tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11150913714480889802024-02-19T12:10:37.934+09:00Shumi HantoFishing, Hunting, and Beach Combing in Northern Japan"The Hunt"http://www.blogger.com/profile/07067591148028407158noreply@blogger.comBlogger41125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1115091371448088980.post-15990117624581895742012-04-22T12:58:00.012+09:002012-04-24T03:48:55.242+09:00Spring - Good Start<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTnUhKYuIaFeYG-0gf_dAUfW227twcLDcbZK2l7yHLeoPEGxRXq0iG0YBve18R8dbyVBVvNWSs3PJ7Rd4st5Fohij6KjkzsI-Gf0Yf5qouxXKeEyFhAI6zOyU-WfurpCnNLtmOOVKCTq0W/s1600/Mahi+Mahi.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5734070348314108386" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTnUhKYuIaFeYG-0gf_dAUfW227twcLDcbZK2l7yHLeoPEGxRXq0iG0YBve18R8dbyVBVvNWSs3PJ7Rd4st5Fohij6KjkzsI-Gf0Yf5qouxXKeEyFhAI6zOyU-WfurpCnNLtmOOVKCTq0W/s320/Mahi+Mahi.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />I was able to reel in eight <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Mahi</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Mahi</span> on my recent trip to Hawaii. Went out of the North Shore this time. The conditions were rough with 12 foot plus swells, but the fish were biting and the crew was awesome. I highly recommend the Grand Slam out of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Haleiwa</span>. (<a href="http://sport-fishing-hawaii.com/">http://sport-fishing-hawaii.com/</a>).<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9q32xeVPjFhyVUeDQJvUDl6r9qLiN1q8D56PrIJODSlMmTAKoETKhcqBx391YGKWbK8Oq0M5Neee5aJFl8HK9sRscP4JEsKh2ztnW8QrjbU2wheqwn2BFl3JTccyBDf0vLC32m_kEXrfQ/s1600/Mokes.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5734070206136884722" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9q32xeVPjFhyVUeDQJvUDl6r9qLiN1q8D56PrIJODSlMmTAKoETKhcqBx391YGKWbK8Oq0M5Neee5aJFl8HK9sRscP4JEsKh2ztnW8QrjbU2wheqwn2BFl3JTccyBDf0vLC32m_kEXrfQ/s320/Mokes.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Kazumi</span> and I had a great trip to the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Mokulua</span> Islands. We're shown above with an outrigger, but we <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">actually</span> kayaked out from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Kailua</span> Beach. It was a five mile round trip with a stop for lunch on the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Mokes</span> and some snorkeling on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Lanikai</span>. Great trip and our guide <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Ikaika</span> out of Two Good Kayaks was outstanding (<a href="http://www.twogoodkayaks.com/">http://www.twogoodkayaks.com/</a>).<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy0qkmOv7Pne2SjK_Yr4Cg93ur3O-J8g1uxEIqmsZoQXToSHZOaq3QIiFxoNlWIFJGc_fxFx0flNctBGX-ltoVrXnIB1nbCqCEsK4I3y6WRtWp7wsUdmXz1zD_LVXJfqp6IWPUQajTrjXK/s1600/Big+Snow.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5734070011596186626" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy0qkmOv7Pne2SjK_Yr4Cg93ur3O-J8g1uxEIqmsZoQXToSHZOaq3QIiFxoNlWIFJGc_fxFx0flNctBGX-ltoVrXnIB1nbCqCEsK4I3y6WRtWp7wsUdmXz1zD_LVXJfqp6IWPUQajTrjXK/s320/Big+Snow.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Made it to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Hakkoda</span> last week for a soak at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Sukayu</span> Hot Spring. The roads are now plowed and open. As you can see above, we had quite a bit of snow this year.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLueCr9IqlbbC9goYCRnJR2JZYEjK-o2oXozLYQIonhec8GVfuYfpWDpudSdlIfLgvd-cSJLYIm1RGGkLdIFlXvZMkN6kessB9Vbt17ZzQ-mKee6pHl0E-IrRxvYrz6L4ETIdhcVX9I46e/s1600/Big+Snow+2.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5734069847665362994" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLueCr9IqlbbC9goYCRnJR2JZYEjK-o2oXozLYQIonhec8GVfuYfpWDpudSdlIfLgvd-cSJLYIm1RGGkLdIFlXvZMkN6kessB9Vbt17ZzQ-mKee6pHl0E-IrRxvYrz6L4ETIdhcVX9I46e/s320/Big+Snow+2.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Here's a view of the snow cut from above. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Kazumi</span> had a good time sliding her way back down to the car.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWhzJzSpUARSTVHaO3I8-jekEXHpZMDYlvdU2sukF7rLDMqGje94uD7SGps_UVVIeJVniLcEUtP8adwhBCusfVx-cS2rip473IN5EXho7dzdEDgKxp_djpj3MnynUCWgTLh3OU99APkAVM/s1600/Mebaru+1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5734653946035184530" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 180px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWhzJzSpUARSTVHaO3I8-jekEXHpZMDYlvdU2sukF7rLDMqGje94uD7SGps_UVVIeJVniLcEUtP8adwhBCusfVx-cS2rip473IN5EXho7dzdEDgKxp_djpj3MnynUCWgTLh3OU99APkAVM/s320/Mebaru+1.jpg" border="0" /></a> Earlier this spring I hit <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Shariki</span> Port for some <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Mebaru</span> night fishing. Went out a few times and caught a few each time. Nothing of any size was caught, but fishing in the tetra off the port is a great time, and the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Mebaru</span> are good fighters regardless of size.<br /><br /><div></div><br /><div>Almost trout time!</div></div></div></div>"The Hunt"http://www.blogger.com/profile/07067591148028407158noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1115091371448088980.post-48426787770113197862011-09-12T15:45:00.000+09:002011-09-13T00:54:05.040+09:00Summer Excursions and What Nots<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju7XHaQssmANVPllgp808AwXlAHN69m0mXvbrl52bWMAqKE7MIFAfhPR1rF-KLEEmEOOYTW5Zj8TctRmKqMIi1-1dmI925A0O55pCSxQdoBryWs_EBsjro9un2ljq_w_IwYgTDXPUYLc2P/s1600/Odake+Summit.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651402420552869954" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju7XHaQssmANVPllgp808AwXlAHN69m0mXvbrl52bWMAqKE7MIFAfhPR1rF-KLEEmEOOYTW5Zj8TctRmKqMIi1-1dmI925A0O55pCSxQdoBryWs_EBsjro9un2ljq_w_IwYgTDXPUYLc2P/s320/Odake+Summit.JPG" border="0" /></a> I got a chance to complete something I've wanted to do for a long time now; reach the summit of Mt. Odake in the Hakkoda Mountain Range (aka The Aomori Alps). The walk started and ended at the famous Sukayu Onsen and took about 5 hours to complete. It was an awesome day and the scenery was no less than spectacular.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxoGHBwOfgqzj69wIXdj8eoZfbd6y6aR5UDNglcVK6vfSCUwTjo6KA2_xz07Vd5ss_EpsT6O8xJ8H1zyWDUtahtBPLTirlDT7y9A6tjGIugXF2sikyy_FwVRici-90AgSowdOoZkeNKCLa/s1600/peeks.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651402263090472418" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxoGHBwOfgqzj69wIXdj8eoZfbd6y6aR5UDNglcVK6vfSCUwTjo6KA2_xz07Vd5ss_EpsT6O8xJ8H1zyWDUtahtBPLTirlDT7y9A6tjGIugXF2sikyy_FwVRici-90AgSowdOoZkeNKCLa/s320/peeks.JPG" border="0" /></a> The range consists of several peeks, Odake being the highest at 15,846 meters. Shown above are some of the lower peeks on the northern end of the Hakkoda Range.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie49F0DBMIQbzPMCD4VGhL_hcolH8wObvRbUJomDusdDDuJlGo5EFtdHtV5tbZ3FZrRj0wVMfeD_WAGnwcaY3ayrSbw1NEZi-OPuR3gTqgRe7bglvbYIdSx0tRbCoXBxY5Ah5AK0Vk1ckC/s1600/solfur+river.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651402101587114050" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie49F0DBMIQbzPMCD4VGhL_hcolH8wObvRbUJomDusdDDuJlGo5EFtdHtV5tbZ3FZrRj0wVMfeD_WAGnwcaY3ayrSbw1NEZi-OPuR3gTqgRe7bglvbYIdSx0tRbCoXBxY5Ah5AK0Vk1ckC/s320/solfur+river.JPG" border="0" /></a> Of course this is a volcanic area with a lot of sulfur springs. Shown above is evidence of the volatile sulfur activity that still exists. Venturing off the trail has proven fatal on several instances by folks who have succumbed to the poison gas in the area.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl6WfQogeBsYIkw56-Up7yeuGGOZ1qMuk5xDPJjgqIZzyr10xQAU-bQqwLuAh3GHp9osVOrqiJJHwgMpb58wmouOeoMSmCetnMYy17Uc9rB5XqEZW6KwF_N8SvpVWe_5PC_Nb6ShQCmPnb/s1600/me+and+yoshiko.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651401892439155058" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl6WfQogeBsYIkw56-Up7yeuGGOZ1qMuk5xDPJjgqIZzyr10xQAU-bQqwLuAh3GHp9osVOrqiJJHwgMpb58wmouOeoMSmCetnMYy17Uc9rB5XqEZW6KwF_N8SvpVWe_5PC_Nb6ShQCmPnb/s320/me+and+yoshiko.JPG" border="0" /></a> My guide for the day was our family friend Yoshiko-san. She hikes the summit several times a year and I was very excited and grateful that she allowed me to tag along on this excursion.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrh2yIfqrCzv9LrfGVSLb5qlLzg3gYAbZuFcyad-bn7P9vIp1CyVMGFA7zSmKDGPWs5YPuLhm2cd_C7UN8t_4gkaMlKnsjO0GAKy8K5xS6iLzRUuEaG5qCdcA6t3TBTVExRSA8GGs9Skl9/s1600/trail.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651401092756539890" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrh2yIfqrCzv9LrfGVSLb5qlLzg3gYAbZuFcyad-bn7P9vIp1CyVMGFA7zSmKDGPWs5YPuLhm2cd_C7UN8t_4gkaMlKnsjO0GAKy8K5xS6iLzRUuEaG5qCdcA6t3TBTVExRSA8GGs9Skl9/s320/trail.JPG" border="0" /></a> Another one of the awesome views from the trail above. This hike can also be attempted in the winter with proper gear, i.e. snow shoes and the like. There is also a cabin about 3/4 of the way up that anyone can stay in for the night for free.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOn_C8btJcjnflNs3rSF_FzilX-Np19XlldxRTs5jCwmL6xb7NGntBaagt14Mr0NAMxCHgTVW38gCwSjcfbwEzocAGNVV0s4efLMaNQ1ePYrhHUanIFkPa3-JebA4G81oVELjYAo1FsRF-/s1600/k+and+t+rakyou+1.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651400534981739954" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOn_C8btJcjnflNs3rSF_FzilX-Np19XlldxRTs5jCwmL6xb7NGntBaagt14Mr0NAMxCHgTVW38gCwSjcfbwEzocAGNVV0s4efLMaNQ1ePYrhHUanIFkPa3-JebA4G81oVELjYAo1FsRF-/s320/k+and+t+rakyou+1.JPG" border="0" /></a> Kazumi ordered up an insane amount of rakyou this year to be processed, cleaned and pickled. It took a combined effort of about ten hours to clean and prepare the rakyou. This is a serious delicacy that we will have as a side dish for the rest of the year.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigQ4WBS3N18AUBEt6K6mVIBmvtL3uq1xXPLvvkm6PprQ-jTqutJJMVrdwkFA4ew2f5e_QUHbq5Inq7yutIZTMCsLQWr5F_XtlarXZEHR3RB_h42W-NsH-qUiYLSAPLX7khLZu9UJeW72l9/s1600/rakyou+2.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651400388167479522" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigQ4WBS3N18AUBEt6K6mVIBmvtL3uq1xXPLvvkm6PprQ-jTqutJJMVrdwkFA4ew2f5e_QUHbq5Inq7yutIZTMCsLQWr5F_XtlarXZEHR3RB_h42W-NsH-qUiYLSAPLX7khLZu9UJeW72l9/s320/rakyou+2.JPG" border="0" /></a> Shown above is what the rakyou look like before and after cleaning. This was the hardest work I've accomplished in a long, long time.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoS3N0P9kMb2EIv7Mcs3FFPCY2TaXkMhB_uXhlFZjYw4urfWYquIrPZLjbMMROkIdVm4wgJBjMiuFmTseImIQdIOdYWN7Ry5JBWKYOey8xDqqFpAzceDZuULJkCkvd2CqH_ypXxzlmqdI4/s1600/rakyou+3.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651400262118295090" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoS3N0P9kMb2EIv7Mcs3FFPCY2TaXkMhB_uXhlFZjYw4urfWYquIrPZLjbMMROkIdVm4wgJBjMiuFmTseImIQdIOdYWN7Ry5JBWKYOey8xDqqFpAzceDZuULJkCkvd2CqH_ypXxzlmqdI4/s320/rakyou+3.JPG" border="0" /></a> Once cleaned they are set in a salt water mix for a few days then after draining, a special mix of soy sauce, sake, etc. is added to allow the pickling process to commence. After a couple of weeks, these are ready to enjoy.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCNIq0W4nDfAy8dX-1M-5bnYc5u0r1F7W33RphtaQmpylhG4cWxHLJi9Z1N13lXv2rBZ0E95FlAyON39z7z_PBW1bv528QiIfNYSdWlwaIYkO9RzSY9iCZXV1qnjeV39n28tNMzqB4xGXD/s1600/ray2.