A week of gold

Sunday marked the end of a 5-day long break, commonly known as Golden Week. Many people are off work and schools don't hold classes, but many teachers and students have to spend much of their "holiday" with their respective school clubs. Not belonging to any club, and with the arrival of some spring weather (finally), I decided to get outside as much as possible.

On Wednesday, another JET friend (Mark) and I took off early for Fukushima, one prefecture south of Miyagi. Spent two great days car camping and exploring around Mt. Bandai and the surrounding lakes. Lots of short hikes, outdoor onsens in the afternoon, cooking over campfires and hot lemon whiskeys to keep the chill off at night. Had a beautiful walk through Goshikinuma (or the Five Colored Swamps), though the crowds took away from its beauty. Mark put it best when he said "It feels like we are walking in a queue". Japan is a spectacular place to car camp--it seems you are always close to convenience. We managed to find nice camp spots away from the crowds of campgrounds, but we were never far from a spa, a 7-11, a home center (like a mini-Lowes) for last minute supplies, or the first Denny's I have seen in Japan (no Grand Slams, but delicious nonetheless).

Saturday I got up at dawn for 18 holes of golf at my local course. The clubhouse manager wanted to know where I had been all spring and that many members had been requesting to play with me. Not sure if they remember how poorly I play, but its nice to know I was missed over the winter...

Saturday afternoon I hosted a pot-luck BBQ by the river in Naruko with some other JETs, Japanese friends, and Japanese friends of friends. Seemingly endless food and fun that lasted well into the night.

Sunday I capped off the wonderful holiday with seven hours of flyfishing with new friend Takashi-san. He was actually more like my personal fishing guide (who happens to speak English quite well), taking me to his favorite spots on his home rivers, giving me tips, and taking care of my line and flies all day-long. Though the conditions were not great for flyfishing, he was determined to get me a fish. Late in the afternoon when my arm was getting heavy from so much casting, he kept pushing me along saying "patience, patience, maybe you can catch one just ahead". Never guarunteeing, but always giving just enough hope. In the end I failed to hook a fish, but had an incredible day anyway. We had many jokes about the Yamame (Japanese Brook trout, or literally "mountain lady") being shy of the big American. Felt great to be on new water, especially with such a fun and experienced fisherman.

Between all my outdoor leisures, I also managed to squeeze in the first season of "Lost" ( a friend lent me the DVDs). I had only seen one episode before, but I am now completely hooked. Hopefully I can space out seasons 2 and 3, but I doubt it--they are too good.