scanning for whales

Lovely to see the family, who arrived late last night.

We had a leisurely morning in the garden enjoying the sunshine. I was delighted to find the buddleias teeming with butterflies. At last ! Mostly Red Admirals and Peacocks, but with a few others as well, Meadow Brown, Tortoiseshell, Holly Blue, Ringlet. 

Then after lunch set off to Reen Pier to go out whale watching with Cork Whale Watch.
It was a fantastic day out on the water,  we saw lots of birds of all kinds, and seals, and got completely drenched in some very choppy seas, but only saw a few dolphins, who didn't come to play around the boat, and just one glimpse of a whale. 
I was disappointed for my young niece  who was so keen to see the big cetaceans.  But the skipper couldn't have tried harder to find them and it was still a great day out. 

Extra picture - Galley Head lighthouse viewed from the east and from way out at sea.