Climbing "San Bon Yari"

This weekend, Bryn and I climbed the tallest mountain in Shimogo, called 'San Bon Yari'. After setting out early we were thrilled to walk into the middle of between 10 and 20 'Nihonzaru' - Japanese monkeys. I've seen them once before, but this was my first time up close. They weren't too bothered to see us and even the babies seemed happy jumping branches while we watched.

After I led us up the wrong stretch of snow we ended up with one hell of a climb to the top. We were pretty relieved when we reached the path that runs along the ridge. From green summery trees down in Shimogo, we climbed through the late cherry blossoms and back to snow that remains stuck in the gullies.

I'm hoping to do some more hiking before the rainy season starts in June. Next I want to travel to Oze - a lake in the south-west corner of Minamaizu that crosses into the Nikko national park. There I can climb "Hiuchi dake", which is the tallest mountain in northern Japan.

Abbie and Scott's Wedding.

On 2nd May my sister, Abbie got married. It was a fantastic day. Abbie looked beautiful and I was absolutely thrilled for them both!