Day 4: Savonlinna Sunshine!

Waking to the 4th consecutive day of rain, with the temperature stubbornly remaining at 13C, the decision to drive 100 miles south east to visit the oldest medieval castle in the north of Europe was a relatively easy one, even though the forecast was for heavy rain there and the same 13C! What else to do in such weather? So, we set off around 10.00am and drove east first towards Varkaus, then in a more southerly direction towards Juva, where we had spent several holidays a few years back. As we passed through Juva (about 65 miles from here in Palvajarvi) there was a sudden cry from the back of the car - "Blue sky!" and indeed there was a tiny sliver of blue far ahead. Ten miles further on, and it was suddenly getting noticeably lighter, so we arrived at Savonlinna ready for some lunch, and happy to see the temperature was heading up.

Entrance to Olavinlinna.

Ready for the tour...

By the time we had parked up close to the centre of town after lunch, ready to head to the oldest complete medieval castle in northern Europe, Olavinlinna, we were being treated to strong sunshine and temperatures of 23C, which was a welcome surprise.

One of the castle's three turrets.

We had arranged to join a Russian language tour at 2.00pm, and so we set off around the castle with our guide, who knowledgeably led us through each part of the castle. Of course, for Anna's family, it was the first visit, though we were returning for the first time since our visit with good friend Jyrki and his family in 2008, and my trip there in February 2011 with P7 pupils.

Looking out over Lake Saimaa.

Russian guide enjoying a lighter moment.

Beautiful view over the lake.

Anna's dad listens intently!

So do Anna and Olga!

Outside the castle, by the ram.

Olavinlinna in the background, along with some ducks!

 Arnold,  dressed to attack!

 Who's this? Olivia!

 Don't fancy facing up to Sandy!

Keith and Anna's dad with a knight!

Keith, outside the castle.

Walking along the pier in the now hot sunshine.

After a lovely tour, we wandered around in the warm sunshine, had ice creams and drinks, took some photos and eventually returned to the car for the drive back home. Incredibly, back here, although it's a bit warmer, it's still grey and cloudy and has been raining yet again this evening! That hasn't stopped us enjoying a quick session in the sauna and the lake, before we ready ourselves to watch the France v Germany semi-final live on TV!

Back home this evening, enjoying a wind-down in the lake here.