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651398995372611330" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCNIq0W4nDfAy8dX-1M-5bnYc5u0r1F7W33RphtaQmpylhG4cWxHLJi9Z1N13lXv2rBZ0E95FlAyON39z7z_PBW1bv528QiIfNYSdWlwaIYkO9RzSY9iCZXV1qnjeV39n28tNMzqB4xGXD/s320/ray2.JPG" border="0" /></a> I took the boat out to Mutsu's Natsudomari Pennensula to try for some Flounder and Sea Bream. When I arrived at the Sunrise Bait and Tackle, the owner unfortunately only had two small containers of dead worms left for bait. Theses were in such bad shape that he didn't charge me. I wasn't able to come up with my target, but I did land a few Mackerel and the Ray shown above.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWLUIgrK_paCBQlzfQ5MPS6F7qFJPJIAElAk3uzAggfR3q8ZP_Ud_IpAOA4__OD1LSsEt3foKockZkvO9o0ANKbgxMKbLAWF1_pU2iEcSWGdgLT39D7aQF9EzstQPWnkEmodDSOc4KxYwJ/s1600/cicaida.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651398104130905922" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWLUIgrK_paCBQlzfQ5MPS6F7qFJPJIAElAk3uzAggfR3q8ZP_Ud_IpAOA4__OD1LSsEt3foKockZkvO9o0ANKbgxMKbLAWF1_pU2iEcSWGdgLT39D7aQF9EzstQPWnkEmodDSOc4KxYwJ/s320/cicaida.JPG" border="0" /></a> The Cicada were out this year. This one hung out around the house for a few days before completing it's cycle.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcAC_aGWA-6FSkhi1y3TP_D5RWBX_X503kLmrCR6AuXnX9QuM9KYchXlvrhb5OMKP0QVLtZzYj5koiND-_vT-XKj056eqGDc1EyjPKj95UvyrFuTHcRAt-Xy8Fmrfu8gDzupoLZ8VW7RXF/s1600/costume+parade.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651397990538180994" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcAC_aGWA-6FSkhi1y3TP_D5RWBX_X503kLmrCR6AuXnX9QuM9KYchXlvrhb5OMKP0QVLtZzYj5koiND-_vT-XKj056eqGDc1EyjPKj95UvyrFuTHcRAt-Xy8Fmrfu8gDzupoLZ8VW7RXF/s320/costume+parade.JPG" border="0" /></a> We were able to attend the Misawa Costume Parade this year which was interesting as always.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdzrxRY7xsdvaxbOFd7loUXqN-756D-LWYOtINM6x-_oNZNHpRnYXPwKXNILyuFT7kkwb6OearoUtNES24Vl2SXMFsh7xf8b5SKFx4X71lFbsLiPUwRzysnw8xIiOatryrzvJDV-MG7ib7/s1600/Monkeys+1.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5617221960779285298" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdzrxRY7xsdvaxbOFd7loUXqN-756D-LWYOtINM6x-_oNZNHpRnYXPwKXNILyuFT7kkwb6OearoUtNES24Vl2SXMFsh7xf8b5SKFx4X71lFbsLiPUwRzysnw8xIiOatryrzvJDV-MG7ib7/s320/Monkeys+1.JPG" border="0" /></a> Several monkeys out and about on the Tsugaru Pennensula this year. I saw these guys hanging out in the Mountains on my way to Minmaya to try for some trout.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiPkTAwL7DzbresRp7DRC4jCXizVCF2VY2aK08Qf0VYLcBj95zGKP9GoUiKaGZCt2NKyPwaorOujPECuLlajTc63Cv_mRqpDfFww1rO0yfYbgi2E7AoyUN-zUiUu5O7IvmemYFvheV8QCO/s1600/Monkey.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5617221779124912290" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiPkTAwL7DzbresRp7DRC4jCXizVCF2VY2aK08Qf0VYLcBj95zGKP9GoUiKaGZCt2NKyPwaorOujPECuLlajTc63Cv_mRqpDfFww1rO0yfYbgi2E7AoyUN-zUiUu5O7IvmemYFvheV8QCO/s320/Monkey.JPG" border="0" /></a> I saw 30~50 monkeys on this trip. They seem to be enjoying some type of grain along the roads.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio_DRoB9BQTrHmZ6tD0jI0ngUlXT1jim3nITrgRCCPStxwRoEdvlHJcnguQUfgcG9PFNFyI_H4i9v85Ll99dumP-sTbxQ_T5Ii50WEmHbJ-dg8LsBFdvZ4zDko0TJk-8I2U52gUe-LWjyI/s1600/Keryu.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5617221636136147954" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio_DRoB9BQTrHmZ6tD0jI0ngUlXT1jim3nITrgRCCPStxwRoEdvlHJcnguQUfgcG9PFNFyI_H4i9v85Ll99dumP-sTbxQ_T5Ii50WEmHbJ-dg8LsBFdvZ4zDko0TJk-8I2U52gUe-LWjyI/s320/Keryu.JPG" border="0" /></a>The gorge at Minmaya is beautiful and full of trout<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg349txBFNmZlivfzy3m2r2R1Xfss7yFTBqi3orAtS-WZrc7SDg9QNrHJRHw0hb9l7QFRxoc6eF4mOgTZdR6ilzudpg3_X6AnhmUhFJW3hgGBpnYr4UHcoPahnbo_5AziuzC5lg9oT2zEVa/s1600/Taki.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5617221488110516466" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg349txBFNmZlivfzy3m2r2R1Xfss7yFTBqi3orAtS-WZrc7SDg9QNrHJRHw0hb9l7QFRxoc6eF4mOgTZdR6ilzudpg3_X6AnhmUhFJW3hgGBpnYr4UHcoPahnbo_5AziuzC5lg9oT2zEVa/s320/Taki.JPG" border="0" /></a> I was able to dangle a worm from the top of this waterfall and land several trout. Is it worth risking life and limb on the minor chance of landing a presumably small releasable trout? - Yes<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilNrJwtdanV4VXOIj1FShJX-YdhLaiEocGmdWpeFeC-0w7skpoyy4sTRGZipQhskkCZDxVSjp6qjR1ThGMJzz65b2OdnrQf5nm1Gov26nFOpa30mpZ5meadRp7ZvboY4krTny87cIotwSH/s1600/Trout.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5617221298097589410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilNrJwtdanV4VXOIj1FShJX-YdhLaiEocGmdWpeFeC-0w7skpoyy4sTRGZipQhskkCZDxVSjp6qjR1ThGMJzz65b2OdnrQf5nm1Gov26nFOpa30mpZ5meadRp7ZvboY4krTny87cIotwSH/s320/Trout.JPG" border="0" /></a>I was able to land a few keepers and had a great time. Had a good mix on this day of Iwana and Yamame. I released 3~4 times more than I kept and was using barbless hooks, so everything was released lively and ready to grow. Although we've been experiencing a lot of rain lately, the warm weather continues. I hope to get back out for some more trout soon, or maybe get the boat back on the water, this time with some fresh bait. - Hanto</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>"The Hunt"http://www.blogger.com/profile/07067591148028407158noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1115091371448088980.post-85035098890162498942011-06-09T17:28:00.005+09:002011-06-09T17:54:24.573+09:00Hoya Fest 2011<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy1am8gsUw92O3tbUXLdWpqyuDrw2lwRGJ4-7AgiOPRi0GBJFlYI_zSwKkArrWRoUDvB_zhMciBYP-hAbZTWh_uP2nuq1zew3ASXpnbS1VWIsVOJqxCeoL3lrlzRJEeWYiZF2C4X0BdxWi/s1600/Kazumi+Hoya.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5616135467511050098" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy1am8gsUw92O3tbUXLdWpqyuDrw2lwRGJ4-7AgiOPRi0GBJFlYI_zSwKkArrWRoUDvB_zhMciBYP-hAbZTWh_uP2nuq1zew3ASXpnbS1VWIsVOJqxCeoL3lrlzRJEeWYiZF2C4X0BdxWi/s320/Kazumi+Hoya.JPG" border="0" /></a> Received a styro-bushel of Hoya (Sea Pineapple) this week through a friend from an acquaintance who lives on the bay. These are apparently too large and expensive for the average consumer and are usually sold to high scale Tokyo restaurants. To keep the prices where the should remain, a few are held over and given away. This is one of my favorite foods. These are fresh off the boat and ready to eat.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5fM-2moGAhD2yhjtDwRJBNNPGwytRYIzGZh7tbPXbP9mtHI1sXqoxPi2DZO6VtP8X-7xCG9cPzXUKtPFtm4fs_MpLaPYCpd0eyS1YoytublkSLcDZ2XhmjMrvYhtIB7po8uURqvWY4Ntt/s1600/Juice.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5616134738110070722" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5fM-2moGAhD2yhjtDwRJBNNPGwytRYIzGZh7tbPXbP9mtHI1sXqoxPi2DZO6VtP8X-7xCG9cPzXUKtPFtm4fs_MpLaPYCpd0eyS1YoytublkSLcDZ2XhmjMrvYhtIB7po8uURqvWY4Ntt/s320/Juice.JPG" border="0" /></a> The Hoya have a plus and minus nub. The minus nub is cut to drain the juice. After obtaining the juice, cut open, scrape and clean the "meat" from the outer skin.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5XqJc5HYGvOrHomWzHH8lFC-7439R6da3hZghkYxkxlYZngK_w9DDWJfEI8bapyLJ-JO6d56fVMvncN9SKVOU1em1TSiVTxLIgC2s2F0daGP0DIjSkKpQ8CKIWhPJCyJXXlo-d6e2hjEH/s1600/ready.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5616134487813038498" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5XqJc5HYGvOrHomWzHH8lFC-7439R6da3hZghkYxkxlYZngK_w9DDWJfEI8bapyLJ-JO6d56fVMvncN9SKVOU1em1TSiVTxLIgC2s2F0daGP0DIjSkKpQ8CKIWhPJCyJXXlo-d6e2hjEH/s320/ready.JPG" border="0" /></a> Chunk the meat, let it soak in the juice for a while and eat. Although Hoya tastes best straight from the varmint, it can also be grilled or breaded and fried with tempura breading. Be sure to counteract the extreme health benefits of the Hoya by eating with a cold beer or nice imo shochu. - Hanto</div></div>"The Hunt"http://www.blogger.com/profile/07067591148028407158noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1115091371448088980.post-1287493789933218072011-05-29T16:51:00.002+09:002011-05-29T17:06:04.222+09:00Kanita Round 2<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv5gnWThYdExRLqoxedt2Hvc6Bv5jb760sGSW-1yUP90kRBEQoRKcXohkMBFbdKjKOFJBh29-66cY473p-xJxzMHhuW15aPfCvT7f9oDFXmA8NjIxBSZjwNgJUX3fx1b3XEBM4n0mo-eHM/s1600/Iwana+May+11.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612042875531911826" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 180px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv5gnWThYdExRLqoxedt2Hvc6Bv5jb760sGSW-1yUP90kRBEQoRKcXohkMBFbdKjKOFJBh29-66cY473p-xJxzMHhuW15aPfCvT7f9oDFXmA8NjIxBSZjwNgJUX3fx1b3XEBM4n0mo-eHM/s320/Iwana+May+11.jpg" border="0" /></a> Back to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Kanita</span> today to try out a different branch. I ended up landing 11 fish again, this time even smaller. I decided to use a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">barbless</span> hook anytime I fish this area due to the small sizes. This resulted in the loss of about 10 fish as well. Landed all three target species today including Iwana (shown above) Yamame, and Ugui. All fish were released unharmed. I may try out the south end branches off the main river the next time I go out, or even fish one of the main streams. I need to get some fish in the keeper, as I'm hungry for a nice mess of trout.<br /><br />I stopped off at a Small <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">restaurant</span> just west of the mountain tunnel on my way back and enjoyed a great bowl of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Shoyu</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Ramen</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Gyoza</span>. Hit the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Onsen</span> after lunch to round off a perfect <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Tsugaru</span> day."The Hunt"http://www.blogger.com/profile/07067591148028407158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1115091371448088980.post-27249230103713080162011-05-28T04:49:00.003+09:002011-05-28T13:02:53.458+09:00Ugui (Big-Scaled Redfin) on the Oirase River<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIatCG8gRoF7WUvDoru8Shq6Cuu-uQ1ufWL9g3sCD85ZrQrmaR_FD9wLuf96s-FYpnFaC1ES_6ED0lD7fl6AVpDM-0aTVBTrxlZX9E4qkfgwjkkLizmk6WSHIE4AjpHiC-Nsh6CPbNAXB0/s1600/ugui.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611485935285007746" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIatCG8gRoF7WUvDoru8Shq6Cuu-uQ1ufWL9g3sCD85ZrQrmaR_FD9wLuf96s-FYpnFaC1ES_6ED0lD7fl6AVpDM-0aTVBTrxlZX9E4qkfgwjkkLizmk6WSHIE4AjpHiC-Nsh6CPbNAXB0/s320/ugui.JPG" border="0" /></a> Did some research on the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Oirase</span> looking for a large water trout bite. I didn't manage to come up with a trout, but did hook this nice <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Ugui</span>. After fishing the main river for the first time, I think learning how to fly fish will be my next move. I'll try to make it back to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Kanita</span> this week with some <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Budo</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Mushi</span> for some trout, hopefully keepers this time."The Hunt"http://www.blogger.com/profile/07067591148028407158noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1115091371448088980.post-23236765565430545532011-05-24T12:40:00.003+09:002011-05-24T16:16:48.723+09:002011 Trout Debut - Kanita<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyYgyl5kwgGdeencvneKAYJjgNjcoZKT-rpRFwbLojZX99lSl9KX_d-IiV6mGiad_vcgYeR3EN4Hfz5YVqFdORygBCF2a1Exy6mlWtF1aHay1MFkh5SUMcqFE3f5qgzsC6Z-mhINehq6J0/s1600/Yamame+24+May+11.