September 2006

Autumn is upon us. Been over in Hidaka rock climbing at Akaiwa Segankyo for the weekend. Driving over the Hidaka range and around the boulders the beginnings of a yellow tinge are appearing in the leaves. In another week or so they will be a blaze of orange, reds and yellows. Plan to head over to Shiretoko in the next couple of weeks to get a good look at the autumn colours. Had a good time climbing and can’t help thinking that will be the last time we go climbing there. Sarah nailed a project and led it with ease. I also bagged a 5.11a that has been eluding me a little so we felt pleased with ourselves. We only have a couple of months left in Kushiro and want to make the most of the car and the good weather to explore. Well excited as next weekend Tracy is coming to Sapporo and we have a long weekend!

Just had a 3 day weekend in Sapporo. It was a bit stressful negotiating the motorway then downtown Sapporo to get to our Youth Hostel. Once checked in we walked down to Susukino, the restaurant and bar area of Sapporo. After walking around for a bit we ended up in a Spanish bar. Was more than a bit strange hearing “por favor” from the waiters! Got to talk a little Spanish with the staff, which was fun! Paid 3000 yen for a beer and a couple of slices of quiche and realised it was out of our price range so moved onto a really nice Soup Curry place. Was delicious and is my new favourite food. It has only become popular in the last 5 years or so and originated from Sapporo. Afterwards we walked around wide eyed a bit more, soaking in the bright lights of a larger Japanese city. Spent the next day walking around downtown Sapporo and shopping a little. Odori park was looking beautiful and many people were enjoying the sunshine. Had dinner at a Mexican restaurant that was also delicious. Was great to have burritos! Next day we packed up and headed to Chitose airport to meet Tracy who was arriving midday from London, via Germany and Nagoya.