Boys' Weekend

At the end of April, Tiina and H-M went off to London for a short trip full of culture and vegetarian food, leaving the boys to their own devices. 

On the Saturday, there was the local Grand Prix, a motor race for environmentally-friendly (-ish) vehicles, and on the Sunday, the annual scout parade.

Below, a few pictures.

The advertising flyer for the great event.

The races had two main classes: human-powered vehicles and electricity-powered vehicles. In the latter class, the winner was not the entrant that crossed the finishing line first but the entrant that used the least electrical energy to complete the course.

Some of the competitors were quite professional, others made up with enthusiasm what they lacked in professionalism.

A rather professional electro-assisted low rider tricycle.

Crowd favourite Lauri.

A vehicle packed with sophisticated electronics.

And in the amateur category, we have...

... a professor, whose vehicle was powered with an old Black and Decker power drill (his competition ended in a puff of smoke on the back straight)...

... and an international competitor from Russia.

A good time was had by all and, luckily, no serious injuries were sustained in a spectacular crash at the tight corner into the final straight.

Electro zooming Henry.

The next day it was back into town for the scout parade. The weather was sunny and dry, even if not the warmest day of the year.

 The boys' troop setting off on the march.

Spot the boys! (Clue: They are not blonde.)

The Girl Guides also took part.

While the boys were marching around town and taking part in the church service I waited in the harbour, where the event was to end with a scout picnic.

M/S Brahe, docked in the harbour.

S/S Leppävirta, built in 1904 and recently restored.

Scout picnic, which involved lots of shouting

Camping 2

Elk's Street followers might remember from the posting here that Henry found camping with the scouts rather tiring.

Thomas went on his first camp in the forests recently and the result can be seen below.

A clean but tired and cranky cub scout resting on the tiles of the Elk's Street sauna.

It's a tough business, this scouting!

Scout Parade

Today, Henry took part in the traditional spring Scout Parade. The event was more important than usual, since this year the Finnish Scout Movement is celebrating its 100th anniversary.

It was a bright, chilly day, so the scouts and guides had to wear warm clothes under their uniforms. Particularly since there was quite a bit of hanging around waiting for things to get underway.

Waiting in front of the town hall.

The Finnish uniform is blue, although some troops use brown, as can be seen on the photo. The individual troops are identified by the symbol on their neckerchiefs. The neckerchief is worn at all scout events but the uniform itself is reserved for more formal occasions.

Henry chatting with a friend from his troop.

Naturally, each troop has its own standard; in Henry's case, it is blue.

The end of the march.

Thomas was also present to watch and he took the video below of the troop saluting the stand. Can you spot Henry?