Nature & The Outdoors
自然とアウトドア
Lessons in this theme
7
Miyazaki's Tropical Magic Resembles Hawaii
Most people that visit Kyushu from overseas visit Nagasaki on the far west side of the island for historical reasons, perhaps Fukuoka as a pass-thru, and Kummamoto to see the castle. The last time we were there was in the late 1980's, when we visited Oita and Beppu. This time, 40 years later, we visited the southern part of Kyushu, Miyazaki Prefecture.
Yoshinoyama - Hiking the Plush Sakura Hillsides in Nara
The mountainous region of Nara known as Yoshinoyama has been known as one of the best places to visit during cherry blossom season. So we wanted to see if the reality was up to the hype. Well, I am here to report that it did, with flying colors!
Okutama Mukashi Michi Trailhead and Hikawa Gorge
I took another solo trip out west of Tokyo along the Tama River to Okutama in early November. Another beautiful sunny day for hiking the Okutama Mukashi Michi Trailhead and a quick peek at Hikawa Gorge.
A Hike and Lunch at Hatonosu Canyon
My December 2023 visit to Hatonosu Canyon was the beginning of my infatuation with the area along the Tama River beyond Ome. Nice walking trail along the river and a charming lunch spot were highlights of this day trip.
The Arizona Trip - Grand Canyon and Beyond
This spring we decided to visit Arizona's Grand Canyon National Park. At the same time we wanted to visit a few other cool spots in Arizona. So, our itinerary looked like these stops: Phoenix -> Sedona -> Grand Canyon -> Page's Antelope Canyon -> Flagstaff -> Scottsdale -> Phoenix. A big look around much of Arizona gave us a great feel for what desert living is like. And people are so nice in Arizona! California, take notice!
The Mountains are Imposing at Glacier National Park
The National Park Service describes Glacier National Park as "a showcase of melting glaciers, alpine meadows, carved valleys, and spectacular lakes." We were sold! In the fall of 2023 we explored Glacier National Park, one of America's renouned public lands in the heart of Montana.
Northern Honshu in the Springtime
This trip would be our first time in Aomori, Iwate, and Akita prefectures. We were lucky to view the most beautiful cherry blossoms, an historic castle, and snowcapped mountains.