torihada

are the weekend ETC cards valid north of Newcastle? Serious point though.....as a visitor would I be able to get one? I'll be doing some serious mileage on the toll roads in Dec/Jan. Where do you normally buy your ETC cards? Can you nip into a Lawson/7-11 and buy one? Last time I just paid for each journey at the toll booth.

I had my first BC experience (and so far only BC experience ) with Canyons at Kagura. You can read about it here: Canyons BC trip report They were great and a good part of the two day trip was learning about the dangers off the piste. I wouldn't ride out there without BC gear? To hike above Kagura you have to fill out a form with ski patrol (correct me if I'm wrong). If you want to get some BC experience, go with Canyons. They'll show you exactly how to ride safely off piste, and then try to drown you in chest high powder Aso their lodge at Minakami is excellent and the guides ther

I spent a day at Europes biggest (longest) indoor ski slope near Maastricht in the Netherlands. I spent the day practising to ride switch. Other than that the only plus for me was I got out of Maastricht for the day. I suppose they're good if you want ride the rails or learn.

I was in Stockholm and a Swede was telling me about how an early snowfall caught everyone out. No one had snowtyres on and Stockholm was littered with abandoned cars. Their half hour drive home took 3 hours and they only managed that because they were in a 4x4. I have always had snowtyres in Japan in winter. Mainly because in northern Tohoku you'd be mad not to have them. I was driving in the mountains in Akita through heavy falling snow in a 4 x 4 with snowtyres and at one point I contemplated putting on the snowchains. So if you're going to a ski resort & you're driving you'd be mad not

We only drink Earl Grey at home (Twinings), we drink ocha sometimes - usually when having daifuku or such like. I drink 'brown tea' (tetleys, PG etc) at work but have it with sugar otherwise its undrinkable as the tap water in central London is foul.In Japan I enjoy ocha but father in law's tea is so bitter it makes my toes curl so I only drink the first 'quick' brew. Up until 10 yrs ago I only ever drank strong fresh coffee, but Mrs T has converted me to tea.....so there you go, Japanese converts Igirisujin to ko-cha. Rightio I'm off for a cuppa.........

If I hadn't paid for my air tickets I would seriously think about cancelling. I suggested some drastic economies to Mrs T (our expenses are not too bad as accomodation is provided by family) such as cancelling 4 days staying at a resort, cut back on the onsen & eating out. But as she said we've gone to all that expense to get there its crazy not to enjoy yourself. But I'll definitely not be buying hot coffee from the vending machine, which is a pity.

Originally Posted By: grungy-gonads No offence taken. Asked a few places. Banks and the post office offered exactly the same rate. Would be most welcome to hear where I can get much better. Not so fussed, it's done now and no time to mess about. Look at what you would have got 10 days ago, 160 is pretty good. "Its never too early to take a profit" From BBC website today: "Earlier on Monday the Group of Seven (G7) industrialised nations issued a statement warning that the strength of the yen was a threat to economic stability, which was taken as a threat of co-ordinated action to

Jeez at this rate I'm seriously going to have consider what I'm going to have to cut back on my trip. My 3 week car rental has jumped by from £700 to £980. If I hadn't bought my air tickets I would cancel the trip. I think I'm going to spend 3 weeks clearing snow from the inlaws roof and drinking ocha. My accomodation at Appi no longer seems like such a good deal. If the AUS $ is taking a similar beating Niseko's going to be a little quieter this season. Question is do I go and buy some yen now or pray the pound will strengthen a little. Wish I'd bought at 175 now. Regrets eh!

Originally Posted By: Go Native Originally Posted By: Mamabear Kids learn from thier parents. I guess in England since they seem to have such high teenage pregnancy rates they reckon leaving the sex ed until they are teenagers is leaving it just a little too late. I think its because we Brits are so hung up about talking about sex. We told our kids about sex when they were about 5 & 7 because they asked. That was easy compared to explaining artificial insemination - 2 gay friends had a child. If you arm you're kids with knowledge it'll help them to make informed decisions, m

There are quite a few speed cameras around here. Don't tell anyone but I have a unique solution (hushed voice)....... I stick to the speed limit. If you want sneaky speed cameras drive on the French auto routes. They're very hard to spot and by the time you see them its too late because,I think, they clock you as you approach them.

The reason the £ has taken a beating is due to sterlings perceived strengths and the bedrock of that are financial institutions (the City) and the housing sector so people have been getting shot of sterling as they're down the toilet. The pound has been further undermined by a cut in interest rates and the Bank of England's gloomy prediction of recession yesterday which points towards further interest rate cuts. So I think rather than the Yen being strong its the other currencies being weak. Some believe the Yen will stay strong until the end of 08 at least, or rather the £ is fecked until g

Its where the in-laws live. I did get to visit Kagura for some BC for two days when visiting other 'southern' relatives in Gunma. I only started snowboarding (four years ago) as it was something to do when visiting snowbound Akita. Its only 15 mins drive to a small ski-jo from father-in-law's house. Its tame, but very quiet and you can board from 9am - 9 pm. Great for the kids. We're close to Tazawako, and are spending 4 days at Appi. Having a car lets us visit numerous hills in Akita/Yamagata/Iwate.

