Foxgloves

 

The Foxglove was a constant summer companion growing up wherever we lived  from the lanes we walked to school to the streams and canalside.

It was also on the great summer reminder list at school of things not to do like jumping in pools, scrumping apples from the orchard by the school because if it gets in you it is poisionous apart from being very popular with bees which you don't want anywhere near your shorts legs.

These were just coming out near a canal lock by the start of an official walkway that does have the odd seat at regular intervals of you legs are needing a rest.

It reminds of a slide I took in 1996 at Hassall Green on a walk on my trusty Minolta XD7 manual focus film camera carrying tripod in bag.

Bushes

 

Although I don't like long thin insects with stripped behinds that bushes like this attract buzzing after me in this very hot sunny weather attract I do like how they can frame a well lit area of grassland so attractively as here.

Camp Russian style

 

Something a little different but in the usual vein, a group of Russian Scouts at camp, chatting and enjoying an outdoor meal together while one kayaks on an organized activity, clearly enjoying the experience of being away, learning to rely on one another.

And we're off

After successfully getting through the last lock system and getting aboard following operating it, we are off.

While along a productive morning stroll I came by this couple and took this picture.

Into Summer

 

It was not the best build up to the weekend experiencing chest pains around Friday and early Saturday but I was able to get out yesterday seeing the many small birds about and admiring the blossoms that add to the sight and smell of this time of year.

Walking along a lane just as you enter open countryside you could hear the church bells being rung in the distance calling people to attend.

Roaring around the track

 Something I didn't see much of back in the day was pedalled go kart racing which would of been very much up my alley loving speed and boyish competitive fun in the great outdoors as much as we have access to relatively undisturbed countryside here even if the roar of the traffic isn't so far away.

Summer may be almost over but let's enjoy the last couple of days of it.

Summer Activities

It is very much Summer being exceptionally hot as I type this out so we need to take care such as applying suncream (which certainly isn't "sissy"), keeping well hydrated with plenty of soft drinks and where we can, keeping in the shade.

Personally I would say short sleeved shirts or polo shirts and short trousers make more sense in this weather if you're undertaking  an activity for one of your badges or if you are jolly fortunate you are at Summer Camp.

 

You might get to go on the water, learning to paddle and navigate on a lake or a canal which is a really fun thing to do as you assume more responsibility which is a good thing  making sensible choices, thinking before doing stuff.

The modern world may seem at times rather different but underneath the surface it and the youngsters in it are basically the same.

Meadows

One of the delightful things about summer is the wild meadowlands that spring to life with all manner of wild flowers together with native grasses.

This is just brilliant for butterflies and polinators such as bees which have been having a hard time in recent years  with both diseases and changes in land usage before we factor in climate change.

Just planting some wild flowers in a planter ot garden can help make a difference.

Looking ahead

 Taking a well deserved breather while reviewing your progress on a hike is a good idea as sometimes what looks like it might only take a short time span may take more or of course the weather may well of changed meaning your plans need to be adjusted in real time.

The path may seem to go on forever but only you alone detirmine how much of it you'll explore as tranquil as it is.

Time to be out!

 Although the weather out there this morning isn't the greatest for it, there is nothing to match the twanquility of exploring the countyside during the summer months.

If you're lucky you'll see as I have a number of times this summer colourful butterflies out and about.

Of course you may encounter a Bumble Bee or Honey Bee on your travels too.

Summer is here

 

Summer is here and with a vengence so the seasonal call for people to excercise care while out camping out is out although you shouldn't need to tell any Scout or former members about such matters as how to light and extinguish our camp fires and keep any areas we use tidy, free from litter.

The good thing about summer is (fingers crossed) no mud, lots of daylight so events can run most of the day and loads of fresh air as we enjoy camp and who didn't at the time?

I just loved this time of year as a boy.

A spot of colour from the garden

As I type this out, it is quite warm with many flowers about but sadly rather wet with heavy showers so I won't be out today.

This doesn't mean that such great specimens cannot be shared  such as this from our front garden with its most vivid stamens.

Although a bit battered by the winds, these add some lovely colour to the scene and help attract visitors such as the fawn with white spotted butterfly I saw on Saturday.

Refreshment time for cubs

 While we all wait for a clear idea when society as whole can reopen not least Scouting with some localized cases of the Covid Delta (formally known as "Indian") variant causing concern, I thought we'd look back to better times.

Summer often means excursions for Cubs usually in connection with various parts of the program they are working towards as much as it is fun and informative in its wider way.

Any outing in the summer for children (and often adults) is likely to end with refreshments and here they are in line waiting no doubt for  a '99' ice cream which most British children love, being whipped ice cream with two chocolate flacks and usually served with a strawberry juice. 

Staying cool in the Summer

While there is much to be said at this time of year for removing layers letting fresh air and sun on your body - something that got obscured in 2,000's with the concern over UV rays, as life is always a balance we need to find shade from the fierce sun at times in the summer.

Apart from slapping on liberally sun cream natural shelter such as trees or long over arching walls may help when the sun is at is most powerful from late Morning to Early Afternoon.

These two young boys have found themselves a good spot and are at least wearing their caps although a long brimmed hat would be more effective to keeping the sun of the neck area.

Our summer hike

The boys enjoy another glorious day hiking in the hills, enjoying one another's company in the dazzling sunshine in much the same I've been this week.

Summer Scout fun

Source: properuniformboy

After yesterday's post, a return to the haylcon days of Summer with these Scouts posed in the Summer Months enjoying the sunshine and fresh air while the Standards are being held up at the rear by two boys.
That I would imagine is no mean feat bearing in the mind the weight of them having held the odd one before now.
With temperatures around 13 degrees here I needed to put my green top on with my grey shorts and socks today while out.

Outdoor scouting

While I'll be honest and say I do not  like seven-eights nor over the knee 'shorts' preferring mid thigh to just above the knee shorts, much else of this German scout uniform is ideal for summer hiking where you do want durable clothing that does breathe with ample pockets.

It's good to see proper hiking boots and woollen socks being worn to as it is too easy to develop blisters while out hiking over all manner of terrain.

Some people do tend to get warm and perspire more compared to others - I know I certainly do easily getting wringing wet hair - so good materials, deodorant and washes upon arrival at camp using the shower block do make a lot of sense in the summer months.