Monday Manhole Covers 6 - The Forest

Karuizawa is in the foothills of the Japanese Alps, surrounded by birch and pine forests.  The manhole covers reflect this location. When I visited early March pine needles added to the texture of the covers.

Snow and Mountains

Snow capped mountains  in Hakuba - good snow on the runs- but was wishing there was more powder - but that may have been too much for my legs!

Misty morning Rice

A misty morning in the mountains.  This was next to the small cottage we stayed in after our first day of walking. The cottage was lovely, with great views and nice spaces.

Lake Chuzneji

Chuzenji- ko a lake near Nikko was a lovely lake for a peaceful stroll to appreciate shades of grey and blue, while out of Tokyo for a few days over spring break.  It is at the foot of an extinct volcano and snow was still on the nearby mountains.  It would be spectacular and much more crowded in the fall. The swan boats were lined up awaiting tourists at the jetty.

Mt Myoko

Myoko village is at the base of Mt Myoko. There are four ski resorts around the base of the mountain.

Winter Break - In the Snow

For many reasons I am glad of our "Winter Break"- a long weekend at the end of February.  So I have headed to the mountains, to an area called Myoko. The snow today was amazing (fresh dusting of powder) - but a bit like an Australian spring yesterday.  It's amazing to be among the deciduous maples and birches - so different to the mountains at home. 

Connecting with people from Falls Creek and Hotham - six degrees of separation!  

Always happy to be skiing!!!  and its even better when you can soak in an Onsen at the end of the day!!!!!!!!!

Cortina

One of the ski resorts in Hakuba was called Cortina- little resemblance to Cortina in Italy, no winebars and no fur (Noreen!).

The massive red-roofed hotel may be inspired by Europe - Italy?? or Romania?  The huts for the ski lifts also had a European aspect to their design.

The hotel was busy, (quite a few Aussie accents) but a bit dated inside The best part of the hotel was the onsen on the third floor. The half-day ski pass, 3800 Yen ( approx $50.00AUD)  was good value as along with access to great snow and powder and long runs it included a voucher for lunch and for the onsen.  You don't get that at Hotham!!

One section of the onsen was open and looked out to the mountains and the ski runs. It was great soaking in the hot water and being connected to the mountains and the snow.

A weekend in the Mountains

I had a wonderful weekend skiing in the Hakuba region at two different resorts Tsugaike Kogen and Cortina with Tokyo Snow Club. Cortina receives the most snowfall in the region and as it had snowed heavily for the past few days there was plenty of fresh powder.  It was beautiful!! Absolutely divine!!

Prayer Flags and Mountains

I spent a wonderful afternoon walking on the plateau, heading towards a temple and a field of prayer flags.  While I didn't make it to the temple complex I had great time exploring and photographing the area covered with prayer flags. You can never have too many prayer flag photos - a good photographic motto!

Yaks in the Mountains

Yaks are eating machines.  They are surrounded by magnifienct scenery, but seem to spend most of their time eating.

Mountains

After a snowy day I was blessed with a perfect sunny day in Kangding and walked up to the 'grasslands" behind the town.  The panorama of mountains (several over 6000m) was fantatic.

My Drive last Saturday

Last Saturday I left the Khampa Eco-Lodge at Tagong and drove back to Kangding and then onto Chengdu. The drive over the plateau on winding roads with snow covered mountains on the horizon was spectacular.