Looking for swallows, finding bees

I spent a happy hour or so at Glenarm harbour this morning, hoping to watch swallows feeding over the river mouth again. At high water they often seem to find a good supply of insects there. They had clearly found better hunting elsewhere, however, as very few were to be seen.

On the other hand, there were plenty of bees in the swathes of wildflowers that are flourishing in parts of the small harbour area.  The poppies, in particular, were looking wonderful, swaying gently in the wind.

At midday Richard's old friends John and Pauline picked us up and we drove up the coast to Ballycastle (see extra). Pauline is waiting for a knee operation, and is in some pain when walking, so we weren't planning anything more than a gentle stroll.  We had delicious fish and chips in Ballycastle and drove on round the coast towards Fair Head and then on to Cushendun.

Richad has known John and Pauline since secondary school days, he's fortunate enough to still be in touch with several friends from those times... nearly sixty years ago now (gulp...)