Alaska Hike

Scottie brought us out to Thunderbird Falls. The landscape reminded me of Dr. Seuss. Wondrous. 

 The falls are mostly frozen at the moment

高尾山, Takaosan

Mt. Takao is a tree laden oasis technically within Tokyo's limits. The peak, 599 meters above sea level, can be reached several ways. Some trails are extremely rugged, while others are graveled or paved. If you are feeling rich on a clear day, there is a cable car service. 

"Ganbare!" (Hang in there!)

 In a few short weeks, the mountain will be a Koyo (autumn color viewing) highlight. 

 A Tengu (mountain god) statue guards Yakuoin Temple a ways up the mountain. 

Shinto ema tiles relating prayers, thanks, and vows.

One of these things is not like the other. The majority of these show the names of the individuals who paid for the right to hang a board along a path on the mountain. 

Yokohama Sumo Tournament

 Tochiozan chillin before the tournament. 

 Kyokutenho and friend wave to the crowd. Spectator families sent their babies out in the wrestlers' arms during the opening ceremony. 

Who doesn't love being carried by giant strangers?

 Wanpaku Sumo (Kids' Sumo)

Kesho-Mawashi are ornate ceremonial aprons featuring the name of a sponsor above the fringe.

Sumo wrestlers, or rikishi, battle on a circular dohyo three meters in diameter. A kimono-clad giyoji (referee) oversees the match.

 A sumo match is won when one rikishi is forced out of the ring or when any part of his body (other than the soles of his feet) touches the dohyo floor. 

 If a rikishi declines to compete due to injury, his absence is counted as a loss.

 Choking is illegal, but pushing briefly at the throat is not. 

Hakuho has 10 undefeated sumo tournaments to his name - the most of any rikishi in the history of the sport. Here, he and other wrestlers showcase how Yokozuna (the highest rank of rikishi) wear the yokozuna rope, which is reminiscent of a sacred Shinto rope.

She sums it up for us all.

Mt. Kusatsu Shirane

Yugama Crater Lake, reportedly the most acidic lake in the country.  

Haruna Lake's Mountain Shrine

Tucked away in the mountains of Gunma - well worth the confusing, unmarked drive and the hike.

Paddleboat #2. We broke the first one.

Numata Koen Sakura

It's been a busy summer, year, life. Yeah. Sakura images made in Numata Park in mid-April.