How you going to get around Tohoku? I just booked a car for my trip, with racks and snow tyres from Narita. For four of us definitely works out cheaper than Shinkansen and obviously makes it much more convenient.

On my biannual visit to northern Tohuku: 4 seasons ago (first snow trip) no snow for first 4 days and local ski-jo closed (until approx 25 Dec) Then it snowed for 3 weeks. 2 seasons ago. Noooo snow until about New Year and very warm. Boarding on gravel at one point. Local ski-jo stayed shut for duration of trip. Did get some fresh falls in first week of Jan at Appi. This season? Hopefully 3rd time lucky.Or I'm jinxed and every two years I bring warm wet weather.

I was staying at Canyons in Minakami and they have their own onsen on site. I and a couple of Aussie guides prceeded to cool off by jumping out of the window (ground floor) and running around in the snow. We then egged each other on to do more stupid things; sit ups in snow, snow ball fight, sitting in a stream and finally I stood under a fir tree and attempted to shake a snow shower; unfortunately a big lump of snow melt/ice crashed onto my head. God knows what the locals thought if they saw 3 gaijins running around naked near the river.

Any plans on your Tohoku trip? I bought air tickets last week ( and just booked four nights at Appi at beginning of Jan. Since have watched the pound nose dive against the Yen. GULP.

Originally Posted By: Kumapix good job tsonda! is Torihada still around? Haven't heard from him since the start of last winter. Hi Kuma et all. I'm still around, just not local and unfortunately can't afford a trip to Japan this season. I've been redirecting my Snowborading otaku energy to mountainbiking. Great news about the photo comp but sadly I am unable to use the passes. The SnowGods are dangling all of these temptations in front of me (European Alp resorts already open) but its no snowfun for me this season :-( Which is tragic, especially as my kids really took to skiing in Jap

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Ger; I saw ianbc's tr. I don't think we should even discuss that level of bc here, that was extreme. Yes SJA, even setting my bindings as far back as possible, it was a real problem getting used to riding on my back foot. Also with the extra weight of the pack and gear you sink even further. Speed's the answer, but I kept chickening out, especially in the trees. But even the snowshoeing was great. Getting out of the resort and up the mountain is the best bit. I'll definitely do it again. Yeah go for it Thunderpants; just practice poaching powder in resort. I should've got under

cheers y'all glad you like it. Kuma; new board was great on the ice and rocks in Akita. I kid you not. I was actualy gliding across gravel at one point. I also managed to ding it on an enormous rock at the edge of a piste.It holds its edge fantastically on ice and is fast. I was lucky with the snow eventually and even got some good conditions up at Appi. Here's another photo of me (rather flattering, I look a lot better than I actually am)

Thigh deep powder and blue skies. The guides came back with smiles on their face so it must have been good. A good time had by all. This was a great experience for me and ideal as I tend to ride alone, so the chance to ride bc is seldom if ever. Mike from Canyons is evangelical in his desire to teach bc safety and this showed he was more than willing to educate people not touring with him. If you're an experienced powder rider then Mike would take you to places more extreme. But the assesment is made upon your ability and then the course choosen. Hope this is of interest, e

our trail breaks above the treeline at Kagura Kagura, up among the trees on a beautiful sunny day Our trail up to the summit of Kagura, looking towards Gunma My kit; board, walking poles, snow shoes, shovel, probe in sac and beacon round my neck Lunchtime at summit of Kagura. Over 2000 m. Lunch and table courtesy of Mike @ Canyons. Two boarders piggy backed the tour. Mike proceed to explain the results of the snowpit in English to me and in Japanese to the two boarders and a snowshoe guide who also joined the party.

Here's my first bc experience. It's not in the bc & avalanche section as it's a bit tame for there and may have interest for people who'd like to try their hand at the bc for the first time; I booked two nights accomodation and two days back country touring with Canyons who are based in Minakami, Gunma, on Jan 11th & 12th. The Alpine Lodge run by Canyons was comfortable and laid back (Japanese tatami rooms with and without bunks) cafe, bar, communal kichen and large male/female baths. First day we left Minakami at 8:00 am and drove to Kagura. My guide was Mike Harris (Canyons CEO)

メリー　クリスマス。 Don't work too hard.

We had our Christmas dinner (for 13) yesterday as we're flying on 25th; Lamb rogan josh chicken korma chickpea diapiaza veg curry cucumber riatha nan breads stewed blackberry & apple with lemon sorbet all home made and a welcome respite from turkey. This is going to be our new tradition. to enjoy the rain