Microblog

Walked with our nephew and brother-in-law up to this crater lake, Onami Pond, and walked around one side of the caldera. We then climbed Mount Karakuni, the highest point in the National Park. Reversed course and returned via the opposite side of the caldera. Back at our digs, hot springs worked wonders on our aching… Continue reading Hike to the Top

Hiked the Ebino Highlands of Kirishima-Kinkowan National Park. The hike took a little longer than planned because we had to avoid volcanic gases.

After a long journey to southern Japan, we are finally relaxing in a simple, traditional hotel in the Kirishima mountains, next to a national park. We are staying in tatami rooms, soaking in volcanic hot springs, and enjoying long, slow dinners. Tomorrow, we go hiking in the mountains.

Tonight we’re staying in a Tokyo Haneda Airport hotel, between flights. Made a quick side-trip to the Kawasaki Daishi temple. This statue depicts Kobo Daishi, a ninth century monk who established the Shikoku 88 pilgrimage. We’ll walk part of it for a day later in this trip.

Boarding at MSP with our nephew and his dad. Grateful for this chance to explore Japan together.

Consolidated houseplants so they could be hooked up to our irrigation system. Periodic misting runs automatically but Dwight prefers to initiate watering himself, even when we’re traveling. Two cameras provide visual and auditory evidence that the system is operating correctly.

Did risk analysis for next week’s trip. This system will have passed by the time we fly into Kagoshima (blue pin) to hike. Nearby Sakurajima (volcano) is active, but not enough to close the airport. The red line is the anticipated path of a typhoon. We will hike, the sun will shine.

Repurposed two empty pill containers as cases for my spectacles and earbuds for our upcoming trip. They’re sturdy, lightweight, and they don’t open accidentally. Best of all, they were free!

On my random cycle ride, found myself at the Walker. Over a kale and pistachio salad, chose two galleries to explore. Here, fabric kinetic sculptures flapped, kept aloft by fans. Another piece by the artist, Paul Chan, expressed strong opinions of the former president.

As I was nearing the end of my bike ride, noticed that the Upper St. Anthony Falls Lock and Dam was open to the public today. Wandered around and took in views of our neighborhood.

On my cycle ride: Cold War-era playground rocket ship elevated to sculpture. Installed in 1962, soon after Alan Shepherd became the first American in space, the climbing frame is now considered unsafe for kids. Neighbors raised $50,000 to convert it to a public art piece.

Posted Avoiding Russia. Next week, we’ll be flying on one of Delta’s newest planes from Minneapolis to Tokyo. Under normal circumstances, this journey would take us through Russian airspace for several hours.

Late afternoon concert of chamber music by members of the Minnesota Orchestra in the Atrium of Orchestra Hall.

We’re 36 years into our journey together.

Chatted with a man who was sticking arrows to the trail. He explained that the arrows marked alternative cycling routes for the American Diabetes Association “Tour de Cure” tomorrow. There are four routes: 5 miles, 27 miles, 50 miles, and 72 miles.

Cycled to the LEGO Shop at the Mall of America to buy the new Everyone is Awesome building set, which went on sale today, the first day of Pride Month. It was 30% off, and I used $5 worth of points from my LEGO VIP (no less) account. Rode the LRT home, admiring my purchase… Continue reading Celebrating Pride with LEGO