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610122810583578002" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyYgyl5kwgGdeencvneKAYJjgNjcoZKT-rpRFwbLojZX99lSl9KX_d-IiV6mGiad_vcgYeR3EN4Hfz5YVqFdORygBCF2a1Exy6mlWtF1aHay1MFkh5SUMcqFE3f5qgzsC6Z-mhINehq6J0/s320/Yamame+24+May+11.JPG" border="0" /></a>Got off to a decent start today for this year's trout season. Caught 11 in all including two <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Ugui</span>. All fish were fairly small and released. I was able to get in some good <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Kanita</span> area research and will go a bit more remote on my next excursion."The Hunt"http://www.blogger.com/profile/07067591148028407158noreply@blogger.com35tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1115091371448088980.post-32038627925111369822011-05-03T19:48:00.010+09:002011-05-03T20:39:36.934+09:00Off-Site Mahi Mahi<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnwDdDn6M6EXjYrr9dNh0tGggTV0j1X7YfEyPVoTAF7wKz2EQ-ZLx7TmugzG4gHUFpYEi-hoQiPFkay6LD1auU09BwsBkU1vufjhnHQ-IAVcj-wHC1Gfr7lqW5-tmOmyvFSc7wsqBGQfFw/s1600/Sunrise.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602441363810634114" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnwDdDn6M6EXjYrr9dNh0tGggTV0j1X7YfEyPVoTAF7wKz2EQ-ZLx7TmugzG4gHUFpYEi-hoQiPFkay6LD1auU09BwsBkU1vufjhnHQ-IAVcj-wHC1Gfr7lqW5-tmOmyvFSc7wsqBGQfFw/s320/Sunrise.JPG" border="0" /></a> As I had already purchased my spring trip tickets prior to the massive catastrophes, I decided to proceed to Hawaii. It was an eventful and highly enjoyable trip. I witnessed the above scene trolling out at sunrise aboard the "Wild Bunch" big game rig out of Waikiki. The skipper and deck hand were helpful, friendly, and worked hard trying to pin down some fish.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh32jjBdSe5fdfsupgkq6AREu25-Ygd2qaJGxRTafavNE9ayvhMNdYt0fm6uv9MPID-ybc6mlq3M-VlBVhJZQn84auA-8AhXhy37ZoZglNNjiyXm-EBqIty3VMi5zgMRGAuhvywPskY6G6M/s1600/Mahi+2.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602441233814507234" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh32jjBdSe5fdfsupgkq6AREu25-Ygd2qaJGxRTafavNE9ayvhMNdYt0fm6uv9MPID-ybc6mlq3M-VlBVhJZQn84auA-8AhXhy37ZoZglNNjiyXm-EBqIty3VMi5zgMRGAuhvywPskY6G6M/s320/Mahi+2.JPG" border="0" /></a> Above is one of the two Mahi Mahi that I managed to reel up to the boat during the trip. The other fish was beaten off the hook by the deck hand's gaff by accident. Under other circumstances I may have been irritated by the loss of such a nice fish but after hearing his comment "That was bad" I couldn't help but laugh.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5twL9IKbCmlxWzZ1WzdErH5v1QqWnZ3sVbw_tBIi08yGqS2BPKeXNIJZ5KaT2y93EZdklS21ynkJdyBxqjBnx7cR5GryFwr7QNlVbPXx7cnw7I8_Qso1iCyXSLq53WJqawQ7GOTLpdDca/s1600/Kazumi+Snorkle.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602441092658158546" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5twL9IKbCmlxWzZ1WzdErH5v1QqWnZ3sVbw_tBIi08yGqS2BPKeXNIJZ5KaT2y93EZdklS21ynkJdyBxqjBnx7cR5GryFwr7QNlVbPXx7cnw7I8_Qso1iCyXSLq53WJqawQ7GOTLpdDca/s320/Kazumi+Snorkle.JPG" border="0" /></a> Another highlight of the trip was our snorkeling adventure to Hanauma Bay. It was a fine day and we were able to see many species of fish including my favorite the "Humuhumunukunukuapua'a". Above Kazumi models her snorkeling gear. While snorkeling I ensured that she kept her fins tightly secured as I was afraid her oddly shaped toes may be mistaken for tube worm nubs and be eaten off by a hungry sea turtle.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-nV4joauYfS5CTnVJQ67AUNVpBG1eySWitQyCMW0ioVNnqaR__M3an2TuazRvLIizfm3LWh3Y9zJ0vCTCs-XuyuK7BmWpI8hGw056wLTrxlxshklAxs3g6brDCNir6xymDXVcegXV6vr-/s1600/Kazumi+and+Moe.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602440975165511810" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-nV4joauYfS5CTnVJQ67AUNVpBG1eySWitQyCMW0ioVNnqaR__M3an2TuazRvLIizfm3LWh3Y9zJ0vCTCs-XuyuK7BmWpI8hGw056wLTrxlxshklAxs3g6brDCNir6xymDXVcegXV6vr-/s320/Kazumi+and+Moe.JPG" border="0" /></a> We stayed on Waikiki at the Hale Koa Hotel which was well equipped and close to the beach. Above Kazumi and Moe-chan relax in the shadow of Diamond Head.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvfpyZjRMKe2iKMP-6MLm4z8g9gH8ROULpe_9SZVi4CiGB2gSuZFyUbs60XDn4n8GS2o9VrA0EBfGe5Y2uRxwhUh9FB8V1ISoIulvxcROLNWltkwcNq89sTJtNwgJ9AYofkOVqmQgChNkT/s1600/Zippers.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602440817634429442" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvfpyZjRMKe2iKMP-6MLm4z8g9gH8ROULpe_9SZVi4CiGB2gSuZFyUbs60XDn4n8GS2o9VrA0EBfGe5Y2uRxwhUh9FB8V1ISoIulvxcROLNWltkwcNq89sTJtNwgJ9AYofkOVqmQgChNkT/s320/Zippers.JPG" border="0" /></a> The folks at a Honolulu Airport cab stand have taken to collecting zipper tags that have broken away from luggage. I can only think that one of these may have belonged to the great Don Ho himself.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPzvcvlq38ugC7Sv8UeP_GKPCppBldufQdh_vBiRVwWn4FTu7CK5kWEp2jFQ5zScMm-ohLs4OL9PRWYEQX-o3T1ZeCOpO7xoIPZDcZ2h54Xr9-trIBCAL4am2VAU3BNRslZTyZ9GpJ1MAz/s1600/Kamoshika.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602440653724089330" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPzvcvlq38ugC7Sv8UeP_GKPCppBldufQdh_vBiRVwWn4FTu7CK5kWEp2jFQ5zScMm-ohLs4OL9PRWYEQX-o3T1ZeCOpO7xoIPZDcZ2h54Xr9-trIBCAL4am2VAU3BNRslZTyZ9GpJ1MAz/s320/Kamoshika.JPG" border="0" /></a> Spotted this Kamo Shika (Japanese Serrow) on my commute to work in Mid April. I have seen several of these critters while out trout fishing and beach combing, but this is the first one that would stand still long enough for a picture.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJv37yoldlaDKfyR5cJ8UA-FoGNi0-uG58MiVBQck61TO0eGGaLSyESVkrJPWJmYWo1DW62yg80rxr92fpQ-GxqdTdJa_d_40A9nMbbkE9M3Tl6AMpVDexxFWCgsVBlOLmW0Jhig1JqMRd/s1600/Misawa+Port.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602440478029328338" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJv37yoldlaDKfyR5cJ8UA-FoGNi0-uG58MiVBQck61TO0eGGaLSyESVkrJPWJmYWo1DW62yg80rxr92fpQ-GxqdTdJa_d_40A9nMbbkE9M3Tl6AMpVDexxFWCgsVBlOLmW0Jhig1JqMRd/s320/Misawa+Port.JPG" border="0" /></a> When I came to Japan over 20 years ago, The only place that I could afford to fish was at the local port in Misawa. I spent more days and nights than I can remember reeling in flounder and greenling from this port. I have spent some of the truly happy times of my life here. Above is a portion of what it looks like now. It is heart breaking, but the folks around here are tough and resilient and will pull through.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVxxUYf6NWCXhmH61-k-6NAbswLGYZvereao_8DT7ZxqnqH03tTgIOBVWe3rvZSpwwInzHleE7_9PwO27aMsSriA9LTPgMEtrclBWrnLpfw8anJDSWUPxWvr4h4zREaQOaJyznrAuyCNm5/s1600/T-Shirt.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602440314849094082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVxxUYf6NWCXhmH61-k-6NAbswLGYZvereao_8DT7ZxqnqH03tTgIOBVWe3rvZSpwwInzHleE7_9PwO27aMsSriA9LTPgMEtrclBWrnLpfw8anJDSWUPxWvr4h4zREaQOaJyznrAuyCNm5/s320/T-Shirt.JPG" border="0" /></a> It's important to remember that Japan is still in deep pain over this massive chain of events and still needs help in her recovery. As new news hits the tube, it's easy to be distracted, disassociated, and forget (and understandably so in some cases). Please continue to help when and if possible. While I was galavanting in Hawaii, my good friend Yoshikazu-san and his associates continue to spend their own time and money to transport supplies to the effected areas. I thank them for their continued efforts.</div></div></div></div></div></div></div>"The Hunt"http://www.blogger.com/profile/07067591148028407158noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1115091371448088980.post-815341553841089452011-03-17T13:30:00.003+09:002011-03-17T13:33:53.559+09:00USAID<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjspaQ1YQTH2Tp98O4VGTTXB5jKs7fYGev9aZsKMpJGvD4v8gQ3tZzHmX8fQ6ZH0pxeh3oUzCMrNHsf0hidnS7_SoPI4KuEBdp_0pP1EVsNUWf_8AbCV8eKHInewxCAKtXW4A9WBtepp7W1/s1600/CIMG1757.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584901762544924066" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjspaQ1YQTH2Tp98O4VGTTXB5jKs7fYGev9aZsKMpJGvD4v8gQ3tZzHmX8fQ6ZH0pxeh3oUzCMrNHsf0hidnS7_SoPI4KuEBdp_0pP1EVsNUWf_8AbCV8eKHInewxCAKtXW4A9WBtepp7W1/s320/CIMG1757.JPG" border="0" /></a> Above - <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">USAID</span> search and rescue teams deploy from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Misawa</span> AB to affected areas. If you are in Japan, please inquire as to where you can donate clothing, blankets, and supplies for the shelters. If you are able to make a monetary donation, see top right link.<br /><div></div>"The Hunt"http://www.blogger.com/profile/07067591148028407158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1115091371448088980.post-44701442356329325782010-11-29T16:55:00.012+09:002010-11-29T17:32:34.935+09:00Duck, Gundam, Tired Feet<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCKwssx_VCr_noBWIeSmzRio-caKXbRYth8mjdn1H3CMAZmCDOS8QaGv3ln7-JxZ4viWHvZ7ZgsNR-6Uu2q38JU4b5IFyb3_HYFg9ihTbe-jUUht9cq_gmf0gakiIBBNygUvuDrShMXEpa/s1600/Bluebill+Hen.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544878166230750434" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCKwssx_VCr_noBWIeSmzRio-caKXbRYth8mjdn1H3CMAZmCDOS8QaGv3ln7-JxZ4viWHvZ7ZgsNR-6Uu2q38JU4b5IFyb3_HYFg9ihTbe-jUUht9cq_gmf0gakiIBBNygUvuDrShMXEpa/s320/Bluebill+Hen.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Made it out another Friday for some duck. I still don't have the means to get my boat to the lake, and the white caps are keeping me off my favorite hunting spot which is a small island. I have taken to wading around the marsh and sneaking up on unsuspecting Blue Bill . . . and then of course killing them. Shown left are the two hens I managed to harvest on my last outing. I also picked up two the Friday before, but was too lazy to create a blog post.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBsVu77zsOKUK7YxZVLCoA-piHBt6Ah8i9y5Olyrkm2qWwmORUToc0cf0SCTiqQYEGIBiRg2metN1eosu0Fwl-K_6S8ONxmvOYtEdqQqhqBmy5ohwoZK8wPYt9oflQKmuWxpYDYOEDTtve/s1600/Swan.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544878052602370194" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 291px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 163px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBsVu77zsOKUK7YxZVLCoA-piHBt6Ah8i9y5Olyrkm2qWwmORUToc0cf0SCTiqQYEGIBiRg2metN1eosu0Fwl-K_6S8ONxmvOYtEdqQqhqBmy5ohwoZK8wPYt9oflQKmuWxpYDYOEDTtve/s320/Swan.JPG" border="0" /></a> There are now hoards of migrating Swan around. Shown above were about a hundred or so in a flooded rice field next to the lake. We have started receiving some minor snowfall this week and I'm hoping that the Mallard will be arriving soon.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-2SVVQ3BxlhmxKGBLUVj8EAFGNfNyww4CFqSBiDgX_pOYpEmz7TDUptP0zciVKIw-Hz3RPtirdR_tphRXUNhZAfyoW7bAqjJdHXrHsllrxvMeXUSqcW9sySmxSDR9X1s5wORWJg0Q7kFH/s1600/Gundam+Statues.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544877923367049426" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-2SVVQ3BxlhmxKGBLUVj8EAFGNfNyww4CFqSBiDgX_pOYpEmz7TDUptP0zciVKIw-Hz3RPtirdR_tphRXUNhZAfyoW7bAqjJdHXrHsllrxvMeXUSqcW9sySmxSDR9X1s5wORWJg0Q7kFH/s320/Gundam+Statues.JPG" border="0" /></a> On our way to Hachinohe, Kazumi and I happened upon these large statutes of the Gundam character series. It appears that it's the local barber's hobby to erect these impressive concrete/steel works of art in his spare time. If you look closely to the aft right, you can see one in the making.