PCT Next Year? (2016)

It's been a dream of mine since I was a young lad, to hike the PCT. I don't quite remember when I first heard about it but it was probably in my childhood. A portion of the trail ran right through where I grew up, The Columbia River Gorge. There were trail markers I'd see quite often and through hikers I occasionally saw in the summer. When I was young, I never thought much of the trail. It was only once I got older that I knew I need to experience it.

Throughout my early twenties, something or other got in the way of things I wanted to do. A lot of the times it was work but sometimes it was money, as I just didn't have enough. As I worked as hard as I possibly thought I could, that old saying came to mind "all work and no play makes jack a dull boy". I had wanted to live in Japan since I was a kid, so I went for it.

I packed up and headed out at the ripe age of twenty four. I found a job as an English teacher. I had only planned to stay three years but financial troubles and falling in love has kept me here a bit longer.

I'm thirty now, still in Japan and trying to figure out my next step in life. I want to return to America but I don't quite want to go straight back to work. Living in Japan as a teacher has given me something most people don't experience; two and a half months of paid vacation. The time off has given me time to think about a whole lot of different things. The PCT being one of them. I'm sure the trail isn't going to fix my problems but spending time in nature is a form of therapy for me. I'll have a looooong time to think about what I want to do for the next chapter in my life.

For now, I'm reading up on the trail as much as I possibly can. I'm trying to budget and stash away money. Soon I'll be buying gear and testing it out. I'm conditioning my legs for the long walk ahead. At the same time, I'll be tying up all the lose ends in Japan. There will be many goodbyes to be had. I'm not worried about my adventure, just anxious.

Hokkaido Ramen

Butter on noodles

It melts into the soup stock

It is delicious

Does Japan have Bigfoot?

Sort of...  Around the time that Sasquatch exploded onto the scene in the 1960s and 1970s in America, Japan had it's own version make a stand.



Trying to find any information on the hibagon in English is nearly impossible.  My Japanese isn't up to par, so searching that was is just as tricky.  I've been told that it has other names and legends of the creature go even further back.

I was told about a creature that met the criteria for a Sasquatch and Higbagon like creature known as ''Satori'' (さとり).  The description and even the characteristics match.  I've read many encounters people have with Sasquatch and they feel almost mesmerized by the beast.  They never felt fear and instead felt a connection with the creature.  

Personally, I really don't like to go down the road into 'tabloid' weird and hear stories about people saying how bigfoot is a transdimensional being.  It really grinds my gears.  But to hear that there are similar stories all the way from Japan, is somewhat fascinating.  

Ouchijuku

Here is another video I neglected to post a few months back!



This stop is somewhat hard to access if you don't have a car.  The only other way is via train or bus and I'm not even sure what kind of schedule those choices operate on.

I made this video in mid-March and as you can see, it was still snowing.  Always remember to dress accordingly!

Nasu Highland Park

Before summer, my friends and I ventured out to Nasu Highland Park.  It's basically the only theme park in the area.  A lot of people say it's over priced and over rated but the four of us managed to have an awesome time.  Much of this had to do with the co-operation of the weather.  In the morning there was dense fog that covered the mountain.  The threat of rain meant that ticket prices were half off.  It also meant that the crowds were to be thin.  After about an hour at the park, everything cleared up and it was a good day all around.

Rice Planting in Japan

Planting rice the old fashioned way was back breaking labor.  A single field would take hours to plant.  With the help of modern technology, that job has been drastically cut.  

This past May, I had the opportunity to help out my girlfriend's family plant rice.  It looks like all I did was screw around and make a video but I can assure you that I actually helped out in this process!  You'll see me for about ten seconds in the entire video!  Next year, they offered me the chance to drive the machine.  I don't think anyone likes doing it.  Sadly, I missed the chance to watch the rice harvesting which is just as fascinating.    

A machine that dispenses eggs?

Japan has a vending machine for just about everything.  Aside from the gloriousness of a beer vending machine, they also have more practical ones like this egg vending machine.  Here is a video from my friend Steven about one. 

The likely hood you'll find a machine like this in Tokyo is on the low side.  However, you in the country side, they're not that uncommon to come by.  

What is a hanko? 判子

I made a video a few months ago, giving a brief overview of what a 'hanko' actually is.



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Japan's Bicycle Theme Park

I had the pleasure to go to a bicycle theme park the other week.  I decided to make a video about it.  Enjoy!

It was a blast!

