To the Small City of Parkano

Moi Moi everyone! It's Kari. We had another busy day today. We start out in Vammala. I had breakfast with my hosts, Jouni and Maarit (mentioned already as the owners of Pyymaen Leipomo), before we gathered in their driveway to make the caravan to Parkano. Mauno and Tarmo were our drivers and graciously packed our heavy bags into the trunks. About 80 kilometers later, we arrived in the small community of Parkano (pop. 7 000) where we were met by another Mauno, Martti, and Martti's wife. Hugs all around for our friends before they departed for Vammala and we began our day in Parkano with Mauno, Martti, and Martti's wife.

First, Paivi gave us a presentation and a tour of the Finnish Forest Research Center. They study many thing there, including the affects of Climate Change and the draining of peat fields that occurred in the 1950s and 60s. Next we went to city hall for an impressive presentation about the city and surrounding area from a young man who we expect might one day be mayor. Our last stops were at the UPM Aureskoski Timber Components Mill and Seitseminen National Park. Martti and his wife introduced us to Parkano's newest Rotary member, his wife, and baby daughter before treating us to a beautiful dinner in the evening. It's been a short, but splendid visit in Parkano.