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg261G7UGZX3fTd67w6Q7TYEc-ksVnRkZug_L9Rt0Lf2RGEshcNEVINgiPDDo2v5pHJpv14E2b4lC88edS8GcHDcTPyyhcMiR1vhBww4p69w3ySQDZsynlXgpjGJtN_uREJ_Q8DaW9YEAxh/s1600/Ajigasawa+Onsen.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544877708897511426" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg261G7UGZX3fTd67w6Q7TYEc-ksVnRkZug_L9Rt0Lf2RGEshcNEVINgiPDDo2v5pHJpv14E2b4lC88edS8GcHDcTPyyhcMiR1vhBww4p69w3ySQDZsynlXgpjGJtN_uREJ_Q8DaW9YEAxh/s320/Ajigasawa+Onsen.JPG" border="0" /></a> As the local onsen closes its sauna and cold water bath on Mondays, I decided to drive the 40 minutes or so to Ajigasawa for a soak in Ajigasawa Onsen and to grab a bowl of ramen for lunch. This was my first time at this onsen and it was well worth the trip. Shown above is the rotanburu (outside bath). They also have a walking bath filled with river rock that is supposed to cure what ales you as it punishes the acupoints of your tired feet."The Hunt"http://www.blogger.com/profile/07067591148028407158noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1115091371448088980.post-57348436469865760552010-11-02T19:52:00.010+09:002010-11-02T20:42:13.539+09:00Opening Day - スズガモ (Bluebill)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhPsvvpE-FlCl1wuusgOPZeLyM-PqFE7T1GiGtezZ_od1v6ShbZcFssraFXPt2WsGzW0Z29g-KMTCOpb0ZCtUybMFZx16gBS6xJqSZwBEnqsFT9ga6_LtPKTefTrK0eTVav7POVqdUQEnZ/s1600/Ogawara+Blue+Bill.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534909985624550930" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhPsvvpE-FlCl1wuusgOPZeLyM-PqFE7T1GiGtezZ_od1v6ShbZcFssraFXPt2WsGzW0Z29g-KMTCOpb0ZCtUybMFZx16gBS6xJqSZwBEnqsFT9ga6_LtPKTefTrK0eTVav7POVqdUQEnZ/s320/Ogawara+Blue+Bill.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioWBlgfcrnuZzX1Vzrk6sUpxzR-1of2ASZF80t4OAeHhbO8UHd1XsZcGelDIP7YqkGFPS2GFbYjK072M6PSs7jmTN4SWP_sNtOnaTFW2ja6JPEnkLCnSRKoPEkqUjr1d77PV8GMoboksDU/s1600/Ogawara+Blue+Bill.JPG"></a>I was able to make it out on opening day and managed to bring home a few <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Bluebill</span> despite several glitches in my original plan. I didn't have my boat/blind due to a recent traffic accident and had to wade to my favorite area in high winds and fairly rough waves. I'm glad I started out in the dark, as I may have been too intimidated had I been able to see the conditions. I sat out the decoys and hunkered down in the reeds hiding as best I could. I was only able to hunt for a couple of hours, as the conditions worsened, and I didn't want to get stranded on the small island where I was hunting. The island lay about 120 meters from the coast and I only had about an inch of wader to spare as I floated the decoys back. Although I missed a few and didn't take a few shots that I should have, I had a great time. I cant wait to get my boat back on the water so I can stay out all day.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4LabIrh2Zm854Mod7v_9NM-PQQm6Z-BqGkPPHfClm416aOoBNyhD8DX_JF8zAzzD5S-k-CM68UwHrF1vlqq3cumyCgSfTGi2N30TAI71QIRgAEBjtHID3nEClELVaNRTc9zx1DUvi-_27/s1600/Lake+Flock.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534909842668453634" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4LabIrh2Zm854Mod7v_9NM-PQQm6Z-BqGkPPHfClm416aOoBNyhD8DX_JF8zAzzD5S-k-CM68UwHrF1vlqq3cumyCgSfTGi2N30TAI71QIRgAEBjtHID3nEClELVaNRTc9zx1DUvi-_27/s320/Lake+Flock.JPG" border="0" /></a> I jumped this mixed group about a week ago while out doing some recon. Hopefully the swarm will stay around for a while. Once the snow starts, the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">greenheads</span> should move in, and these guys will be to wise to get fooled into my spread.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGK4qZHk0pE2hmGZj100WyQq4DzTz6o4bke-7PDmbl0jyWePlsFghm5yQ51fuv04EYgwSQ8DjddjFz0E-PbocbtP_qws7DzlaZAvDL2M4GaoYmn5I1k-PUbAScrokxchxSVlN3NbD4XpPO/s1600/Chainsaw+Art.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534909709953348562" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGK4qZHk0pE2hmGZj100WyQq4DzTz6o4bke-7PDmbl0jyWePlsFghm5yQ51fuv04EYgwSQ8DjddjFz0E-PbocbtP_qws7DzlaZAvDL2M4GaoYmn5I1k-PUbAScrokxchxSVlN3NbD4XpPO/s320/Chainsaw+Art.JPG" border="0" /></a> Stopped off at a mountain coffee shop to check out some chainsaw art. I'm no art major, but the $1000 they're asking for each of these masterpieces seems a little high.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Seud436exXiZGrbXVu9DxRqjM7GugqzA3gWZZp5qEuZbpkQuPX_KdRZ7tsXJEsRdeK0Ngk5SHzSp2w2YvNP3jQZK-vWM3pMYFYdDjwIq-FVt-73N1RlOW6F-N-ATIwSUNMT5txYZmjih/s1600/Hakkoda+Fall.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534909471319203362" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Seud436exXiZGrbXVu9DxRqjM7GugqzA3gWZZp5qEuZbpkQuPX_KdRZ7tsXJEsRdeK0Ngk5SHzSp2w2YvNP3jQZK-vWM3pMYFYdDjwIq-FVt-73N1RlOW6F-N-ATIwSUNMT5txYZmjih/s320/Hakkoda+Fall.JPG" border="0" /></a>The leaves finally changed in The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Hakkodas</span>. I took a nice tour of the mountains and was able to get some spectacular views. Also stopped in at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Skaiyu</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Onsen</span> for a soak in the area's only coed hot spring. Got some spectacular views there also. - <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Hanto</span></div></div></div></div>"The Hunt"http://www.blogger.com/profile/07067591148028407158noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1115091371448088980.post-58525893324708670982010-10-12T17:10:00.015+09:002010-10-16T09:01:32.495+09:00Das Boot, Hakoda, and the Hitchhiker<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifxLRDYrhbyjkQbbN09CBYbPS5gYObVIiqr7e9py8xsotaSzjeAYuKhEhY70U1o2Q7EICeV1m1wvrPafbwSzbtZh-zNVoWAr8BcEpmz0W-7lzTe6oTFCwaMTLJyKaIEDRBCZtWykgew5Jr/s1600/Boat+1.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527070412342377554" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifxLRDYrhbyjkQbbN09CBYbPS5gYObVIiqr7e9py8xsotaSzjeAYuKhEhY70U1o2Q7EICeV1m1wvrPafbwSzbtZh-zNVoWAr8BcEpmz0W-7lzTe6oTFCwaMTLJyKaIEDRBCZtWykgew5Jr/s320/Boat+1.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Step 1, The Making of a Masterpiece: I've finally shunned my laziness and decided to put in some time and effort on my boat in the making of a duck blind for this season. I was able to buy everything needed at the local home center. Reluctant to say, I scrapped most of my original idea of a lay down blind for something I could sit up and drink coffee in. Thankfully I took Kazumi with me to run ideas by, and this is what we collectively came up with.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1SM-TdOH9iEviZsUHvrh_X61yIOUkRZ7AZ7smgSRYvDu2PHQ8GlVmozypFCBSl82FxbGnxHJHeTiq3_1vJe4BrFX_g3VfJ6WcTwErHX-ZqVc7KyAhnkDizDXed_ACEJKK-iowOHxJz0GI/s1600/Boat+2.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527070293822823058" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1SM-TdOH9iEviZsUHvrh_X61yIOUkRZ7AZ7smgSRYvDu2PHQ8GlVmozypFCBSl82FxbGnxHJHeTiq3_1vJe4BrFX_g3VfJ6WcTwErHX-ZqVc7KyAhnkDizDXed_ACEJKK-iowOHxJz0GI/s320/Boat+2.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />We decided to go with a bamboo frame and vegetable field arcs for the roof. Everything is zip-tied and pegged and comes apart in three pieces. It takes about 5 minutes to set up.</div><div></div><div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhXd8Gc-0NIYeKj5nFgwRrxvPDBAgoYdTzzJtRXEzGsO3o9Qa22SvSN57-X5MeypsKiZhwh25jCeDkkGyCWz1e0UlmqJse5zE_0XEpF7o4EKY5zfJDUmHVyC3obF-dAEjK1mvpWZ-NdNTI/s1600/Boat+3.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527070188788967346" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhXd8Gc-0NIYeKj5nFgwRrxvPDBAgoYdTzzJtRXEzGsO3o9Qa22SvSN57-X5MeypsKiZhwh25jCeDkkGyCWz1e0UlmqJse5zE_0XEpF7o4EKY5zfJDUmHVyC3obF-dAEjK1mvpWZ-NdNTI/s320/Boat+3.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Shown above is the finished product. I have a pretty good view in front and can flip up the top for overhead pass shooting. I have also installed several plastic tubes to act as reed holders. I think this should do the trick for our defense of the ill willed vicious hoard of migrating fowl this year.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEqYl-z2t6FlZcN3rZxTgUC3QZO1xWIVR77WqxEl1EBhDoxKoE_2ELqpmywLMNW0iEACYSZNLMXiH-pg8Dz5i4EZgUn0tkaihVsPTjB8c48hLeoYyWW11qobB3jJik64YU9TC52xeY5Op5/s1600/Hakoda+Sunset.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527070063446191058" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEqYl-z2t6FlZcN3rZxTgUC3QZO1xWIVR77WqxEl1EBhDoxKoE_2ELqpmywLMNW0iEACYSZNLMXiH-pg8Dz5i4EZgUn0tkaihVsPTjB8c48hLeoYyWW11qobB3jJik64YU9TC52xeY5Op5/s320/Hakoda+Sunset.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />During my commute home, I sometimes stop off at "Hands". Hands is a community farm project worked by mentally handicapped folks who grow veggies and raise livestock. They have a roadside shop that sells some of the best pork I've had. Above is the view from the Hands parking lot at sundown. The mountains in the backdrop is of course the Hakoda Range (The Aomori Alps)<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt1eAKaZdJj4hIM5Sbqf0uA0hq8pSUoeJZvK5d-qmJl9Bo6mpARMKmbOS4TXA01slCZQQPAIx85BlcAE0VGydZQi8eOLfmusDSD6eFsn43vnb8AqGfRvPH9-q_Kxo_VoZ089o6aevzxthD/s1600/Hakoda+Park.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527069963807671266" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt1eAKaZdJj4hIM5Sbqf0uA0hq8pSUoeJZvK5d-qmJl9Bo6mpARMKmbOS4TXA01slCZQQPAIx85BlcAE0VGydZQi8eOLfmusDSD6eFsn43vnb8AqGfRvPH9-q_Kxo_VoZ089o6aevzxthD/s320/Hakoda+Park.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Above is the Hatchimantai National Forrest Park. The kids from a couple of local elementary schools were having a field trip to the park on a perfect day. We stopped off here on our way to Hakoda Hot Spring. At the Spring we were able to reserve a private hour in the ramune yu, a natural carbonated sulfur spring.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAIXzEvYm50oTIxKFuHFYhlZyqOT7uVsTRc5WHfsHKlCJwOCvuZ4V4q2yDn6P9S-smgo_ogb6sFJ4qeBhtlDdjGfxYBLshOj_6PZXHwIuZH60CPe2viBHOMrdUBlPGSYbuerpeLbYJeF6l/s1600/Kuri.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527069822341833378" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAIXzEvYm50oTIxKFuHFYhlZyqOT7uVsTRc5WHfsHKlCJwOCvuZ4V4q2yDn6P9S-smgo_ogb6sFJ4qeBhtlDdjGfxYBLshOj_6PZXHwIuZH60CPe2viBHOMrdUBlPGSYbuerpeLbYJeF6l/s320/Kuri.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />On a brief stop off at a local grocery store, Kazumi stopped for a moment to talk to an elderly women sitting on a bench outside the store. The older gal explained that she had taken the cheap bus to town for a shopping excursion at the supermarket and was waiting for the return bus back home. She said that the bus should be by in the next two hours and 42 minutes to take her back. She tried to sleep for a while on a bench next to the bus stop but awoke after only 4 minutes (she was always very specific about her time frames). Lucky for her (and us), she lived near our house and Kazumi invited her to join us on the ride home.<br /><br /></div><div>Once at her abode, she promptly dug two pair of old rubber boots from the shed, cleaned out the spider webs and instructed us to grab the nearby homemade ladder, don the boots and follow. She led us to a nearby chestnut tree, handed us a plastic bag and walked away. The chestnuts were boiled and eaten once we made it home and were awesome.