Walk Back Down

Cloud came in, white out!

Hike up to Icy Crater Lake

Not the most clever thing to do with a damaged knee, but sure felt good for the soul ; )

Perfect Setting

We had a lovely Chakra Workshop for the Spring Equinox in the mountains.  Beautiful morning.

Maternity Ashtanga

Shinto Priest Blessing a Car

Haguro Shrine

Shirataka Shrine

Leaving Mt Haguro

Lunar New Year

A trip to Mt Haguro.  Such a lot of snow.  For the first time in my life I lost traction on the uphill and actually started sliding backwards.  Made it though!

Winter Drive

Winter Downtown Yamagata

Sticky Snow

Christmas Lunch

Local Woods

London Town

Rainbow in the Garden

Dark Valleys

North Wales

One of my favourite places in the world.

Dream House

I just love these old Japanese farm houses, maybe one day...   The snow makes everything look particularly picturesque.

Japanese Junk Store

Surrounded by Colour

I do believe in the importance of the colours we place around ourselves, this is my favourite place to practice yoga right now.

Rescue Bike

This bicycle was on it's way to the dump, I begged the owner to let me try and see if it was rideable.  First changed the brakes, then the cogs, and gear wiring, was given new wheels and finally a year on, the finishing but essential touch, a new saddle.  Very happy cyclist here.

Akebia

One of my favourite things to eat right now.  Inside the flesh, although filled with seeds, is deliciously sweet.  The skin, bitter, but am hooked, especially when fried and smothered in garlic, the fact that it is the most beautiful purple hue helps in the attraction of this strange fruit.

Okama Lake

This gem is at the top of Mt. Zao. My local boarding mountain in Yamagata City.  It is a dormant volcano and this is the crater, fingers crossed it doesn't wake up anytime soon.

Beautiful Coloured Rocks

Looked even better through my polaroid sunglasses, oranges, purples and gray-blues.

Way to the Lake

Tip Top of Mountains

Tinged with Autumn

Still in Sakata Museum

Blown glass scattered with garden back drop.  This was all so much better than the actual exhibition.

Sakata City Art Museum

Just loved this building, it was made to feel as though you are taking a walking through the forest.  Very nicely done, inside yet out.  Had a mini nap on the sofa!  Mind you, would much prefer to actually be out in the forest.

Log Design

Practice with a View

Found a Mountain

Had a few minutes to spare, went down a new road, and saw a different view.  Perfect prelude to work.

Last of the Summer

A long summer full of lots of sweaty yoga practice. Love the way the sun filters through the bamboo.

Six Years

Restaurant Window

To a late summer's dinner.