Walked a level path through extensive marshland surrounded by mountains in Nikko National Park. After yesterday’s tough trail, I went easy on myself today.
Category: Move
Mount Toyama
Hiked a gnarly trail: extensive tree roots, scree, erosion, fallen trees, 2,300 feet gain in two hours, no switchbacks. Walking down was even harder than the climb. A guy, older than me, was doing this with camping gear. Mount Toyama (7,230 feet), Nikko National Park.
Michinoku Coastal Trail
Hiked for two days along part of the 700 km Michinoku (Pacific) Coastal Trail in Sanriku Fukko (reconstruction) National Park. People stay away because of the destructive 2011 earthquake and tsunami, and the disabled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant.
Daisetsuzan National Park
Hiked through Fall colors above the tree line in central Hokkaido’s Daisetsuzan National Park.
Snapshots: Eastern Hokkaido National Parks
This past week I’ve briefly visited the three most easterly national parks on the island of Hokkaido, Japan: Kushiro-Shitsugen, Akan Mashu, and Shiretoko. Kushiro-Shitsugen National Park Kushiro-Shitsugen is Japan’s largest wetland, famous for its Japanese red-head cranes. A JR (Japan Rail) line runs along the edge of the wetlands, with several stops. I decided to…… Continue reading Snapshots: Eastern Hokkaido National Parks
A Kind Person
At Kushiro Shitsugen National Park a woman stopped her car to give me an origami crane. I thanked her, and she drove on. After a hundred yards she stopped again, this time to offer me a ride to the train station. I thanked her and explained I love to walk.
Sleeping with Bicycles
Cycled to an exuberant bed in Stillwater, Minnesota.
Keeping it Wigglin’
Explored St. Paul’s Highland Park with a friend. Encountered several characters, including the owner of this over-the-top home. Later, we chatted with a spry 89 year-old who was out for a long walk after cycling 16 miles yesterday. She declared “You gotta keep it wigglin’”
Irene Hixon Whitney Bridge
Cycled through Jefferson yellow and baby blue on a bridge that was recently sandblasted, primed, and repainted.
Helmet Hair
Bicycle helmets rearranged our new haircuts.