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAWz-BzyCw4TPua3nSV8aIJ7JlRCyCnIMQcn-ucvkEFbm3MQvrZks_y5YS063PD5oVtVWuGSbqMaT8kbJOG_7XKuHWBB5bXACJFLsp-u9hBs5lh5NgWowtOxf68G0nqBrnLyBbMHx37uN3/s1600/Hitcher.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527069640272930274" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAWz-BzyCw4TPua3nSV8aIJ7JlRCyCnIMQcn-ucvkEFbm3MQvrZks_y5YS063PD5oVtVWuGSbqMaT8kbJOG_7XKuHWBB5bXACJFLsp-u9hBs5lh5NgWowtOxf68G0nqBrnLyBbMHx37uN3/s320/Hitcher.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />After the chestnut harvest, she had us drive her to her pumpkin patch and allowed us to take our choice of her finest pumpkins. Kazumi ended up sauteing the and sweetening to pumpkins and we ate these for desert for a few nights.</div><div><br /></div><div>She instructed us that from this point forward, we were allowed to be her friends, provided that we never quarrel, which we agreed. Does this mean we always have to do what she says? Anyway, we had a great time and made a new friend. </div></div></div></div></div></div>"The Hunt"http://www.blogger.com/profile/07067591148028407158noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1115091371448088980.post-25028962540189419802010-09-17T12:23:00.011+09:002010-09-18T07:53:38.225+09:00Trout Overnighter in Yanagita (柳田)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaXIv104oZKTWA2A-ivVCL3ZNhfVVjHJmYvdbdZDA53nV8j2L4gcY5NFQfrQFfLSp1OfPvYadMjb5pQLD2BBzKmQlLgENLmQ_3pmvOKZuz0MDUM7wPlQjTR_7UYEnYIRMNnCgk5A76XP5y/s1600/Fish.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518017419325475330" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaXIv104oZKTWA2A-ivVCL3ZNhfVVjHJmYvdbdZDA53nV8j2L4gcY5NFQfrQFfLSp1OfPvYadMjb5pQLD2BBzKmQlLgENLmQ_3pmvOKZuz0MDUM7wPlQjTR_7UYEnYIRMNnCgk5A76XP5y/s320/Fish.JPG" border="0" /></a> Due to an extended gap between work shifts, I was able to get away for an overnight trout excursion in the mountainous area between <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Ajigasawa</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Fukaura</span>. This was the last general area of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Aomori</span> that I had yet to fish. The bite was <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">sporadic</span>. I did manage to catch/release several small fish and kept the one nice <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Iwana</span> and two small hook <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">swallowers</span> shown above. The river was flowing fast and was at times difficult to manage. I had to abandon my starting location after about 300 meters and start again 3~4 kilometers upstream.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJwaFLD7LvNBKX85XzMBTOQMsS6dYST14VmpE6eDyWQE47Oup5aauBsrF46ZPs4Bq0J6Nv6n7LUfPBxxO2irUExleRUM1LrQbP1nlCQos4Uv9umKxjj1J574NmfSkyybwqpM4yCds1KVJ9/s1600/tent.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517719014589939266" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJwaFLD7LvNBKX85XzMBTOQMsS6dYST14VmpE6eDyWQE47Oup5aauBsrF46ZPs4Bq0J6Nv6n7LUfPBxxO2irUExleRUM1LrQbP1nlCQos4Uv9umKxjj1J574NmfSkyybwqpM4yCds1KVJ9/s320/tent.JPG" border="0" /></a> I set up camp (so to speak), next to the river and just got the tent up prior to sundown. This is the first time I've used my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Kelty</span> trail tent, and It proved to be great. Although it rained on and off <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">throughout</span> the night and the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">mosquitoes</span> were swarming, I managed to stay dry and bug free all night. It was a comfortable stay in general and a good night's sleep. This was a good <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">field</span> test for my gear. Next summer I can <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">safely</span> plan more overnight excursions into Akita and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Iwate</span>.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMal1vaygqMMyoRX5a8l7khv-TLz9Uwe8hhhU-IQ8V1oNvmm-OcCCZ9Jb52RLd7VSL0bXdpL7Q0taFS2dVRrjPUtQlTK60On2e8OQNRWM5LQvPdn86u3tgEC5ydvs0EYO6tMYxfwymJS6K/s1600/taki.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517718900730189890" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMal1vaygqMMyoRX5a8l7khv-TLz9Uwe8hhhU-IQ8V1oNvmm-OcCCZ9Jb52RLd7VSL0bXdpL7Q0taFS2dVRrjPUtQlTK60On2e8OQNRWM5LQvPdn86u3tgEC5ydvs0EYO6tMYxfwymJS6K/s320/taki.JPG" border="0" /></a> The fishing was hit-and-miss, but the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">scenery</span> was spectacular the entire day. I also got a chance to try out my new <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">waders</span>, which proved to be watertight and comfortable with a nice grip on the rocks.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRoWsjeU5yhib-hj4LilyK0EVjH-oLOBDrnx_uOrNMvFojuNmI60vr7RrAKhzDxYQ5-JHnov_tCUtwXD1eBkWbOKPg5PiqJs0rr1CWQ2tMdwrQyz2BpxBeymHQwKv7PoCo2g-V5qCQl2q8/s1600/kawa.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517718770667894850" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRoWsjeU5yhib-hj4LilyK0EVjH-oLOBDrnx_uOrNMvFojuNmI60vr7RrAKhzDxYQ5-JHnov_tCUtwXD1eBkWbOKPg5PiqJs0rr1CWQ2tMdwrQyz2BpxBeymHQwKv7PoCo2g-V5qCQl2q8/s320/kawa.JPG" border="0" /></a>I put the fish on ice and stopped by the local <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Onsen</span> on my way back for a quick soak and sauna. Trout season ends on 30 Sep, but there's still a month or so of boat fishing available if I can get away. This has probably been my last trout excursion for the year. Hopefully by the start of river season next year, I'll be geared up for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Ayu</span>. </div></div></div>"The Hunt"http://www.blogger.com/profile/07067591148028407158noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1115091371448088980.post-61973742003179928822010-09-01T18:05:00.012+09:002010-09-05T10:22:19.984+09:00Circumnavigation of Tsugaru With Yoshikazu-san<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjcxnGhaWKQINc7falRB2yOObt_DsaOj1KZxv1aXRVng5ZmLbGCDkaZ__vC7VOClStyHcn1T7WDbciDm2asOpSsT3t14leaoJbTipm8dU9kc3K0RZH8hOQjP0gcJyvz67lenUNIx5ybjYo/s1600/Fish+1.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511872843542412162" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjcxnGhaWKQINc7falRB2yOObt_DsaOj1KZxv1aXRVng5ZmLbGCDkaZ__vC7VOClStyHcn1T7WDbciDm2asOpSsT3t14leaoJbTipm8dU9kc3K0RZH8hOQjP0gcJyvz67lenUNIx5ybjYo/s320/Fish+1.JPG" border="0" /></a> Shown here is one of the 4~5 different types of fish caught today on an excursion around the whole of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Tsugaru</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Peninsula</span>. The origianl plan was to head straight to Kanita Porta for Sayuri. We ended up being detoured due to a road outage from a wash out. The torential rains we experianced a few days prior have left a lot of local mountain road sections destroyed.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMRs1D8gj_JvwL_adB_MTnjU8KrDKeqrua7Fi1RLJKmZvSPY10VYTo9nkV_eK6vvhI6C7EmcuJNReBZjdIWCYkT_dvbsqi8jwPE_oYyY25TF_nuLWkmyuOLbYnhMvohwdIE9QhQpandZSW/s1600/CIMG1458.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511872721454501250" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMRs1D8gj_JvwL_adB_MTnjU8KrDKeqrua7Fi1RLJKmZvSPY10VYTo9nkV_eK6vvhI6C7EmcuJNReBZjdIWCYkT_dvbsqi8jwPE_oYyY25TF_nuLWkmyuOLbYnhMvohwdIE9QhQpandZSW/s320/CIMG1458.JPG" border="0" /></a> Had the company of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Yoshikazu</span>-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">san</span> (above) today on the excursion. Our intent was to try for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Sayuri</span> off the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Kanita</span> Port, but due to the muddy waters flowing from the nearby river, the waters around the port were too mucky to fish.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJmi-i7OMr996zWXGnC7HjjyT4UMd3KdBZKCVoEZiyNiyE3WMfsst8ilwk56nk9WK0t4JjCWr4Q7qxGat37PFHnkM4waKZKWiD7sdkdCPmTsohfrLaSLSvWZAd99ST0tDwLTgP2qdjzmtw/s1600/saru.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511872607969117010" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJmi-i7OMr996zWXGnC7HjjyT4UMd3KdBZKCVoEZiyNiyE3WMfsst8ilwk56nk9WK0t4JjCWr4Q7qxGat37PFHnkM4waKZKWiD7sdkdCPmTsohfrLaSLSvWZAd99ST0tDwLTgP2qdjzmtw/s320/saru.JPG" border="0" /></a>We took a brief stop-off at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Tappi</span> Port to try for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Sayuri</span>, but our hooks were repeatedly attacked by a swarm of small and determined <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Blowfish</span>. On the way to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Tappi</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Misaki</span> from the port we had a rare sighting of a group of wild monkeys (2 shown above) </div><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFVMSrpWoH5kJQFTZS9NYHt8PKSz71Qw3k_5cSsxTZfxE_1jJsu6_DIBjR0fqDfgI7L4IkWtlctXBemE-DmEICurMOw2BsDn2E1QAHYAqltozt1zG5FmwJ36R-pfSsvtzbqEJ8kS5nSq18/s1600/port.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511872517587243698" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFVMSrpWoH5kJQFTZS9NYHt8PKSz71Qw3k_5cSsxTZfxE_1jJsu6_DIBjR0fqDfgI7L4IkWtlctXBemE-DmEICurMOw2BsDn2E1QAHYAqltozt1zG5FmwJ36R-pfSsvtzbqEJ8kS5nSq18/s320/port.JPG" border="0" /></a> The water was calm with a slight wind <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">coming</span> out of the west. The mud sliding along <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Tsugaru's</span> East coast was terrible. Several roads were closed, and we even saw a house <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">collapsed</span> from the mud. </div><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYRlz96lHFHMYfQ4HikFajKRlak-WiDUw_W6fBk1O3UiPbYeHRHJylTlnTZxq2ObyDZVnzl6AIpsevNFmZJHvIjg55-EaPnAUKNLDniAK2avLHjhD56ZOE15CA759gPeZJQyyPCsv0XZg7/s1600/aji.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511872380589953074" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYRlz96lHFHMYfQ4HikFajKRlak-WiDUw_W6fBk1O3UiPbYeHRHJylTlnTZxq2ObyDZVnzl6AIpsevNFmZJHvIjg55-EaPnAUKNLDniAK2avLHjhD56ZOE15CA759gPeZJQyyPCsv0XZg7/s320/aji.JPG" border="0" /></a> I was able to bring home a few small <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Aji</span> (Spanish <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Mackerel</span>), and had these for a light snack with a beer. Had a great time on the ole excursion today. I received some good info from the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Kanita</span> Tackle Shop owner on local fishing. It turns out that the nearby river is not only full of trout, but also <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">Ayu</span>. As soon as I can talk the wife into letting me fork over the $800 for an <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Ayu</span> rod, I'll be all over it. </div></div></div></div>"The Hunt"http://www.blogger.com/profile/07067591148028407158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1115091371448088980.post-47690550909047223172010-08-25T14:47:00.007+09:002010-08-25T15:26:19.696+09:00Kanita Excursion<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB2KEnJkDIuyjrUohvpHE7auqbVnTvkp6Nm_Fq_70vnz7JH9oyVDLSFhktRXHjVLov9QwvI0GT_dMWSnvD-S_HJDJZ51BhDeUSg9jPAuwQV5c0qZuFYn0w3QfoSfuAVgv_N3gw-P3PQmyG/s1600/keeper.