Hakkoda Mountain Fall Hike

Over the weekend I had the chance to spend the day hiking in the Hakkoda Mountains of northern Japan.  I was really excited for this trip because I know the fall colors would be amazing.  What I didn't expect was the phone call the day before to let me know I better dress extra warm.  It had started snowing on the mountain!  Well, I didn't let that deter me.  I just bundled up and went for it.

The day started pretty early for a Saturday.  I went with Outdoor Recreation, which is a service/store offered on base that takes care of all your outdoor and adventure needs.  Needless to say this trip required me to be there at 6:30 am so we could get an early start on the day, which included about 5 hours of hiking.  The bonus for me was the hot spring resort at the end!

In order to start our actual hike we took the ropeway out across to another base or place to start from, instead of starting all the way at the beginning.  The ropeway, which many of you probably know as a cable car, was actually much longer than I expected.  Apparently it runs in the winter too.

Here you can see the cables starting at this end and then ending all the way off in the distance. 

As we took of we got our first glance of Aomori City in the distance with Mutsu Bay just beyond that.  You can also see the colors just changing on the tops of the trees below.

We were a lot closer to the tops of the trees than I had anticipated.

Then another peak came into view.

I love this picture because you can see the shadow of the cable car down there.

At the very top where the ropeway ends you can see much better off to the city in the distance.

Here I am, freezing because of the wind, but ready to get the hike started.  

We were going to do a trail that took us to a different ending spot than where we started, but others hike a loop and then come back here to take the ropeway back down.

I stopped along the way often to take pictures of the beautiful scenery.  Although it is now fall, you can still see a lot of green.

Another fun picture of me with the sun rays coming through.

Gaining in altitude.

With the altitude comes the snow!

I was amazed to see it, even though the guide told us it had been snowing, so I have no idea why I was surprised.

Here is a really great view to Aomori City and Mutsu Bay.

I did it!  I reached the summit of this peak, although there are a few more in this area.  This is actually not the highest, but the second highest.  We did not have time for the highest of these three, so we did the two smaller ones.

This one is known as Akakura-Dake and is 1,548 meters.  It was formed by a volcanic eruption many years ago.

Here I am again, with the sign, totally freezing because it is not only cold but extra windy at the top.  But I was happy that it was a clear day.

More snow!  After we reached the top we followed the trail along and went down a little and then back up to reach another peak.

At the top of the second peak there was a little temple.

Pretty views!

This is Ido-dake and it is just a little shorter at 1,550 meters.

Another beautiful shot.

Then we took at a look at the crater that was formed here with the volcanic eruption.

One last stop to pose with the scenery before heading down to that cabin below and enjoying some lunch.

If you look closely you can see the cabin down below.

If you couldn't see it before, I am sure you can see it now.  I was so excited to finally be at the bathroom!

After lunch there was no more uphill, just flat and down hill sections.

It was super muddy so many areas had these wooden planks to walk on.

Then, before I knew it, the resort was in view, just below.

I took a deep breath and realized I was about to enjoy my first onsen experience.

This was at the very bottom before heading to the resort area.  We were all the way up there and made our way down through some very muddy conditions.  But it was all worth it for the views and the natural hot springs.

This particular onsen is co-ed.  I was NOT up for that, so the guide kindly showed me to the private women's onsen.  Why would co-ed bother me?  Well, if you are not familiar with an onsen, let me fill you in.  This is a tradition in Japan.  They have many natural hot springs all over.  An onsen is like a public bath.  The bathing is done in the nude.  There is a whole process for this.  You need to shower first, sitting on a little stool, and making sure you are clean.  Then you go and soak in the natural hot spring water.  It is very relaxing, but you can only stay in for so long because it is really hot.  I was a little hesitant because in our group I was the only female and I have never done this before.  I did get a lesson once on what to do but it was about a year ago, so I really just had no idea.  I am glad that I decided to just go for it and enjoy the experience.  I don't think I did anything wrong and I don't think I offended anyone, so that is a good start!  It was definitely a much needed treat after the hike.

QUESTIONS:  Have you gone hiking this fall?  Are the leaves changing where you live?  Have you ever been to an onsen?  Any other public bathing experiences?

Not Much Cooking

Actually, there is probably more cooking in my kitchen than in my actual life!

True story, I have just been very busy with working and school that I have not had much time to blog or even taken many pictures.  But I did realize that it has been over a week now since my last post, so I figured I might as well just post these few pictures I have collected since my return from Australia.  Trust me though, it's pretty boring!

First, I actually do have something that may impress you.  Edamame bagel!  Yes, you read that right.  The Japanese not only made a bagel, but they put edamame inside.  Guess what?  Amazing!  Absolutely.  Now, next time I am passing through Haneda airport, I know what I am stocking up on.  Yes, again, you read that right.  I found edamame bagels in the Japanese airport.

When I was in Australia I shipped home a box filled with all the things I picked up from the conference.  As always, lots of samples.

Has anyone heard of or tried this apple before?  Cripps Pink?  All I know is that it came from New Zealand (love how I travelled from that area all the way back to Japan and then bought this apple) and it tastes wonderful.  I was definitely a fan.

Next is something that may impress you, too.  This is the pottery I painted before I went to Australia.  When I came back it was fired and ready for me to pick up.  I love it!  These are sushi plates with chopstick rests and a soy sauce container.

This next picture probably has you drooling already.  This is the chocolate PB tofu pie that I made for an auction.  I had donated it and the lucky winner got to enjoy this with her family.

