Rambling

Around some of the ponds and swamps on top of Mt. Zao, Yamagata

Stuck in Rice Fields.

Roads still sodden after all the rain, which did make everything beautifully green.  Film crew working very hard.

五円 For Luck

Tying five yen coins to the tassel of a shrine bell, used to call on the gods before praying.

Japanese Cuisine

Such attention to detail and a lot of work involved.  This is wheat protein with green beans, carrot and seaweed.  Tasted much better than it sounds, I promise.

Yamabushi - Mountain Ascetic

Went to be filmed having a Yamabushi training experience at Haguro-San (Black Feather Mountain).  It rained and rained and rained, which somehow made it all the more the better.  Was fun being part of a t.v. programme.

Tarik in Town

Always a pleasure.

Water - Power and Beauty

Morning View

I need more morning coffees like this one.  Silence with mountains.

Mountain Retreat

Being in the mountains, surrounded by nature, drinking spring water - nothing better for body and soul.

Photo Driving

I know it's bad to take photos while driving, but I emerged from a very long tunnel to this welcoming view of sun beams - a long drive and this was the end.

Photo Panel

Displayed this at my friends event, and made my day that someone wanted it!  Title - Wet Summer's Day in London. Ha ha ha!

Sushi - My style.

I'm not too fond of raw fish, but I do love going to Sushi restaurants.  Tuna-mayo roll, okra, mountain potato and egg.  So so good!

RokkonSai

Huge festival in Yamagata, drawing 300,000 people to this little city with a population of only 250,000.  The festival showcased the local summer festival dances of the six prefectures that make up the northern part of Japan.  Three of which were severely effected by the 2011 earthquake and tsunami.  The event was made to help cheer up and revive this part of Japan.  And cheer everyone up it well did!  It was wonderful on many levels, but for me just seeing so many people out and about in the streets looking happy and peaceful was the best.

Still Dreaming

Of living in an old Japanese house surrounded by nature.

Ant Design Lamp

My favourite one!

Industrial Simplicity

What a beautiful chimney stack.

The Dam

Full to the brim, in fine form, haven't cycled up here for a couple of years, was very pleased with myself.

Zao Dam

Man Made Falls

But still beautiful to cycle past.

Frozen Crater Lake

I was surprised Okama lake on Mt Zao was still frozen at this time of year.

Temple Garden

法来寺 -  Nothing beats a temple garden for tranquility.

Kannon-Sama Hanami

Night Blossom

Kajo Park

Night time cherry blossom viewing.

Finally French

I'd been wanting to try the food here for a long time, finally I got to go, and was not disappointed.  Actually it was so good I was close to tears!

Officially Spring

We had a beautiful Spring Equinox gathering, even though the weather outside was far from cheery, wind whistling snow all around!

Hijiori Onsen

Took a retreat trip to an old hot spring town.  Just what the doctor ordered.  Hot baths, yoga, silence.

Sport for the Spirit

Nothing makes me happier than riding through pristine white forests of powder.  This was a particularly inspiring spot!

Foggy Forest

Night Time Snow Walking - 3

Temple Style

Night Time Snow Walking - 2

Kannon Sama Snow Style

Night Walking Snow Time - 1

Digging out the car

Night Blizzard Gate

Lovely Lunch