150km Swim???

Today I joined two others to ride around Lake Biwa. The weather forecast said 'maybe rain, maybe clear up' so we decided to go anyway. As we drove along the expressway, the rain got heavier -aargh.

When we got to Nagahama (http://bit.ly/bh60p0) it wasn't really raining, so we set up and headed off. The road was still wet, but not so bad. However, as we rode further, the rain started to get heavier and our clothes and shoes got soggier.

Most of the way around the lake there are cycling lanes, so on a day like today it was lucky to be off the busy road.

Unfortunately as we were so wet and the cloud was quite low most of the time, we didn't take any photos along the way, so you will have to imagine as you read this. Just think of sitting on a bicycle in the shower for eight hours and having your legs, arms, face and clothes covered in sand and dirt.

Overall, it was great trip, but here are a couple of memorable parts:

The Tsurube's Kazoku ni Kampai-style greeting with an old man and lady in a small village and asking for directions.

The policeman in the Koban who advised us not to follow the shoreline past Omihachiman Kyuka-mura as it was too narrow. So we went on the cycle lane next to the main road which ended up being overgrown with flowers.

Have a look at the map: http://bit.ly/96XzE3

Riding to the Sky, Camping at the Springs Part 2

After breakfast on Sunday, we went for a short walk to the sulfuric foot baths near Hirayu Waterfall. It was very nice to soak the feet while admiring the stunning mountains in all directions.

A short walk up the hill through the trees took us to the spectacular waterfall.

The falls are about 60meters high and apparently were found by soldiers long ago, guided by a white monkey.

If you are in the area, make sure to visit the park http://www.mjnet.ne.jp/hirayu-ootaki/

On the return home, we first stopped at the Nagawado Dam on the Azusa River.

The dam is 155 meters high and combines with two other dams along the river to supply electricity to Tokyo Electric Power Company. Next to the dam, you can visit Azusa Tepco-kan for an insight in the how the dam works, was made and lots of other hands-on displays. http://www.tepco-pr.co.jp/azusa/

After having some great soba noodles at a nice place along Route 26, we stopped in at Naraijuku, an old post town on the Nakasendo route once used to walk from Edo (now Tokyo) to Kyoto (still Kyoto). The old houses give off a flavor of centuries past, and sell a variety of local-made and traditional items.

Riding to the Sky, Camping at the Springs Part 1

At the weekend, we went camping with some friends at Hirayu Onsen near Takayama. What a beautiful location in amongst the trees and high mountains, in particular Norikura. While the others kept busy around the camping area (visiting the nearby waterfall and foot bath), two of us set off up Norikura Skyline.

We started riding from the camping ground which was pretty tough in the strong sun as the first 4.5km to the Skyline gate were pretty steep.

Once we reached Hirayu Pass, we started up the Skyline after getting a warning from the gatekeeper to look out for bears. Luckily we didn't meet any, but I would like to see a real bear sometime.

As we climbed higher, snow from the winter still remained on the side of the road, although with the recent sunny weather it probably won't last much longer.

We finally made it to Tatamidaira - the top of the highest road in Japan at some 2,700meters. It was a tough climb up, but the keeping our goal to reach the top in mind helped us complete the challenge.

At the top, the snow wall was at least 5 meters high. Many others had come up by bus to go skiing or boarding.

I hope the people who came up after us saw the MEC sign.

The ride down was a lot quicker, but the first section we were in the clouds so it was rather cold - the total opposite extreme from the ride up. Once out of the cloud, we soon warmed up again as we raced down at about 65km/hour. We could easily go faster, but I don't trust my brakes and the other side of the guard strings (not rails) is a good 200m straight drop at many points.

Back at the camp site, we were right on time for the BBQ followed by a campfire.

Go the Miso Ramen!

Last week's poll saw Miso Ramen win out against rival Shio. But I wonder which is better in hot, sticky summer?

Go the All Whites!

Big cheers for the All Whites performance at the World Cup yesterday. Let's cross our fingers for a strong performance in the next match against Italy.

http://www.nzfootball.co.nz/

Pad-padding in the Paddy

Following on from last's months tree climbing, this time my son took part in planting rice.

It was a great day for planting - nice and sunny and good to have feet in cool water, although splodgy in the mud underneath. Hopefully the summer will be a good one and help bring a good harvest later in the year.

Dog in Hole

Maybe the dog fell in this hole in Guatemala.

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/world/news/article.cfm?c_id=2&objectid=10649256

続参加英語ストリー June 1st

Here is the first M.E.C 続参加英語ストリー . Great work. Add to the new story tomorrow.

 Long, long ago, a man called Zanri lived in a small house by the sea.

He had a happy life with his wife and two sons and a little cute puppy.

 One day while searching for truffles, the dog fell down a deep hole.

The dog was barking but the man didn't notice it because the hole was very deep.

The dog fell for what seemed like an hour, until he landed on a marshmallow the size of a car.

The dog thought it was like Alice In Wonderland!

Walking along the Lego Brick Road, he bumped into the Sad Batter who never scored a hit.

The end.

Poll Results- Last week poll found most people think water is the best drink to have with sushi. Do you agree? New poll coming soon.