A glorious sunset at Gifu castle

A couple dressed in black and holding a baby walked down the hill towards us. A few other people were milling about dressed in black. We tentatively approached them, feeling a little awkward, and asked them for directions. They helped us as best they could, and then went on their way to their car.

A minute or two later, a car hooted at us, and the window was wound down. They came back! Because of the baby they could only give 2 of us a lift at a time, but they really wanted to help us! So 2 of us hopped in the car with the wife, while the husband and the other 2 began walking in the same direction.

After she dropped us off, the lady drove back to collect the other 2 of our group, and the husband ended up walking the whole way..! Such incredible hospitality. So very sweet of them to help the slightly lost gaijins!

weekly photo challenge 

 

A hike to the top

I am surrounded by mountains, and every ten days we hike across the forest (Taiga) and climb up to a cross on the top of one of the mountains. I say climb, and I mean it. There are lots of big boulders and rocks.

It’s not easy, but not too difficult either. At the top, it makes me feel very small. It’s so quiet. And there is nothing but mountains, trees and silence for a very long way.

Of course, we are the main characters in our own lives, but just one tiny part in the grand scheme of things.

I’ve been up 3 times, and the last 2 times, even though I kept reapplying factor 50 suncream I got quite sunburt. Mountain sun is strong…

“I love the mountains, I love the rolling hills, I love the flowers, I love the daffodils, I love the fireside when all the lights are low… Boom-di-ada, boom-di-ada, boom-di-ada, boom-di-ada…”