no kids allowed! 

Ride it, Miyu! 

ride it, Tom! 

at the top 

photo from jason 

Jamie 

Jon 

Jason 

leap of faith 

yahooo! 

jump, Jon! 

come on! 

Wot you looking at? 

Hiking in okutama and saying good-bye...

It's been a few weeks since my last entry here. Not really sure why. I think I'm incapable of regularly writing in diary/blog format. I have intense periods when I write loads, then just seem to drift away.

Anyway, went on a great hike a couple of weeks ago in the Okutama region west of Tokyo. I've been there a few times before, and apart from hiking, you can also swim in the Tama river - a great way to cool off in the summer. It was also the last time I'd be hiking with Jon, as he'll be leaving Japan this week to set-up house in France.

On the hike was Jon, Jason and Jamie (the 3 Js!!). First time to meet Jamie, a neighbour of Jason's in Yokohama. He's an Aussie, who'll also be heading out soon with his wife in tow to go back to Uni.
The weather was perfect, and we came accross a couple of snakes, three lizards and a multitude of extremely fit old folk! Japanese oldies really do put their western counterparts to shame sometimes. On the day, we saw about 4 over 60s running up and down the very steep mountain we were climbing! Puts me to shame, actually.
Amusingly, when Jason bent down to take a photo of us he ripped a huge hole in his shorts for some rear-entry action ; )
For Jon's leaving do, we went out to Ekoda, near Ikebukuro and feasted on some truly delicious Israeli food. The place was packed, and they kept on bringing food until we could eat no more. It was a bit sad, and I'll really miss the big fella, but Miyu and I now have the best excuse to holiday in France - yay!

Mr Joseph Tame

Just like to recommend a very good friend's HP, which is chock full of photos, life and a number of references to horse cock! LINK

Post Ageha - poor quality pic 

Jon - post climb 

Guillaume - post climb 

Jason - post climb 

The gang 

Tired G 

Contemplating at the top - Jon, Guillaume and Jason 

Jon and Guillaune (the red t-shirt gang) 

Fuji san half way up 

Fuji san taken from beginning of hike 

Begin the hike 

Golden Week Exploits

Well, I'm happy to report that I had a rather splendid GW, and now feel recharged and ready to go (not quite sure where yet, but just knowing I can is reassuring).

Undertook a new hike to Mitsutoge San with Guillaune, Jason and Jon last Wednesday. Located close to Fuji San (with accompanying views), it was quite a tough climb, with the ascent being almost constantly uphill. I actually really enjoy this type of climb though, so I was really in my element, bounding along like a mountain goat. Jason, however was slightly worse for wear, due mainly to not eating a big breakfast, and soon running out of energy (nothing that a early lunch didn't solve).
The scenery was stunning, and we couldn't have asked for better weather.
The day after, I had organized a big night out to AGEHA
Paul Van Dyk was spinning his trancey tunes, and I must say I was very impressed. There was a big group of us, from a myriad of countries, which made the whole event go with a real bang!
I also spent some time formulating a new fitness plan, where I've come up with a weights program which will add real power and hopefully redefine my body shape (yes, it sounds awfully sad, doesn't it, but you know what? I don't care!) I'm going to try and change my eating habits as well, where I will eat more in the morning and lunch, and have a very light meal in the evening (unless I'm eating out). I think this will help, as eating very late can really pile on the weight, and that's something I'm determined to avoid.