White Moon Mountain

The mountain in the distance is Gassan, the one I climbed so much over summer, coming up out of the sea of clouds.  

Layers of Clouds

Near, mid and distant layers of clouds.  The ones in the foreground were actually brownish, looked more like smoke, but this is from my mobile phone camera (no fancy smart phone for me yet) so didn't quite capture it.  

New Stove

Finally got me a new stove, been wanting this one for a while, it's cute.  Small, gives out such a warm heat and the best thing about it is the endless supply of boiling water and a handle so I can move it from room to room.  Old Japanese houses are not know for their warmth or insulation,  but these are the best, and because it's Japan, it automatically switches off if it gets jolted, earthquake safe.

Face-masked Kindergarten Class

It was quite a sight, and one exclusive perhaps to japan and their love of face masks.   This whole class display was due to an influenza outbreak, it's a high risk job ; )  Not to mention weird teaching a load of kids whose mouths you can't see.

Driving to a Hot Spring

For an evening dip to warm the blood on this cold day.

Full Moon Viewing

Viewing the moon while busily driving around the city wishing I were walking aimlessly.

Baby Ice Teeth

The beginnings of some icicles that grew and grew and glistened in the sun.

Miksang

Made a new discovery, new in that i didn't know what i think i've been trying to do all along exists as a photographic school, that of contemplative photography. Lovely way to start the year. Found out about it from a magazine sent by a friend who never fails to inspire, how happy.

Walking in Winter

Just love the pastel coloured skies that come with winter, so subtle.

Bit of Boarding

At beautiful Mt. Zao, I feel so lucky to have this right on my doorstep.

A Little Tipple

To start the year.  Locally made Japanese sake, very nice indeed.

New Year Fire

At the local shrine to welcome in 2012.

Rural Yamagata

After the Funeral

Getting ready for the end of the year.

Goodbye Hidekazu

A good friend passed away on the new moon christmas morning, what more to say.

This is it

Rural Shrine Entrance

Felt like another Country

As I drove past this building in rural northern Japan, it felt more like being in India, for a split second.

Nice day for a Funeral

Chrysanthemums for Eating

Very good they are too.

Zao Dam

Nice cycle and an even nicer walk around the dam, beautiful.

Yamagata in Full Autumnal Glory

Sake Tasting

Very interesting indeed, I never realised quite what a process Japanese sake is, or how special it is. This area, Yamagata,  has some pretty nice stuff due to the tastey rice and pure water here.

Nap up a Mountain

Napping in the autumn sunshine, why do I always seem to be a month behind with my posts.

Colourful Caterpillar

Hiking

Breathing, thinking, enjoying weather.

Walking UP

Into the clouds.

Yudono-san

The giant tori gate leading to Yudono-san shrine nestled deep in the mountains.

Perky lil' Snail

Imoni

Nothing like a steaming bowl of taro potato, leek and mushrooms after a hike.

Tori at the Top

Mt. Gassan.

Get on Your Bike

Can't resist re-posting this. Found this floating around in cyber-space.  An artist is spraying this around New York city Never a truer word spoken..

top of moon mountain 月山頂上

1984 metres high, tallest of the three holy mountains in this area

while walking up..

mt gassan.  one of the three holy mountains in this area of yamagata used to be called dewa. home of the mountain ascetics who still train in these mountains...

moon mountain.. 月山

view from the walk up....beautiful...mountain spines