Saturday 9 August

A deceptively bright and sunny day, but with substantial downpours in the afternoon. In the morning, we went 'round the Creed', and was disappointed to note that the rhodondendrons, slashed and burned over the past two years, were merrily making a comeback all over the Castle Grounds. What a waste of money and effort. You'd need to eradicate the entire root system of the plant . Went to have a look at two ruins near the mouth of the Creed river, then up the river and to Gallows Hill. After lunch, we headed for Bayhead to view the annual carnival procession. This was headed up by more than 100 pipers, from 6 massed bands, making a phenomenal display. The procession was started and ended by a heavy downpour.