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509220914378948098" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB2KEnJkDIuyjrUohvpHE7auqbVnTvkp6Nm_Fq_70vnz7JH9oyVDLSFhktRXHjVLov9QwvI0GT_dMWSnvD-S_HJDJZ51BhDeUSg9jPAuwQV5c0qZuFYn0w3QfoSfuAVgv_N3gw-P3PQmyG/s320/keeper.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Took a field trip to Kanita Village today for some trout fishing and a look around. Had an awesome day on the river catching 22 trout and keeping the seven shown above in the keeper. All were fairly small with the exception of one nice Iwana.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNy3MBCzKSvAbibtaMlMsK2Cw9P4HL5gBhMK-UnFHpLlavATX4GYUcCotO4FJNVIi9Q3n9LlgZQyA49fwqc66WmuRWgptycaZr68imUaYtMHfId2b2NZ2k9sU_709vfUKsU1mnAXttKZBn/s1600/Toad+2.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509220746979461826" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNy3MBCzKSvAbibtaMlMsK2Cw9P4HL5gBhMK-UnFHpLlavATX4GYUcCotO4FJNVIi9Q3n9LlgZQyA49fwqc66WmuRWgptycaZr68imUaYtMHfId2b2NZ2k9sU_709vfUKsU1mnAXttKZBn/s320/Toad+2.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Saw several Toads on the river today including the one shown above. The river in Kanita is not much of a gorge, but beautiful none the less (and full of trout).<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijuyC4Qw7wBNWXPeh4S7_XkJxzD6fu1O37oQuAGsV8gOjTnhEjjoYNx8h85T6k-uutfS8GcPI7FvDOwagp0W348OylANLRLzNPqZzlpjz4W04NqhvoF_r0PpF8ZeOrqAQRPFuPIi_xy_jg/s1600/Kanita+Port.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509220601816675106" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijuyC4Qw7wBNWXPeh4S7_XkJxzD6fu1O37oQuAGsV8gOjTnhEjjoYNx8h85T6k-uutfS8GcPI7FvDOwagp0W348OylANLRLzNPqZzlpjz4W04NqhvoF_r0PpF8ZeOrqAQRPFuPIi_xy_jg/s320/Kanita+Port.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><div></div><div><br />The folks at the port were fishing for Sayuri. This is a long silver fish that according to the local tackle shop owner, are very good eating. I may have to head back next week to give this a try.<br /><br /></div><div></div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_BxizhOSvoJSkI7aqODQT6evy2JYmCBudMHpS3C4aWoq4gqIx6Al6CXgZ0H8QQKKLYkGuXrP4CnmYew2gMZJqgXRxRoCH87AcKqt7LFnCSdmbjHg4-z6u0SmVrfAADkKYwoQ9cBsTVBQV/s1600/Odai+Sta.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509220444788490338" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_BxizhOSvoJSkI7aqODQT6evy2JYmCBudMHpS3C4aWoq4gqIx6Al6CXgZ0H8QQKKLYkGuXrP4CnmYew2gMZJqgXRxRoCH87AcKqt7LFnCSdmbjHg4-z6u0SmVrfAADkKYwoQ9cBsTVBQV/s320/Odai+Sta.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><div></div><div></div><div><br />I was able to come across Odai train station after some looking and help from a local. I found out through the JR Internet site that I can get home from this station in about two hours and 1800 Yen.<br /><br /></div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5NbYV8hG7S7_S7tJ7gWY3-eGHy1cGCRais92diNVBphTn0GyxmSP1_g7GAJON1j33WI6JGxZT3wtk1pRkwO21k90O_ElnfDR3KsgzYT6nW3IhQlJQPyeYoXl4YPkG-sui3jKk3dcnkHMd/s1600/RC.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509220297339507538" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5NbYV8hG7S7_S7tJ7gWY3-eGHy1cGCRais92diNVBphTn0GyxmSP1_g7GAJON1j33WI6JGxZT3wtk1pRkwO21k90O_ElnfDR3KsgzYT6nW3IhQlJQPyeYoXl4YPkG-sui3jKk3dcnkHMd/s320/RC.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />The Tsugaru area is the only place that I have seen crop dusting with remote control helicopters. During certain times of the growing season, you can see these buzzing around all over the peninsula.<br /><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm2MXZrVj2rlBUcEMTlCW2gcqNq3eZtkH7IT6RqxzZ5FTw0_5deGggRUBHsyjdhe1iOgoSXq_oJ-3jJJzsAWebIuieDUjAFTC60L-sIT0kNm1rtYpKrMbaflJE1tjTkV6IyOKZ8Bz2Uam5/s1600/bridge.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509224635775476658" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm2MXZrVj2rlBUcEMTlCW2gcqNq3eZtkH7IT6RqxzZ5FTw0_5deGggRUBHsyjdhe1iOgoSXq_oJ-3jJJzsAWebIuieDUjAFTC60L-sIT0kNm1rtYpKrMbaflJE1tjTkV6IyOKZ8Bz2Uam5/s320/bridge.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />I started fishing from the above bridge on a small branch off the main river. I took the bridge art shown above as a sign of good luck.</div><div></div><div></div><div><br /><br />Although I am extremely fond of the Tsugaru Peninsula, I never thought it measured up to Shimokita in regards to the scenery and general excursion "do list". Today's trip has renewed my excitement in looking for things to do outside in Tsugaru. The east coast of the peninsula is awesome, and I can't wait to go back for some more of the same. Mutsu Bay was glassy calm, and I could see Shimokita's Hotokegaura coastline from the port. </div><div></div><div></div><div><br /><br />I ended my day with a Yakiniku lunch at a local Shariki Coffee Shop and a soak in the Onsen. </div></div>"The Hunt"http://www.blogger.com/profile/07067591148028407158noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1115091371448088980.post-1498677332770622702010-08-10T20:56:00.008+09:002010-08-10T21:16:33.828+09:00Fishing CANX X 3 Weeks / Tachinebuta<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgly5U82POGCXxsgtVA1ausof8LzcI6ICMD-QBpNr_sb6C-GlputznEkOGcYssSl4fvW1j-xYG01IbzQXFFrCb_rvXI9lv_jdXnnyHsGZ1XsYA0N8FDHvQZb7XzdIxemNP9ehzSMYQvDdFv/s1600/CIMG1401.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503750931195921794" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgly5U82POGCXxsgtVA1ausof8LzcI6ICMD-QBpNr_sb6C-GlputznEkOGcYssSl4fvW1j-xYG01IbzQXFFrCb_rvXI9lv_jdXnnyHsGZ1XsYA0N8FDHvQZb7XzdIxemNP9ehzSMYQvDdFv/s320/CIMG1401.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiykXnSuhp0G7sgaqlR2UD9-VUBM9vCDYj3xp59NAnBu4mu9UiAWu39pUe7OP0G5qAHmkQ48W9juMblapHTLm4vYUGpMh2zOXsIlxCHJ_3Iu6NbDGfvQf4EN_HdsEvUQhM0Cjsee0EYqn4W/s1600/CIMG1376.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503750771386717474" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiykXnSuhp0G7sgaqlR2UD9-VUBM9vCDYj3xp59NAnBu4mu9UiAWu39pUe7OP0G5qAHmkQ48W9juMblapHTLm4vYUGpMh2zOXsIlxCHJ_3Iu6NbDGfvQf4EN_HdsEvUQhM0Cjsee0EYqn4W/s320/CIMG1376.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbVCx1_9bbi_B3SY2IZrk2foH4NvB7hWcFxbhPumqd3eRY4io_g59JblKDjJKWMUHTbIGGp9x8L1tp2bT0JY7a41qYXclEgL2iP-WrEdctqmIyZpx8rryrhZC5ETrZh6LyGMpX0_EGqGs_/s1600/CIMG1404.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503750613578374002" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbVCx1_9bbi_B3SY2IZrk2foH4NvB7hWcFxbhPumqd3eRY4io_g59JblKDjJKWMUHTbIGGp9x8L1tp2bT0JY7a41qYXclEgL2iP-WrEdctqmIyZpx8rryrhZC5ETrZh6LyGMpX0_EGqGs_/s320/CIMG1404.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijZnUdQ3MzU6yb2aX4KFW-KzZ22f6-UfOdK9ctmYcoZydoEiJfNvotqXz7J1o2nSt4yFCQ3ngcOX97pSOUy4R_dzIU-AV1PyEpqYr7NfCm7II63crqxAyQqKn9F86qyDAuNdz-8gmOmnec/s1600/CIMG1435.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503750310041232034" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijZnUdQ3MzU6yb2aX4KFW-KzZ22f6-UfOdK9ctmYcoZydoEiJfNvotqXz7J1o2nSt4yFCQ3ngcOX97pSOUy4R_dzIU-AV1PyEpqYr7NfCm7II63crqxAyQqKn9F86qyDAuNdz-8gmOmnec/s320/CIMG1435.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><div><div>Fishing in the Sea of Japan for the last three weeks hasn't been a go due to some unfortunate conditions. I was however, fortunate in that the final day of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Goshogawara</span> City <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Tachinebuta</span> Festival was taking place on a day off. Had a great time with the wife, ate some good food, and should be back in the boat next week. - Hanto</div></div></div></div></div></div>"The Hunt"http://www.blogger.com/profile/07067591148028407158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1115091371448088980.post-49054824573644580132010-07-23T05:53:00.002+09:002010-07-23T06:12:32.530+09:00Weather CANX<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7BF9urjbp6ebMFO6vcs1vq9vH8r-EuIpS2mJBddWy_xgXT9bz_jfzPAU1P_9oYrvIpNDJCnvQzMqhEuldYEDnM7QV6UB9WukBDlTrMwxJ7fQPsp9B8LuXy4ZXCwX0B2U3EiWLnm6X51n2/s1600/CIMG1365.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496836926104082818" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7BF9urjbp6ebMFO6vcs1vq9vH8r-EuIpS2mJBddWy_xgXT9bz_jfzPAU1P_9oYrvIpNDJCnvQzMqhEuldYEDnM7QV6UB9WukBDlTrMwxJ7fQPsp9B8LuXy4ZXCwX0B2U3EiWLnm6X51n2/s320/CIMG1365.JPG" border="0" /></a> <div>Our <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Tai</span> trip was cancelled today due to some bad luck with the weather. Looks like there may be some thunderstorms blowing in from the NW complete with lightning and rough seas.<br /><br />I stopped by the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Aomori</span> City <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">JSY</span> Tackle Shop a couple of days ago and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">acquired</span> the gem shown above. This is a 60gm short <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Tai</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">shikake</span> with add-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">ons</span> of a double hook set and a glowing silicone trailer. I plan to re-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">tie</span> the hooks to face in the upward position prior to going out next week. This should help prevent a bottom hang up and loss. I can't wait to give this doodad a try.<br /><br />We'll take another shot at the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Tai</span> next week. I should be able to get <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">on the</span> water once a week through the end of August, and try to fit in some trout time also. </div>"The Hunt"http://www.blogger.com/profile/07067591148028407158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1115091371448088980.post-8113646618178672242010-07-16T22:15:00.012+09:002010-07-17T03:43:25.265+09:00Sea of Japan (日本海) With Captain Nomia<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_dRnL8thQ5qWbznjLqF4vxcxWLiBa-L4oESQzqhNR5DqeDfZERlWN451bxpJm3PvogEltb-s7uzGFJnTb5Yo9XmNiatKpZPRJ5xpU8mQxliqD4UK04wLi_BQPrb1h8I3hAXhBFaCr043C/s1600/CIMG1361.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5494493625800310738" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_dRnL8thQ5qWbznjLqF4vxcxWLiBa-L4oESQzqhNR5DqeDfZERlWN451bxpJm3PvogEltb-s7uzGFJnTb5Yo9XmNiatKpZPRJ5xpU8mQxliqD4UK04wLi_BQPrb1h8I3hAXhBFaCr043C/s320/CIMG1361.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4T6vFNqEZ9wxh1z9UXaEBcWoaDt4Yf6l3z0TftniAawooAIjmqhFpHRp5k8UApzKlhrcq8rx1KBfUl5-hXfUf5jRkJL1y6bNStmYbwY7cI4xm-qGhJn5lgzlUjtqqouReUrBf01bcFyQ_/s1600/CIMG1350.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5494493457063929650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4T6vFNqEZ9wxh1z9UXaEBcWoaDt4Yf6l3z0TftniAawooAIjmqhFpHRp5k8UApzKlhrcq8rx1KBfUl5-hXfUf5jRkJL1y6bNStmYbwY7cI4xm-qGhJn5lgzlUjtqqouReUrBf01bcFyQ_/s320/CIMG1350.JPG" border="0" /></a> Had a pioneer excursion today on the Sea of Japan with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Captian</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Nomia</span> out of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Shariki</span> Port and some folks from work. Fair to great weather and calm seas. Pictured above are the majority of the fish caught. The five of us captured 35~40 fish including; <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Soi</span> (Black <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Rockfish</span>), Fat <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Greenling</span> (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Aburame</span>/<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Ainame</span>), Red Sea Bream (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Madai</span>), Flounder (Kare), Shark (Same), and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Blowfish</span> (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Fugu</span>). We used typical <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Tai</span> gear with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Isome</span> (blood worms) on double hooked 45 to 60 gram <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Shikake</span>. