Pan Men (Gate) Scenic Area

Riley had a Scout event to go see something historic.  So, we headed into old town to Panmen (gate).  "Men" means "Gate" in Mandarin so to say Pan Men Gate is redundant.  This was a few months prior to me actually posting this blog so that's why everyone is wearing long sleeves...

The famous pagoda, sadly I have forgotten the name...

View from the top of the pagoda, pretty nice little dragon in the hedge.

Overlooking the park.

The Suzhou Tigers and Wolves, a motley crew if there ever was one.

Ringing the bell for luck.  No, it wasn't free...

View from the other side of the pond.

This was a welcome sight at the time after a long, dreary, gray, smog filled winter.

The ramp to the top of the gate, easy access for horses.

Love the contrast between old city wall and new construction in the background.  This was a false entrance in case the gate was breached.  Like shooting fish in a barrel.

Reid with the weapons.  I love the fist holding the spike above Reid's head.  Scary, but not as functional as some of the others I think.

Yes, safety can be quite scary.

BSA Camping on San Shan Island

This year, Reid and I returned to San Shan Island for the BSA camping trip.  I must say the accommodations weren't that much worse than the last time he and I were here, less bugs in the bed.  We spent the time hiking, cooking and of course eating.  There were a few scout learning activities as well like learning about rocks, etc.

In order to test Rowan's ability to "man up" in preparation for our upcoming Shaolin Kungfu Man Trip in July, he also came with us even though technically he was not old enough.  I must say that he blew everyone away with how well he was able to hang with the group.  Hmm, I must remember that for later.

On the ferry to the island we saw a typical dredging boat.  Note the house and backhoe, what else is needed?

All of our junk.  Ro carried his own pack in.

OK so the troop cheated a bit and found a golf cart for most of the supplies.  The McLain men still carried our packs in to prove our manhood.

Approaching the campgrounds.

On a hike, I took a shot from above.  This year we had a pretty good turnout.  Weather was just perfect.

"Speeling" is an actual word, it means "climb, ascend, mount".

Enjoying the fruit of a long hike - ice cream!

Back to camp where we spent a few moments spitting sunflower seeds into the fire.

Actually not too bad, better than cucumber and prawn, but that's just me.

OK, this still bothers me.  GET OUT OF OUR GRILL!!!

This one wasn't so bad, they were going about their own business at least.

On the speed boat back, chillin'.  Afternoon was spent napping in the car and then again on dad on the couch.

2013 Pinewood Derby - Shanghai

Overall, this was a disappointing pinewood derby for the McLains as we were totally shut out of the finals for the first year ever.  We learned some tough lessons.  It wasn't all bad as Reid won a design award for "Speed Demon" and Riley took 3rd place in his den with "The Blaze".  Rowan's fan car dominated the open racing, but this year it was not a formal competition so we bought him a cheapo car to commemorate it.  Anyway, awesome time spent with the boys over the last month or so and I think we have some great ideas to make a stronger showing next year...