Long Summer

It was 32 degrees in Shimogo today, which has made me realise (despite the curses about my lack of air-conditioning!) that I've done pretty well this year for good weather. Summer is expecially late this year, the leaves don't change till late October but it should be a bit colder by now.


I've enjoyed hiking and am looking forward to doing more during the autumn. Last weekend I climbed a nice mountain in Shimogo with my friend Shoichi, his wife and Akitaka from the Board of Education.
However, the hot weather means that you still can't go anywhere without seeing a lot of insects! Luckily I haven't seen anymore snakes around the house.


Rice is starting to get ready for harvesting and it won't be long before these fields are all bare again.
Autumn is my favourite time of year here, hopefully the timing will be perfect for Dad and Liz to see the area when the leaves change in October. I'm looking forward to seeing them and as I'm about to buy tickets to come home at Christmas I'm getting excited about that too! Lot's of people to see and things to look forward to.