Globe Thistle

This  Echinops Globe Thistle flower has lost much of its splendour but this very busy bee is still finding plenty of pollen.

My suitcase is filling up ..... wish I had inherited my mother's skill at packig. It's my hand luggage that gives me the biggest headache .... what do I need to have handy as we travel by 'Train and Boat and Plane' (Billy J Kramer & the Dakotas) ...... not in that order though.

Early night so probably no commenting .....   sorry :-(  
My alarm is set for 2.30am, I pick up my pal at 3 and then we're off heading towards Edinburgh Airport for leg 1 of our journey.