Peacock Butterfly (Inachis Io / Nymphalis Io L.)

Success! I've left two large thistles (Onopordum acanthium aka Scottish thistle?) to grow, bloom and make seeds. Lots of wee black caterpillars have made themselves comfortable on them; the plants look tatty but here's what has emerged: a gorgeous butterfly -- the Peacock. Not a perfect shot, taken from the upper floor, but better than nothing at all.*) Well chuffed!
The seeds also attract lots of birds -- finches, I think. I love their very high-pitched, cheerful whistling when they signal to each other from nearby shrubs before they venture into the prickly plant. Read somewhere that thistle seeds are "the finches' caviar".
If I had more energy I'd collect the thistledown to stuff a cushion with -- there's masses around!

*) Here's a much better photo taken by Reto Moser, a young friend of mine who is currently visiting here. Photo taken on the shores of Loch Awe two days ago, i.e. Aug 24, 2009:© of above photo: Reto Moser, Berne, 2009

A wee trip

A beautiful specimen of the rowan tree -- it grows just outside

Ft. William Hospital, next to a cherry tree whose fruit are just about ripe:

Hello again
A phew fotos phrom a wee trip up to Ft. William and the long way back home . Super day out! Thank you, R.!

It's a trip we had planned for quite some time and it would have happened even in the worst of weather. But what a brilliant day we had. On Loch Creran (I think), I made R. stop the car because the view was simply breathtaking. If she had stopped each time I lost my breath that way we'd still not be home...
After "taking care of business" we enjoyed a lovely lunch on the "beer deck" of a pub in the High Street before setting off home. A few photographic impressions of Fort William:Three photos above: Ft. William -- the putting green and Parade -- lots of people actually seeking out the shade! It was at least 25°C -- rather on the warm side. We were craving a cooling swim. R. used to take her boys to this magical spot when they were little:
We enjoyed a deliciously long swim in the clear yet beautifully pleasant waters of this stream that flows into Loch Leven about three miles downstream. We'll try the lochside beach some other time, hopefully!
Two photos above: R. decided we would take the "long way" home, up Glen Coe. Brilliant idea!
Three photos above: Rannoch Moor -- this vastness always comes as a surprise almost at the highest point on the road from Ft. William to Tyndrum. It was so lovely to see this spectacular scenery in sunlight! The last few times I've come through here was with snow on the mountain tops, thick cloud hanging low and rain or even sleet driving across the vast expanse.

This Scottish thistle grows near a beautiful lay-by off the main road fromTyndrum to Oban. We saw lots of them along the road, as well as Canadian fireweed, large daisies, big camomile, lilies and roses and cinquefoil and and and

Right, it's late. Another busy day ahead tomorrow -- still loads of work to do. Good night or good morning, wherever you are! :)