Banded demoiselle (Calopteryx splendens) These shimmering blue dragonflies accompanied us along the canals

Gliding 2011-07-22 I'm still working on my trip pictures. This shot was taken from the boat as we cruised along - not sure precisely where. This glider stayed around us for quite some time, using the thermals.

Free Ride 2011-07-21 This butterfly sat on the boat pole of our narrow boat as we chugged along the Grand Union Canal. Eventually a side wind came and blew it away. Thanks for the comments on yesterday's shot. We are home (and I just slept 12 hours - 3500 km in the car and 200 in the boat) and I looked at yesterday's shot on my big screen instead of the laptop screen - significantly over-saturated. I reduced today's picture's saturation by about 30% before posting.