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Nomia</span>-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Sencho</span> was helpful and worked hard finding the fish.<br /><br />About half way through the morning we spotted a school of Blue Fin about 200 meters from the boat. The captain explained that fishing conditions in the North <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Nihonkai</span> have been extremely weird lately with fish showing up earlier or later in the season than normal and even large schools of tuna in the area that are usually hanging out in the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Kaikyo</span> at this time of year. There were even a couple of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">Oma</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Captains</span> parked at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">Shariki</span> Port.<br /><br />Looking forward to heading out with Capt <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">Nomia</span> again for some more of the same, or even a Tuna excursion given the opportunity.<br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR4f1o1vSyX3SBCvGsJ1UtcTLkjgt4ySlJYdNYNJBEFHW0is8pgQWikT0WRVSU38r4guU6xzGm2wFOIdxUO6vh5QPZUbt1c_OSml0hNHvuORHO1wtUAEq-MuL433D7pgGdGedZ9fWBGrO1/s1600/CIMG1361.JPG"></a></div>"The Hunt"http://www.blogger.com/profile/07067591148028407158noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1115091371448088980.post-38626405441732618732010-05-31T23:47:00.009+09:002010-06-01T01:31:47.409+09:00Hashikami Boat Trip/Misc Pics This Week<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDb6z_mI2O5xBvLQd-EQnTD1vyMfPvKbP6_200UqnnYpT5gscCdR55w7Qdfj0TNDhsyFxTfo1zzt9rBWflseTDTygWE6jyBUnjMtYU7fTIUQkQL1IGY9dRM5oKXV2jf6MlAUkh-DB2EeVl/s1600/CIMG1308.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477447495520165010" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDb6z_mI2O5xBvLQd-EQnTD1vyMfPvKbP6_200UqnnYpT5gscCdR55w7Qdfj0TNDhsyFxTfo1zzt9rBWflseTDTygWE6jyBUnjMtYU7fTIUQkQL1IGY9dRM5oKXV2jf6MlAUkh-DB2EeVl/s320/CIMG1308.JPG" border="0" /></a> I was able to get out on Saturday to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Hashikami</span> for some <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Aburame</span> (Fat <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Greenling</span>) and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Soi</span> (Black <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Rockfish</span>). This is the first <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Hashikami</span> trip I've been on in about two years. Had a great <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">albeit</span> slow day. Pictured above is my catch of the day; an <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Aburame</span> over 40 cm.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2xXEogdvj3lXzdjz9DrmokDx2FqYQWltfUz4nsYbmiFOFa3Tv_CPg9bW0PKdIOzdGrCeDRaOw_ZMfLg96sviqM5AYfVlbXSHmg3OTKqFitfIxZEGR8KA34lNq4VWXzyX42Tr4os9nONhe/s1600/CIMG1311.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477447326142574514" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2xXEogdvj3lXzdjz9DrmokDx2FqYQWltfUz4nsYbmiFOFa3Tv_CPg9bW0PKdIOzdGrCeDRaOw_ZMfLg96sviqM5AYfVlbXSHmg3OTKqFitfIxZEGR8KA34lNq4VWXzyX42Tr4os9nONhe/s320/CIMG1311.JPG" border="0" /></a> Also pulled in some nice <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Soi</span> and one small <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Kajika</span>. The boat skipper graciously gave me about 20 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Hoya</span> (Sea <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Pineapple</span>?) which happens to be one of my favorite foods.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIsDiEexIdpEfV03hD-4w44z-YeSghUVKZmlwxL7lw9dTqnZSXxRZ64XmAsxgffv-YdyzMfIuMQUMG1wK65APDac4IbAT1XvorVMIm1cyEYmPKjvXlhyphenhyphenHcobrMJVxKPlgz8C6GnLwxjDEp/s1600/CIMG1318.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477447103104248546" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIsDiEexIdpEfV03hD-4w44z-YeSghUVKZmlwxL7lw9dTqnZSXxRZ64XmAsxgffv-YdyzMfIuMQUMG1wK65APDac4IbAT1XvorVMIm1cyEYmPKjvXlhyphenhyphenHcobrMJVxKPlgz8C6GnLwxjDEp/s320/CIMG1318.JPG" border="0" /></a>Mt. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Iwaki</span> at sunset. Took this pic on my commute back to work after a great weekend of fishing.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRyjvihr23d6TZXYJZ5RgwiN89AisCZ7Az9iph4-b69JnozFARu1p8irG0qX8fphexPxE59bZEs0ZiLP_419r9CS2Z3Syu88V7HJsHINoZoyrTH6MULXMXm8kgtJWK3yW6u-oNTW98-RpC/s1600/CIMG1316.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477446949342015138" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRyjvihr23d6TZXYJZ5RgwiN89AisCZ7Az9iph4-b69JnozFARu1p8irG0qX8fphexPxE59bZEs0ZiLP_419r9CS2Z3Syu88V7HJsHINoZoyrTH6MULXMXm8kgtJWK3yW6u-oNTW98-RpC/s320/CIMG1316.JPG" border="0" /></a>The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Kiji</span> (Green <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Pheasant</span>) are out in full force now. I see and hear them almost every day.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFQheDF7cxPw8oXLINdNKWAotI64axX7MIuct6LsdTiLXBA2uzdtF38Yj_RTegEMmAcMjosVGq-wFYf-2d5dAD6OF6Va-zYlkeba7SslZnCbI7P5Vc4A5UDzfCNLvxfRR03cTWA0Jl6zkO/s1600/CIMG1293.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477446620710914178" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFQheDF7cxPw8oXLINdNKWAotI64axX7MIuct6LsdTiLXBA2uzdtF38Yj_RTegEMmAcMjosVGq-wFYf-2d5dAD6OF6Va-zYlkeba7SslZnCbI7P5Vc4A5UDzfCNLvxfRR03cTWA0Jl6zkO/s320/CIMG1293.JPG" border="0" /></a> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Nanohana</span> (Rapeseed Flowers) are in bloom around the house. A good sign that summer may finally be here.<br /><div></div></div></div></div></div>"The Hunt"http://www.blogger.com/profile/07067591148028407158noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1115091371448088980.post-5365451619469398912010-05-16T23:22:00.013+09:002010-05-17T00:17:20.425+09:00Weekend Fishing and Field Trip<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqvnXExHNTtqYT3sbECbD-qpr73tU62lu2U_Dh6fFxKJoh2lK8tyCWZMs8Ckj11I_Xv8AXNUIrrkdkjZg90k3b2u2FktQWXRNLrxtqFKkjXOikzcWDJn0OiX4VZIaD5vEXdmZPCyM5eXCE/s1600/2010051508050001.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471885761020016018" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 180px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqvnXExHNTtqYT3sbECbD-qpr73tU62lu2U_Dh6fFxKJoh2lK8tyCWZMs8Ckj11I_Xv8AXNUIrrkdkjZg90k3b2u2FktQWXRNLrxtqFKkjXOikzcWDJn0OiX4VZIaD5vEXdmZPCyM5eXCE/s320/2010051508050001.jpg" border="0" /></a> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjOjfN7EI_rT5bfmqZaiHj4R9_ib1zVMOyVfwJLn1tGWafBTgU8dBWoxUwqdJ9wLmMtH8JTs9LZrf0OmJkZe_Dlguhr865GVM9B3yEnQKVfB96H9rm1wEfGe1tvMCd1hVruDEhU2jCLCvh/s1600/2010051508050001.jpg"></a></p><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_yRrus43y9JNCuZTVPPM87WRTJyvSM0dZppElmQkB6JbOjiVnQSWSiWIRcjteId2WQuxkudJJg-r6QuX4iJdQT07ChCnmgammHQeLZNdg4XHFAbKUo7jiWUDCubhucd_nxk45FJMosRuc/s1600/CIMG1266.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471882977964182034" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_yRrus43y9JNCuZTVPPM87WRTJyvSM0dZppElmQkB6JbOjiVnQSWSiWIRcjteId2WQuxkudJJg-r6QuX4iJdQT07ChCnmgammHQeLZNdg4XHFAbKUo7jiWUDCubhucd_nxk45FJMosRuc/s320/CIMG1266.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg49lJgVPaGs_bgG2w7fhXDenRIzlXu5TpJBGcU6nb9hz_DyBJXLPw6Qs4zBVFySs7dcmr-8ZWvVqrWjzjyTrQRO_XMPrH9IgHluCVHfCjVUtH6Cq4ZCfn5TK_sm3T2n6apJQIql6WD8Ox3/s1600/CIMG1282.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471882828201258210" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg49lJgVPaGs_bgG2w7fhXDenRIzlXu5TpJBGcU6nb9hz_DyBJXLPw6Qs4zBVFySs7dcmr-8ZWvVqrWjzjyTrQRO_XMPrH9IgHluCVHfCjVUtH6Cq4ZCfn5TK_sm3T2n6apJQIql6WD8Ox3/s320/CIMG1282.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><div>I was able to round up a hand-full of trout this weekend, and all-in-all had a pretty successful excursion. I fished a large stream for about 2 hours and came up empty handed. I decided to get a little deeper in the brush and fish a smaller stream with no parallel road access, which paid off. The Iwana shown above was my catch of the day. I had to tie up a short leader and weave it over a fallen tree to reach the spot.</div><div><br />I was in clear view of the Aomori Alps and decided to stop and take the above picture. As we've had a chilly spring, there's a lot of melting snow on the peaks creating some rapid moving stream water. </div><br /><div></div><div><br />The following day, the wife and I decided to take a trip to Sukayu Onsen in the Hakkodas. The smaller baths have been re-modelled and are very nice. I had the one shown above all to myself for about an hour. </div></div></div></div>"The Hunt"http://www.blogger.com/profile/07067591148028407158noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1115091371448088980.post-41384852151450459312010-05-14T02:21:00.010+09:002010-05-14T02:43:52.411+09:00Snagex + Son at Fukui / Shumi Hanto Updates<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpblLw29UVPCceBw3EY2Qzx84OjJCEgqE2ga19qg1IvUUq96xraLUWPgtcpGs_oRaZGIJBHJNILeY5VMLX0LTbD2PFkatnBZoavnUO_wXeUEvFDKUTTr30G8xE0ftrMYPl69Q6NeUg9Kg5/s1600/Yuto.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470808399745620802" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpblLw29UVPCceBw3EY2Qzx84OjJCEgqE2ga19qg1IvUUq96xraLUWPgtcpGs_oRaZGIJBHJNILeY5VMLX0LTbD2PFkatnBZoavnUO_wXeUEvFDKUTTr30G8xE0ftrMYPl69Q6NeUg9Kg5/s320/Yuto.jpg" border="0" /></a> Outstanding! 27 cm <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Rockfish</span> caught by the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">fishin</span>' magician. I've decided to start <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">blogging</span> again, and wanted to post this up on the ole blog for a 2010 good luck summer. I'll try and go after some trout tomorrow around Lake <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Towada</span>. I have also made some contacts in the local <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Tsugaru</span> area to hook up on some much needed boat fishing. I plan to make a trip in early July to the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Nyuto</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Onsen</span> area for some trout and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">soakage</span>. I will also try once again for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Hirame</span> on the Bay. My hunting season was less than desirable. I did however meet some nice folks in the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Ofunato</span> area and plan on returning next winter to try my luck again. If you want to see more of the above fishing trip, click the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Snagex</span> link to the right and look for the posting <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">labelled</span> "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Fukui</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Rockfish</span> Festival". Hopefully I'll have some Trout pics to post from tomorrow's trip."The Hunt"http://www.blogger.com/profile/07067591148028407158noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1115091371448088980.post-45511807686073500212009-08-22T22:54:00.004+09:002009-08-22T23:09:24.512+09:00Toll Road Fishing<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSdRxXCBSJ4xh00emtDmbsowCGYREcMlpPvmxyfGcGzClCFFGNsP3tbex_tZ0bQCWdXlCDY2RJW3ceO1-ylO66BXtM_lKUDZ9CduXui_hLPLVytRNa4Lh79i-r0RMK7s-S5Hi_qAoBZMHV/s1600-h/Toll+Road+Fish.