Yuki's Passion

Looking forward to getting up there Stemik...I heard the trails are being renovated right now!

I like how the Niseko mag said between 15-20 meters of snow this year...seems like a huge difference that 5 meters of snow. Anyone else think so? No doubt Niseko gets a lot though!!

Ive got a full suspension GT which I got off Jenson.

Nice! Already ridden 6-7 days here myself

I have things Id rather send in a PM, but mine have been turned off by admin...

Miyazaki Hayao's films are great for learning. Indo's on the mark with that.

Originally Posted By: blu sorry to hijack the thread - CB, where was 'that photo' taken from your Kamui trip, was it off the back chair? Sorry I missed your question blu... You mean from these pics here? They were right off the top of the gondola go out the right, then drop immediately in the trees and go straight down the fall line. Its the run with the two (I guess) summer roads in it. Off the back chair was nice too, though it flattened out too quickly. I wanna hit up Furano again for sure. That resort is pretty badass I think.

Echigo, gotta love that name!!

ASB, how much was it per night? My next Hokkaido trip prolly wont be for a few years, but Ill base myself out of Asahikawa for sure

Originally Posted By: Zer0star My work hours have been reduced by 15 mins this year! It almost feels like a pay rise. 8:10 - 4.40 now. How about everyone else? How long are your working hours? 24/7/365

Add Step Into Liquid and Billabong Odyssey to that too B.M.

Thats a decent rate for a rental. I like the look of them, but damn those have to be among the most expensive sticks out there!!

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100419/ap_on_sp_ot/volcano_travelers__wallets Did any of you see this article? This kind of stuff really makes me angry - hotels doubling and tripling their prices when people are in dire need of help...Fockers. Id like to know which hotels so I never stay at them...(hope its not a repost)

nice. Love some of the micros here in J-land. I am a fan of Minoh Beer: http://www.minoh-beer.jp/ There are two big tastings this year in Kansai. The first one is Sunday, May 23rd. For more info: http://craftbeerlive.blog97.fc2.com/ The other is over the long weekend in July at the Kyocera Dome. Info found on the Minoh beer website. Ive never been to the one in May, but have to Kyocera and there were tons of beers from across the country. Some were amazing - just wish you could actually get your hands on them!

I was wondering how your season went Spook - those pics are really nice...especially your action pics. Sweet! How long were the runs over there in the trees? Was it something you lapped up? Tracked out quickly on those monster dump days?

same author I believe!! Bill Bryson is great. Ive thoroughly enjoyed all the books Ive read of his.

Originally Posted By: thursday Eastern Europe. Interesting. Where specifically. And hope it's safe. not sure actually, Im researching right now where I wanna go...

Unfortunately, I dont think the US has the Pub scene like you do in the UK. At least, not from experience. I think the closest thing youll find in the States are the college towns. Athens, Ga was pretty badass in that respect; so in college I did have a few places I was a regular at and from what I hear, theyre still around too. I havent been back there for 8 years. No favorite pubs in Kansai, just favorite restaurants.

Have you read Super Freakonomics or something like that? I saw a few titles of chapters in that and am looking forward to reading it. I imagine its pretty similar in structure, just deals with different topics.

Freakanomics is really interesting. I like how he makes associations out of very random stuff. Contrary to what I thought, its not dull, its actually really entertaining and a fast read. Rereading Farewell to Manzanar and Blind Willow, Sleeping Woman to use in classes. Love Murakami's short stories almost more than his novels. Damn that guy is talented.

Makes sense - thanks GN How long does the Spring touring last there? When I did my season there I left early early April.

Eastern Europe for 2-3 weeks based on how much vacation I can finagle!!

Originally Posted By: Tubby Beaver If I feel that the heli is worth it then who are you to say its not? Its my money and I'll do what I want with it, if I wanna burn it and dance around the resulting pyre naked, I will and your opinion of whether its a manly thing to do or not will have not 1 jot of difference Funny. One person offers a different perspective and people get up tight, just like in your "heli" thread

Coverage looked weak at the peak there - was that just cuz of the rocky base? Whats it like at the bottom? You guys going to do Shiribetsu?

This has been one of my best seasons for the fact that I have skied with the same mate 8 years in a row now. That for me makes it pretty special. On top of that, we had a great adventure and some amazing snow up in Hokkaido, and I was finally able to move away to new resorts up there hitting 4 new resorts. I had (I think) the best powder of my life 2 days in a row, and epic snow all around. We ate at some fantastic places, met up with some old mates and met new ones, road-trip vibe was on, and went to many new onsen, too. I managed to ski 17 days this year and its still not over. Contemplating