Surf Spot Re-Built

仙人橋 - Ascetic's Bridge

Fudo Taki 不動滝

Another exploratory walk rewarded with a fine fall.  Noticed a strange looking rock in an alcove, went over, turned it up and found it was a Fudo-San statue, righted him, and put him back in his proper place watching over the fall.  You can see him centre, left. Felt I'd done a good deed for the day.

Fudo is a Buddhist deity, original Sanskrit name is Acala.  He is said to convert anger into compassion and to cut the ties of negative feelings and demons to liberate us from suffering through self-control.  There are many waterfalls named after him, as sitting under the icy water is said to purify your soul of desire and attachment, not to mention a modicum of self-control!

Sea of Japan Palette

Misty Forest

A great walk down to the fall.

Kannon Fall 観音滝

OK, so I've been on a bit of a water fall discovery mission.  This one we had to skip under a rope, and proceed rather cautiously to get to it.  But I could hear it and had to get a look.  It was worth it, 25 metres high and the pool at the bottom was the most beautiful turquoise colour.  Must get back here for a dip one hot summers day.

Tamasudare - Bead Curtain Fall

In contrast to the day before, this fall was huge!  63 metres high and 5 metres across.  Very impressive amount of water falling.  It is quite a tourist attraction, and said to change people's fortunes.  I also heard that it was another Buddhist training fall, and that there is an image of Buddha behind the water.  Apparently you are not allowed to go in the fall, but I saw no sign, so is on my list of things to do.  It's close to Sakata, on the Sea of Japan side, a beautiful drive there from Yamagata City too, passing many smaller falls on the way.

Hidden Fall

Was really really happy to find this beautiful little, secluded waterfall, after a steady 2 hour walk.  The rock formations were stunning, felt like quite a discovery, as it isn't on the map.  The path not very worn, seems to be a training ground for the local Yamabushi (Mountain Ascetics).

Spectacular Mountain View

On the flight back to Tokyo.

Baking the days Bread

Hope to come back to Doha again.  Loved walking around the market.

Flight Delayed in Qatar

This is how it was, the most amazing emerald green sea in Doha.  My delayed flight, was a pleasant excursion. Actually, I'm glad I got a to spend some time there.

Southampton Art Uni Graduate's Illustration

She is a bit of a heroine for me, so seeing her picture in a window display as I cycled past was just great.  Very cool Victorian Adventuress!

Green Feast for Eyes

Georgian Beauty in the Functional

Down the Docks

Shades of Sea

Was really getting into the colours of sea, made me understand a lot more about the sensibilities of a country's colour palette.

Witching Hour

Sea

Seriously, England in the sunshine is just divine!

Walking on Cliff Tops

The British Coastal Palette in Pastel Tones

Enveloped in beauty!

Room with a Garden