Engrish

Check out this shirt:

Who proofreads this stuff?  hahahahah

Nasu: Third times a charm!

I have been taking some time to go over old photos that I shot with my cellphone over the course of the summer.  Here are some snaps from my trip mid-summer to Nasu, Japan.  This was my third time hiking it.  I went with my pal Leo and a new friend Kevin (not pictured).  The hike is short and easy.  If you go at a quick pace, you could make it to the top in about an hour and a half.  If you take your time, two or three hours, depending on how many breaks you want to take.  

It offers up a great view at the top for such a small mountain.  I have done a few videos on it in the past.  You can dig through my youtube channel if you're interested.  For now, here are are few pics.  Enjoy!

Ichiro traded to the Yankees

It's old news but it's sad to see Ichiro get traded to the Yankees.  I don't follow baseball much but when there is someone you like, traded to a team you're not so fond of, it's always sad.  The Yankees, through time have sucked up some other former Mariners; A-Rod and The Big Unit.  If Seattle was a winning team, this wouldn't have happened.  Best of luck Ichiro, I don't blame you!

Ice Cream in Japan

Life strange flavors?  Try these two.  The top 'pink' flavor is sakura and the bottom is green tea.  The sakura flavor took some getting used to.  Eventually I liked it.  The green tea was a hit, right off the bat.  I have also had tomato.  It was kinda weird but surprisingly good.  It's sad that summer is almost over, I'd like to try more!  

Unique flavors - Salty Watermelon

Pepsi released their salty watermelon soda this past summer. The idea seems terrible but I enjoyed it. I asked for the opinion of my friends that tried it and no one was in the middle. Either they loved it or hated it. I'm curious what autumn will have to offer.

Dragon Ball Z - Postage Stamps

I found out the post office is carrying some DBZ stamps. I didnt watch much of the anime growing up but plenty of my friends did. It makes for a nice gift on a hand written postcard.

Aizu: sneak peak

Located in south Fukushima is the city of Aizu. It's a wonderful city that has rich samurai history. I went there this past summer with my sister and brother in-law, to explore what it had to offer.

Before taking the trip up north, I sat down to read about Aizu. Luckily, it was impossible to find any information about it. It's off the beaten path and the likely hood you'll find other western tourists is extremely low.

I first heard about Aizu through one of my schools. I wrote the name down, since it's close and has a castle. As time passed, I slowly forgot about it until my sister mentioned she was coming to visit this past summer. Due to it's proximity to where I live, I put it on the itinerary.

At the moment, I won't go into great details about the city, since I am still working on a video for it. If you happen to read this and are unsure to visit, just go! There is a bus line that loops around the city and costs 500yen the whole day. There is a tourist booth at the train station that can point you in any direction. From Tokyo you can take the train or access via JR bus lines in Shinjuku. It's one of the best sites I have seen in Japan and I have seen quite a few.

9 out of 10 katanas

SW Chicken Sandwich

This has nothing to do with Japan. It's just an awesome sandwich I made the other day.

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-boiled Chicken, then cubed or shredded, mix with mayo and chipotle seasoning
-pepper jack cheese (melt on chicken)
-jalepenos (lotta 'em)
-tomato
-avocado
-egg
-olives
-lettuce or spinach
-bread, toasted and buttered

Kids Are Dumb

I was at a shop in Asakusa last weekend, looking for some ninja stars. While I was there I overheard a conversation in English. A father was asking his son if he wanted a bow. The son replied "I can make one of those in five minutes." I was kind of stunned but the kid looked like he was twelve and most people that age are retarded. The conversation between this dad and son quickly became more outlandish, with the son making wilder claims. After about a minute of this, the dad says, in Japanese "Speak Japanese!". I turned my head and realized that I was dealing with some spoiled hafu (half Japanese, half something else). They didn't switch but I wish they would have. His stupidity wouldn't have been shielded by another language, as I would have followed him, stealthily; like a ninja.

Beetle bodies

Check out these beetles I found outside my apartment. They're pretty huge and valuable. The males can be sold upwards of $100 in Tokyo. If only I knew a seller...

Summer is halfway over

This summer has gone by fast and I've been having too much fun. It's been a relatively mild summer compared with the past two I have experienced. I really wish I could have made it back to the US to visit all my friends but the airfare is ridiculous. I still haven't been back. At least I'm trying to make the best of it. My sister will be here in two days. I'm looking forward to that. I'll try to get back into the swing of things with my blog and videos. I bought a new hard drive, so I have the space! That's all for now! Later!