John_Janelle
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Everything posted by John_Janelle
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We have 2 boys aged 16 and 14. Probably the first things we look for in accommodation are a reasonably equipped kitchen(enough to cook basic meals and breakfast), a washing machine. Next is location. A 10 to 15 minute walk from shops and restraunts is about as far away as we would choose. So finding somewhere that fits the above criteria is our first prefernce, then we just try to pick a price that we are happy with. The price is only determined by where we are going and the going rate for the area. Sometimes we will pay a little extra to be closer to things for convenience. When
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Metabo, We really enjoyed Guam. We were to do some diving, but there was a strong wind warning out for the area until about the day before we left. If we were to dive, it had to be in the first 4 days of our time there, so as to avoid the deco issues with flying. We done an island tour, which was really worth doing, as the guide had lived there almost all of her life and had a huge wealth of information about the island. There is a lot of historical sites there, but unfortunately a lot of the buildings were destroyed, or almost destroyed, during battles between the Americans and the Japa
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Well, it's been one month since we returned from our trip to Japan, and I thought it about time I posted a summary of our trip and my thoughts etc. On January 7 we flew from Cairns to Sapporo, via Guam, with Continental Airlines. Apart from leaving Cairns at 1:30 in the morning, I could not complain about the flight. We had about 45 mins connection time in Guam, which I was a little worried about. As it turned out, the US immigration people were friendly and managed to fingerprint, photograph and clear us in pleanty of time. We landed at Sapporo around 11:00 am. We were all surprised to see
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This is a really interesting post. Great Pics. Thanks for sharing these. John.
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Pants.
John_Janelle replied to pickled mushhead's topic in Snow talk, trip reports, Japan avalanche & backcountry
Seems to be trendy now, not only on the slopes... It's not really my thing, but I am definetly no fashion statement myself.... I tend to stick with practical, regardless of where I am. I agree with mammabear, snow down the back of my pants, while it may initially not feel too bad, would get a little uncomfortable over the course of the day. It's good for a lagh on the slopes though, checking out the "fashionable" gear. John. -
Hamilton Island - Whitsundays
John_Janelle replied to HelperElfMissy's topic in General off-topic discussions
We spent last weekend on Hamilton Island also. It's only a short drive for us. Lovely place. Weather was perfect. Luv the Pics. John. -
Countdown to snow time!
John_Janelle replied to Thundercat's topic in Snow talk, trip reports, Japan avalanche & backcountry
We will be in Niseko on January 8, 2010. Spending 10 Nights there. Can't wait. John -
Things to do in Niseko
John_Janelle replied to mockkie's topic in Snow talk, trip reports, Japan avalanche & backcountry
Snowhuntress, Where did you get the cleats? Did you get them over there? Do other people recommend them also? John. -
The Vale Niseko
John_Janelle replied to Vossy's topic in Snow talk, trip reports, Japan avalanche & backcountry
Not saying that the way the discussion has evolved is a bad thing. Just find it amusing how things turn. Sort of like the conversations around a barby with a few cold beers and some burnt snags. One minute we're contemplating the fate of the said snags and the next we are solving the problems of the world. Should we stop drinking and eat the snags???? or should we keep drinking and forget about the snags????????? So many questions. John. -
The Vale Niseko
John_Janelle replied to Vossy's topic in Snow talk, trip reports, Japan avalanche & backcountry
It's amazing how this topic has digressed??? A question regarding the construction of "The Vale, Niseko" has somehow turned around to a "Can Money Buy happiness" topic??? Or that's how I see it anyway?? John. -
Just wondering if anyone has any experiences with this journey, good or bad ?? I have a flight that leaves Chitose at 1225 pm and the bus will only get me into chitose at around 1100 am, if all goes well. 1.5 hours to meet an international flight would be cutting it a bit fine I think ? I can catch a train that will have me there around 1000 am. Thats if I don't end up at the wrong station or catch a wrong train when I change platforms??? The other alternative would be to bus it the day before and overnight in Sapporo. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated. John.
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Next season's trips
John_Janelle replied to Sciclone's topic in Snow talk, trip reports, Japan avalanche & backcountry
Have booked 10 nights at Niseko from Jan 8, 2010. Although I am a little nervous about the language, I am excited and anxiously waiting for Jan. to come. -
2010 Ski Trip.
John_Janelle replied to John_Janelle's topic in Snow talk, trip reports, Japan avalanche & backcountry
Well, the trip is all booked. Leave Cairns January 8 , via Guam to Sapporo same day. 10 nights in Niseko, leave January 18, back to Guam for 6 days, return to Cairns January 25. Still a few details like gear hire, lessons and passes etc. to tidy up, but that's about it. Just have to wait now....................seems so long away. John -
2010 Ski Trip.
John_Janelle replied to John_Janelle's topic in Snow talk, trip reports, Japan avalanche & backcountry
Thanks for all the comments everyone. There is a small chance she may attempt more lessons, I am hopefull anyway. The boys and I have always skied, but this trip we will try boarding, so maybe she will join the lessons with us. After reading all the comments here, I have decide to go to Niseko. Just trying to decide on accommodation that suits us. Need to book soon, as the more I look the more confused I get. Hoping to make a decision this week. Thanks again, John. -
2010 Ski Trip.
John_Janelle replied to John_Janelle's topic in Snow talk, trip reports, Japan avalanche & backcountry
Mammabear, Thanks for the info. She has had lesson in NZ. There are those who are meant to ski and those who are not meant to ski. She is the latter. The magic carpet at Coronet peak proved too big of an obstacle for her to over come. So now she is happy to sip hot beverages in cosy warm establishments while we ski. John -
2010 Ski Trip.
John_Janelle replied to John_Janelle's topic in Snow talk, trip reports, Japan avalanche & backcountry
Native, Thanks for the reply. That had been in the back of my mind. John. -
2010 Ski Trip.
John_Janelle posted a topic in Snow talk, trip reports, Japan avalanche & backcountry
My family of 4, (2 teenage boys and wife and I), are planning to visit Japan from around the 8 of Jan to the 24. The boys and I are skiers, but the wife is not. I had been primarily looking at Furano. Just wondering if there is enough to keep my wife entertained in Furano for about 10 or so days while we ski? Is there anywhere else that people would think may be better in this regard ? Should we maybe split the time between 2 ski areas ? So many questions, I know..... I have no idea what to do. Any advice would be appreciated. John. -
I have read this thread with intrest, as I am planning a trip to Furano in January. We are a family of 4 with 2 teenage boys, so no child airfares. My problem so far, is that I want to fly into either Tokyo or Sapporo and out of the other. Every web search I have done for airfares has returned a huge price, due to the different entry and departure points. I would like to take the train between Tokyo and Sapporo or vice versa, just for the experience. Does anyone have any suggestions as to how I should approach this ? I am thinking that I need to contact an agent ??? John.