A train, a bus, and one of these ferries took us to Oshima, the island in the distance in the Sea of Japan. Hiked to the highest peak, then improvised the rest of the hike after discovering the path had been blocked by a landslide.
Category: Living
Hiking the new Shingu–Tachibana OLLE Course
Our flight from Tokyo landed us in Fukuoka by 9:30 AM, with a great view of Mt. Fuji along the way. Hiked a new Kyushu OLLE course, opened in October, following blue and red trail markers. Having hiked most of the OLLE trails over the years, I appreciated the new path, even if our hike didn’t always follow the intended route. The day included a local train from Fukuoka, a ride on a community bus (about US$0.65), views of the Sea of Japan, ancient shrines, and bamboo groves.
Mt. Fuji, en route from Tokyo to Fukuoka
Fuji-san made an appearance as we climbed out of Tokyo en route to Fukuoka today.
Tokyo Haneda layover
A draft Asahi feels so good after the long flight from Minneapolis. It’s Saturday night at Tokyo’s Haneda Airport, 15 hours ahead of Central Time. We’re staying at an in-terminal hotel tonight, flying to Fukuoka in the morning.
Spur-of-the-moment trip
Just 48 hours ago we hadn’t decided if we’d go to Japan. Then, after medical appointments for Dwight and me, with no follow-ups in the next couple weeks, we said “why not?” So, here we are, about to board a Minneapolis MSP to Tokyo HND flight. From Tokyo, we’ll fly to Fukuoka on Kyushu (the most southerly of Japan’s four main islands) then take a convoluted route riding the rails back toward Tokyo.
It may be cold outside…
Too busy enjoying a walk and chat with friends to remember to capture a photo du jour. Instead, here’s a shot of our garden on wheels on this cold evening.
The day winter arrived
An overnight dusting of snow was evident as we walked our usual Sunday morning route. Temperatures were in the 20s, along with a brisk Canadian breeze, something we haven’t experienced since March. Winter comes early in these parts, we wrapped up well.
At least Google’s still on speaking terms with the dishwasher
The GE app on my phone had forgotten our appliances, so I spent too much time unsuccessfully trying to reconnect the oven via Wi-Fi. Oddly, Google Assistant still recognizes the dishwasher, allowing me to ask Google about the wash cycle status, a feature we use two or three times a year. As for the oven, not only had the app forgotten about its “smart” access, but I had, too.
Not just books at the library
I noticed this today at the Franklin Library, where I work with an adult learner. I occasionally see someone passed out by the path while cycling, which is why I’ve been carrying two doses of Naloxone in my daypack. It’s a sobering reality, especially when considering the Sackler family has made billions from the opioid epidemic.
Celebrating love under a political cloud
Marked our 5th wedding anniversary (and nearly 40 years together) with Indigenous cuisine at Owamni by The Sioux Chef. Today we’re reminded that we rushed to marry, fearing the 2020 election and the overturning of our rights. The actions of the current Administration and Supreme Court renew those fears.