Mt Myoko

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

Signs on the Snow

Some signs were in English - thank goodness, but the red conveyed the message.  Apparently the ski patrol do confiscate passes when skiers venture under the lift line or through the trees.  The arrows were fairly self explanatory - black is black, but red runs are the same as blue (intermediate) runs at home.

Trees and Snow

It was lovely skiing through glades of Beech trees. Myoko was apparently the first international ski resort in Japan in the 1930s.  It took off in the economic boom of the 1980s, but when the economy crashed people stopped skiing.  It was obvious there had been little investment in infrastructure since, but the lifts were clean and efficient and no queues.  

Winter Break- breakfast view

For my winter break (2days + weekend)  I visited the Myoko ski region and stayed at A.I.R. Myoko in a small village/ski area called Akakura Onsen. Above is the view from the breakfast room (fabulous apple porridge for breakfast) - out to Mt Myoko and the ski runs. Below is the  front of the guesthouse.  As with most local places it had aprivate onsen with hot mineral water, looking out to the snow.
A highlight was an eight course vegan (yes vegan) degustation meal prepared by Joel Bennetts a chef visiting from Australia.  It was divine - especially the slow cooked carrot with sweet potato, lentils and burdock chips.  It was elegant and tasty with complex and complementary flavours with amazing technique design and "plating" - and vegan.  

Check out some of the food pictures on Joel's instagram- the hozuki sorbet (gooseberry) was the perfect palate cleanser between savoury courses and the dessert.

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!!!!!!!!!

Plum Blossom Picnic

Plastic Picnic!  Check out the amount of packaging in this family's plum blossom picnic!  They are not out of the ordinary! and they are out and about and enjoying family time. BUT The amount of plastic and packaging here does my head in!!!!!!

Plum Blossom and my office

There are two plum trees at the front of the school (the white one is just visible here) and  I am pointing out my office which is on the top floor on the left.  The winter has been better than I thought, with blue skies most days.  However I am glad it is nearly over.