound/bite.

Thanks Joakim, that's why gave my reaction of no alcohol, but had difficulties to explain myself.

If the ticks in the area do not have any deceases then the Advice from Anthony is correct but if there is risk of deceases from the tick I would not use any alcohol on the tick prior to removal. Have the bite under observation to see if there is any inflammation or infection around it.

Here in our area in Holland (the dunes!) 50 to 70 % of the ticks have a decease.
I was so unhappy to make the experience already and the specialist in the hospital told me
about not using alcohol and why.
Only after removing of the tick, alcohol is o.k., but then at least 70%!

[Anthony Darby]

Diseased ticks are rare in Scotland, with only 177 cases of Lyme disease (Borreliosis) in 2006. Other diseases, such as the Louping-ill, rarely affect humans. The avoidance of using alcohol seems to be good advice though, especially as more people are taking up hill walking and other outdoor pursuits which may account for the increase in numbers of cases of Lyme disease from 10 in 1996 to 177 in 2006? This company sells a tick removing tool. http://www.bada-uk.org/products/tickremover.php
Here's more info: http://www.bada-uk.org/learn/factsdidyouknow.php

[art600]

We were troubled by ticks in eastern Iran.  Fortunately all spotted on clothing and easily despatched.