I guess I should have something filled with vegetables to follow the very decadent dessert.  This is a pretty salad I made for dinner one night.  I love all the colors.

On my salad I used this salad dressing.  Sadly, I wasn't really a fan.  I had a coupon, and I am glad I tried it, but I probably won't get it again.

Cottage cheese and fruit, anyone?  This is one of my favorite snacks.  Really anything with kiwi is a favorite of mine.

Then comes this delicious pasta dish I made.  Whole wheat rotini (from nuts.com), shrimp with garlic and olive oil, and some tomatoes.  Yum!

I always enjoy a nice breakfast for dinner.  These are egg "tacos" with eggplant and a little cheese.

Last up is something that was made for me as a gift.  From my next door neighbor.  It was super sweet of her to think of me and share her baked goods.  I do love banana bread, so it was very welcome in my home.

Lots more exciting things coming up, but for now...boring!

QUESTIONS:  How are things for you? Boring or Exciting?  Do you ever bake for your neighbors?  What kind of dressing do you use on your salad?

Nutrition Post! Nausea and Pregnancy

Nope, I am not pregnant!  (Don't want to start any rumors) However, I do work with pregnant women and nutrition.  

You may have noticed that I have not posted much since I have been home.  I have been extra busy.  What do I mean by extra busy?  Lots of writing, taking 2 grad classes, working at WIC 2 days a week, volunteering on base, and teaching a undergrad class online (soon to be 2- so busy updating 1 in my "spare" time).

Although I may not have had a lot of time to write on my blog here, I have been writing nutrition posts for an awesome RD written website called The Good Calorie.  Ever heard of it?  If not, this should be favorited right now!  My first post went up last month on the topic of nausea and pregnancy.  Make sure to check it out by CLICKING HERE.

Don't worry, I'll be back soon with some more posts about fun in Japan and lots of good food pictures.  Plus, very exciting news on a major accomplishment of mine.  Even better, this announcement includes a giveaway!

QUESTIONS:  What's been keeping you busy recently?  Did you add the Good Calorie website to your favorites? ;)

Day 18: Paddy's Market and Heading Home

I was not about to leave Sydney without fitting in a little more sightseeing.  I had yet to get to Paddy's Market, and it was only about 2 blocks from my hotel.  My flight was at 3 pm, so this meant I could easily spend time over at the Market.

On my way over, I passed this sculpture on the street, which I thought was pretty neat.

Here is Market City!  Yes, it is about a block in size.  It's actually a huge complex, and from what I gather Paddy's is the part in the basement, and then there is a mall with outlets on the upper levels.

You can see the inside is really big. 

I found the signs for Paddy's with the arrows pointing down, and headed that way.  I was pleasantly surprised to find all of this waiting down below:

If only I had more time!  Because of their hours and my schedule, I wasn't able to get here any sooner, but if I had, I saw tons of fruits and veggies I would have loved to try out.

Next to the produce there were spice vendors.

They even had dried beans.  I was unsure of the export policies and what I could or could not take out of the country and into Japan, so I decided to pass.

But I did get some of the nut and seed bars, which were really yummy.

I also bought some dried apricots.

I didn't take any pictures, but also in the basement area was all the vendors with reasonably priced souvenirs.  In fact, if you are in Sydney and looking for good prices on souvenirs, this is definitely the spot to go.  I bought way too much last minute stuff!

When I was done downstairs, I went up into the mall because I still had some time before heading to the airport.  I was hungry, but couldn't make up my mind.  In the end I gave in, or rather gave up, and went with the Japanese bakery.  I tried so hard to avoid it, but in the end, I could not decide on anything else, so I went with what is familiar, and that was apparently Japanese baked goods.

Looks similar to some of the stuff I have had in Japan.  It tasted good, so I can't complain.

I could not resist this picture.  If you know anything about Portugal, you may understand why I could not resist.  I had never heard of this piri piri chicken (piri piri, yes, but piri piri chicken, no) and lived in Portugal for 2 years.  I asked an employee and apparently it was a dish made by the Portuguese people that ended up in South Africa and then moved on to Australia.

Before I knew it those 18 days had flown right by and it was time to board my flight for Singapore.

I managed to stay awake and enjoy the vegetarian meal that I was served.  

The pasta was actually really good.  I also enjoyed some wine. 

I must say, my favorite part of Singapore Airlines was the ice cream.  Yes, after the main meal on the flights, they serve an ice cream treat.  I could not resist this one!  These days, this is practically a miracle.  I see why this is a top ranked airline.

Later on in the flight we were served a snack.  I had an open face veggie sandwich.  Not too bad.  The pasta was definitely better.

I have no idea why, but when I was in Singapore for my layover, walking around the airport, I got hungry again and decided to get breakfast.  I love when places serve breakfast all day!

Next thing I knew it was time to board for Tokyo.  I couldn't believe I was nearly home.

That about does it for my trip.  Once I landed at Narita, I boarded the bus and headed to the other Tokyo airport to catch my domestic flight.  I had another 4 hours of waiting before my next flight, and wouldn't you know it, I got hungry again.  It was early in the morning, but that didn't stop me from enjoying a nice, hot bowl of soba noodles.

Whew!  That does it for my trip down under.  I hope you enjoyed following along on my journeys.  I am beat after all that travel, paired with the 5 weeks earlier this year, 1 week in Tokyo and a few days in Sapporo, and you can say that I had quite a year.  That about does it for me and travel for 2012.  I love to travel, but now I need some time to rest and relax at home!

QUESTIONS:  Do you travel a lot each year?  Where was the last place you travelled to?  Any big trips planned before we get to 2013?