stemik

Scored some free lift tickets for Tsugaike ski area so decided to go up the mountain to view the autumn colours. At the top of the ropeway there is a nature walk, decided to skip this and climb up to Norikura mountain at 2437 m - quite a nice climb up took about 90 mins to the top, fast walking/climbing.

I see England and Scotland are back to their old ways again

deffo non-flat... Like FT says its a hard climb and a hard push to the top. Hope to cut some more routes up there next spring.

Originally Posted By: Bushpig Mantas the rest of that story had a little more to it. I was just trying to point out to SG that NZ has this image of all Aus sportsmen being somehow arrogant and/or cheats (underarm incident), but that they are not the saints they like to see themselves as. As for the kicking game that England is employing. I think the best thing would be for them to beat the Boks, just so that the points system comes under more intense scrutiny. It's ridiculous that a team can win the world cup without scoring many tries at all, and just kicking. What boring bollocks! H

Originally Posted By: Tubby Beaver I was boarding in the 3 Valleys and got on the lift sitting next to this Farquhar. I ride goofy so my board points across everyones skis if I'm sitting on the left side of the lift, which is where I was. I know this is a pain so I do make an effort to keep my board from crossing other peoples skis, even although my foot is twisted in a weird way etc etc. Anyway this Tarquin started huffing a puffing and making comments under his breath to his blue blood family, maybe thinking I didn't understand or I wouldn't say anything. He then started kinda pushing me so

some more photos FT on the Aoni ride. For those not in the know, Aoni is part of Hakuba but on the other side of the valley to the big ski moutains. Very nice area, with great views of the Northern Alps.

Originally Posted By: thursday you mean hang on by the skin of their teeth so year in year out they are just making enough to stay open hoping the next season would be the turning point that would vindicate their years of toil just to stay alive. I prefer there to be more visitors as there are plenty of resorts to go round and then some. here here

Originally Posted By: 2pints,mate It's a toss up between London and Japan which is more exotic for me 2pints - that will have to be a double sided coin

thats cruel but funny and probably so true

i still go with my intital pick South Africa.....cakes are smelling delicious

my kids started at 2 - be prepared for long breaks in the cafeteria, talk a lot on the chairlifts otherwise they will fall to sleep. Keep them warm and keep them interested.

Originally Posted By: snowdude Could also try pre-season shagging it's amazing what parts of the body can get exercised then. LOL And of course for any sports one of the most important factors that so many of us over look is stretching. I agree with Snowdude exercise tip...I always stretch before and doing this kind of exercise

nice photos Soubs. Looks very idyllic.

so she is called Ali Catt....sounds one like a stray pussy

Originally Posted By: soubriquet Fair enough. I've never been to Hakuba, hoping to rectify that this winter. I don't doubt it's the best place in Japan to ski, and I don't claim that anywhere in Tohoku competes. But it is still worth consideration. Tohoku is defitnely worth a consideration, one place I would love to visit is Zao.

as soubs is away enjoying onsen time.... Chilly start about 5c here in Hakkers, had to put extra jacket on to walk the dog, morning cloud should burn off and reveal a glorious day.

Originally Posted By: Mantas Dunno mate. It's all been thrown into disarray. only for antipodeans

Mantas - who's your pick to win. I'm still sticking with SA even though I desperatly want England to win

what time do you arrive at narita?

Originally Posted By: spook until i watched a few UK soaps, i could never understand the english fascination with neighbours and home and away. and least there's a bit of totty running around in bikinis in the aussie shows. eastenders and corry - drab miserable people - what is the attraction? i guess real people - not every one is beautiful

Azusa runs from Shinjuku to Hakuba, not sure how many trains a day but the early one leaves Shinjuku at 7.30 and arrives Hakuba 11.27.

yes but by sending his gear from the airport to hotel and hotel to apartment - he wont be actually travelling with the snow gear

pay the baggage fee - I think its not too steep as classed under sports equipment. When you get to Narita send your snow gear to your hotel by delivery service (kuro neko is good). You can then send your gear onwards to Amori

yeah its more like 60 from Matsumoto to Hakuba - you have to get of the expressway at Toyoshina and from there its at least 50 mins. Train is slow and don't reccomend it unless you can get the Azusa express but only a few trains per day.

better still - get the GF to buy & drive