Due to a freakish out-of-season dusting of snow, our group's attempts at trashspotting were sadly frustrated. We disbanded early and without comment at the end of Newport Lane, but I do have a small story to share.
Kevin dared to rustle a bin slightly to dislodge the snow and allow a better view, but as his hand brushed the surface he recoiled violently. I peered over and saw a writing mass of ants! These were not just any ants, however, they were
carpenter ants. For the benefit of those who are lucky enough not to live where the horrid little creatures are indigenous, I will explain. Carpenter ants marry the look of a giant primordial ant to the termite's love of dead wood. They are giants amongst ants and can lurk inside even healthy looking wood, festering and eating it out from the inside.
Andrew mentioned that this would explain why the house owners had, so quickly and without a permit, torn down their porch the weekend before.