July 2006

July 2006
Takaho-san, a student of mine gave me two tickets to her concert so went and checked it out on Saturday night. With the ticket also came free beer and food..,. fantastic. Three free Heinekens later and we were having a great time. Her band is called the Misstones and they dress up in these 1960’s style costumes and do covers of the Beach Boys and other classics. Was really entertaining. Afterwards, feeling pretty good we decided to make a night of it. A few beers at the Earth Bar and a taxi on to Shu Sen where we meet up with Shun. Got home around 2am feeling a bit worse for it.

HIDAKA
Had a great weekend in Hidaka climbing. Left Kushiro on Sunday and arrived at Akaiwa Seigankyo after lunch. Lots of people there again, maybe 30 odd and many of the same faces as last time. It is a pretty hard climbing area, only a couple of 5.10a’s and lower grade. It is all pretty steep and sustained. Started with a couple of 5.10a’s and a 5.10c. Then had 1 attempt at a 5.11a but felt pretty tired. Meet a Canadian guy called Scott and his girlfriend Sake. Also meet the couple that were there last time. Cruised back to Hidaka for dinner and then an Onsen. Meet up with Scott and Sake at the campground and had a good yarn. We were about to go to bed when these older guys came over to have a yarn. They were pretty drunk and we had a great time talking to them. Well they enjoyed saying the few English words they new! Scott and Sake were translating a bit too. They cooked us some “Popeye vegetable sausages!” and shouted a couple of beers. They were so friendly, haven’t laughed so much for ages. They even broke into impromptu song! Went back to Akaiwa Seigankyo early and had an attempt at Wonder girl a 5.11a and got it 2nd attempt. We did a few more climbs around 5.10’s and left for Kushiro about 2pm.

TOKOTAN
Went to Tokotan with Sarah. It was actually sunny, although a bit of a wind. Climb 3 routes, easier slab, Route 44 and a trickier climb at far left of terrace. Was a lot of fun, the rock actually climbs pretty well now that I am becoming used to it. If you stay on line the rock has generally cleaned up a bit, however if you stray on a route you soon find dirty lose rock! Pulling a rope down I managed to dislodge a fist sized rock that landed on Sarah’s foot. A bit of bruising and hopefully no broken bones. The last route was a bit more difficult, 5.10c/d (20/21). Managed an on-sight ascent so was really happy.

CULTURAL EXPERIENCE
Had a good cultural day on Sarturday. Went to a Gold Art Exhibition (free tickets thanks to Nahoko-san). Afterwards we were lucky to view a Tea Ceremony. Sarah and I felt nervous and a bit out of place as we were the only foreigners (me the only male) and the women were mostly dressed in Kimono. The lady running it was a friend of Nahoko-san so the saved us the best sets in the house and told us to relax and enjoy the ceremony. The ceremony is a time to reflect and is actually quite spiritual. It is like a form of meditation as it is done (usually) in silence. It is always fascinating watching the traditions that have formed centuries ago. Japan has many traditions and it makes me realise just how young New Zealand is as a nation. Afterwards we were treated to lunch with good views of Kushiro.
Next stop was the library, where there are a total of 2 small shelves of English books! Nahoko-san was then kind enough to take us to the Kushiro Museum. It was really interesting; I especially liked the more recent history of Kushiro. A quick trip to Seundai gym for a climb finished a very good day.

CANOEING KUSHIRO RIVER
What a fantastic weekend. Went and canoed down the Kuhsiro river with Sarah and Atsushi. First went out to a look out to check out the Kushiro Shitsugen National Park then on to a small town north of lake Toro for lunch. Unfortunately Atsushis favourite restaurant was closed but we found another and enjoyed cold soba noodles. Cruised back to Lake Toro and unloaded the canoe and set off into the lake. 20minutes or so down the Toro river we meet the much larger Kushiro river. Was great, saw deer grazing on the side of the river and many different birds. Very peaceful and relaxing. After about 2 hours we meet Atsushi’s friend at the car park. A quick shuttle back to the car and we loaded up and were off back to Kushiro. Atsushi invited us to his house for a bbq dinner. It was fantastic, great food and great to enjoy the Japanese style bbq. Cooking with charcoal with many small cuts of meat is great. Really social and relaxing sitting around the table cooking and eating. Enjoyed a few beers and tried sake. Atsushi then ordered some sushi for Sarah to do the sushi challenge. Great day out.