Butterflies and Another New Orchid.

It rained heavily last night but by this morning it had stopped and the warm sun soon began to burn off the early morning mist. Breakfast over and a few more Casale photographs taken, Peter and I left the ladies relaxing in the sun and making tea for a busy Rob. We decided on a very local walk recommended by Rob. Part of it included a foray into the local campsite which was well populated with orchids. Pressing on we came across a meadow full of poppies and other cornfield flowers. We were pleased to be able to capture some shots of the poppies looking towards the distant mountains. Nearly back at the Casale was a meadow with loads of butterflies: common and scarce swallowtail, fritillaries, blues, whites, heaths and wall brown. There was also a very nice white helleborine; a creamy white rather than the pure white of the sword leaved.
Once back at the Casale it was time for lunch and then we drove up above Preci on what finished up a dirt road. Here there were superb views and three burnt tip orchids and more butterflies. We have now declared beer o'clock and later we are going with Rob to the excellent campsite restaurant.

Umbrian Poppeies near Casale Cocchinella.

Castelvecchio with Casale Cocchinella just to the right.

Casale Cocchinella

The Pickwell Boys - Peter, Rob and Mike.