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372789602706164098" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSdRxXCBSJ4xh00emtDmbsowCGYREcMlpPvmxyfGcGzClCFFGNsP3tbex_tZ0bQCWdXlCDY2RJW3ceO1-ylO66BXtM_lKUDZ9CduXui_hLPLVytRNa4Lh79i-r0RMK7s-S5Hi_qAoBZMHV/s320/Toll+Road+Fish.JPG" border="0" /></a>This was the largest of the batch caught on a recent "drive by" gorge trip. I have driven a particular route to and from work for several weeks now and have been close to death several times due to the constant rubber necking at the stream that <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">parallels</span> the express way. I finally decided that enough was enough and left home for the 2+ hour drive about 5 hours early. I found a small branch off of the main stream and fished it until I came to the below waterfall. I would have normally taken to climbing, but my new company would not have understood the fiasco had I hurt myself. The fish were all small and released, but of course, it was an <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">awesome</span> stopover on my way to work.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372789306287716226" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjISApf2Qlb3hLtvqLhX2L8yW72BCQSIHbyNxOuLJoCpzptk-JbZFRWeM7_TfcxUgRaFSD4fPqFsZu4-pNu-Fnztg2hVPyiBh89FUD4E5ttdITXOLYeJuf0jE8VsnDH1994wyyYkyF_92XC/s320/CIMG0192.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><div></div>"The Hunt"http://www.blogger.com/profile/07067591148028407158noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1115091371448088980.post-54390787527939675902009-07-16T17:09:00.008+09:002010-07-03T02:42:00.731+09:00Tsugaru Trout Fishing/Beach Combing<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUu4HHEHQJWLMlwQoDXllLPmpsQP8qKspYe8ABGelBhv1ly3DptINxAxiJu3VjgiDAaqcGah2mFLal63VqA00cXN7JZToK1k2XbMkTrrsWKHPXVV0Yx5ZuHdwkLFKPBvdgOJ91UaaeeryQ/s1600-h/trout.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358968868550767986" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 180px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUu4HHEHQJWLMlwQoDXllLPmpsQP8qKspYe8ABGelBhv1ly3DptINxAxiJu3VjgiDAaqcGah2mFLal63VqA00cXN7JZToK1k2XbMkTrrsWKHPXVV0Yx5ZuHdwkLFKPBvdgOJ91UaaeeryQ/s320/trout.JPG" border="0" /></a> I was able to sneak away for a little trout fishing last week and ended up with a few in the keeper. Caught these on a river that flows into the western side of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Mutsu</span> Bay running from the eastern side of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Tsugaru</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Penninsula</span>. I walked the river for about four hours, but these were all caught on a 30 minute <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">stretch</span>. I didn't even have a hit before or after this <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">stretch</span>. This is a bad picture, but these are all <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Iwana</span> (Japanese Char). <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-apW0Wul3TB8WpNzFtXVtApz45JLtJggqnM7Dk1yMQrgofromHb3fF3JqcqZD-R1kzaY1KlFwsUGjyuSwXh3ko8xdxFtEPw8OMfE3KLShu0jTYjUgD5CTRcfHH-2rA-KvBp8tby_Z0KWj/s1600-h/Float.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358972420084220130" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 180px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-apW0Wul3TB8WpNzFtXVtApz45JLtJggqnM7Dk1yMQrgofromHb3fF3JqcqZD-R1kzaY1KlFwsUGjyuSwXh3ko8xdxFtEPw8OMfE3KLShu0jTYjUgD5CTRcfHH-2rA-KvBp8tby_Z0KWj/s320/Float.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />I also made my way to the Sea of Japan on two <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">separate</span> occasions for some beach combing. A total of four hours of combing resulted in four floats. Nothing special was packed out, but I did have a pretty lucky find shown to the left. This is a Korean float complete with Hangul markings on the seal button."The Hunt"http://www.blogger.com/profile/07067591148028407158noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1115091371448088980.post-8408019389320332802009-06-11T12:25:00.005+09:002009-06-11T12:44:03.439+09:00Back in Action<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUJh11Ub1f-m8UfCjH7zDSjczXflztaX8t7F408Si2ZwpQYMlaUQhnnhho-Yrr1O73ImqcHWgIsfNOzX9kFgARS4XkSoqR_RhNY7zSPlTKI-Vgv5mOFyffbWxLPDn3_Xq3w3lEQqp-qmJg/s1600-h/yamame+2.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345906789799472706" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 180px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUJh11Ub1f-m8UfCjH7zDSjczXflztaX8t7F408Si2ZwpQYMlaUQhnnhho-Yrr1O73ImqcHWgIsfNOzX9kFgARS4XkSoqR_RhNY7zSPlTKI-Vgv5mOFyffbWxLPDn3_Xq3w3lEQqp-qmJg/s320/yamame+2.JPG" border="0" /></a> I'm finally back into a position where I can enjoy fishing and exploring the country again. I have set aside at least one day per week on my new schedule to trek and fish. Above is a small <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Yamame</span> Trout that I caught a few days ago on a day excursion to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Minmaya</span> on the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Tsugaru</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Peninsula</span>. It was a good trip as I caught and released several small trout, and had a great time back in the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">keiryu</span> (gorge). I have also heard through the grapevine that there is a particular port in this area that is famous for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Soi</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Kurodai</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Madai</span> (Black <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Rockfish</span>, Black <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Seabream</span> and Red <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Seabream</span>). The main <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">challenge</span> being the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Kurodai</span> which I have never attempted to harvest. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345910491267501826" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 225px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnMDtt3X8ODh-KQZ5JYBmh5LjOXsxWgfweHdOzX4hBK7Illc2HXa7DI6WeZE36PAYpZufV7clGlZqGtkDp-3s0H_7rqd4aiViyqSmQbh-xGVxL41D5UdQVgg6d3XaVa0yR3mv9Zm086jP4/s400/tunnel+4.JPG" border="0" /> One <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">interesting</span> point to my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Minmaya</span> excursion included fishing on top of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Seikan</span> Tunnel, which is the largest tunnel in the world. I have traveled through the tunnel on a few <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">occasions</span> to get to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Hokaido</span>."The Hunt"http://www.blogger.com/profile/07067591148028407158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1115091371448088980.post-63483884331659560652009-04-29T11:45:00.016+09:002009-04-29T13:38:38.904+09:00Navigation<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifDD-r_XgeTGdygrsBMimAqhit4d8xrXWAdb1TgjvhmI_Gczh4zbNKPlGd066SfTgPkutYIjTerrmEUbjQVHspJ3UG25y5Ftra8eVXfuUZJdTbsxtTkBZGzX_KPEwLJ86BlmgmGkQxq8_H/s1600-h/hunting+map.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329945850799112962" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 180px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifDD-r_XgeTGdygrsBMimAqhit4d8xrXWAdb1TgjvhmI_Gczh4zbNKPlGd066SfTgPkutYIjTerrmEUbjQVHspJ3UG25y5Ftra8eVXfuUZJdTbsxtTkBZGzX_KPEwLJ86BlmgmGkQxq8_H/s320/hunting+map.JPG" border="0" /></a>Probably the worst map I have ever tried to navigate is the Aomori Hunting Map shown to the left. Landmarks can barley be seen on this map. The map is also a fold out type that is huge (covers the entire kitchen table). When scoping out an area, dealing with the map in the car can be a definite challenge. This map is best used with another/better map that can be marked appropriately. This picture shows an area close to my house. Green areas are temporary wildlife protection areas. These areas change every three years. Red areas are permanent protection areas. The yellow area is a steel shot only area (Lake Ogawara)<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWEN0z2wtnd8vfmaNN_G9jk5_gHoHSr4HlkplEVGWYsRETRDj_99h7Ebn2Noxdqm1U7ckSEicxRnHttN5iZY7riofDnZFcAZ-qXMzC6l7rcfLoyezYK0Z974AUF8INdHD5Y5l_TPsahJ-_/s1600-h/fishing+map.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329939627307754610" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 180px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWEN0z2wtnd8vfmaNN_G9jk5_gHoHSr4HlkplEVGWYsRETRDj_99h7Ebn2Noxdqm1U7ckSEicxRnHttN5iZY7riofDnZFcAZ-qXMzC6l7rcfLoyezYK0Z974AUF8INdHD5Y5l_TPsahJ-_/s320/fishing+map.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />This is a page from the Aomori Fishing "Hot Points" Map. This map is awesome. I have scoped out many trout and other species using this map. In the right corner of each page (not shown) there is a helpful key that displays the average length of area fish and the best season to fish each species. Of course this is not a perfect solution, but it is a great starting point if you want to try out a new area. Notice the small finger sticker pointing to a successful trout spot.<br /><br /><br /><p></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSjOWVssydYYYqTmKMyoVf109jFPzxPldOdsdhbGshqm4cpuChDcEafv_TfWWhglKTq90S6bO85JLWvBWA3Ty07gOxTKLUtubChyyhQ61b_KEqVC5IBCW8YDx-WvmOB7qyR2dLs2cq1oc5/s1600-h/gps+and+map.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329942993826716850" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 180px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSjOWVssydYYYqTmKMyoVf109jFPzxPldOdsdhbGshqm4cpuChDcEafv_TfWWhglKTq90S6bO85JLWvBWA3Ty07gOxTKLUtubChyyhQ61b_KEqVC5IBCW8YDx-WvmOB7qyR2dLs2cq1oc5/s320/gps+and+map.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />My favorite new toy shown at left is the Garmin Etrex Venture HC handheld GPS unit. Used with a good map (displayed underneath, and the two maps above, the GPS is the hands down best way to find stuff and get back to important areas. I have decided not to upload any maps to the unit for now, as that would be way too easy. I think I prefer just following the arrow and trying to figure out the roadways myself.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgadYfhvfnVnpSD2DHLqZ7IBgYwI0-MdL6xXUbmK6_btQJF__sZDsUV5_X4NX21h3Ailg6ACpwzQKALN-YctZQSpbezU4k9e0SrYOfoAFlqs_d34FsPrwMzxs4tcKHowPTi-4deawgdT8l3/s1600-h/gps+and+map.JPG"></a>"The Hunt"http://www.blogger.com/profile/07067591148028407158noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1115091371448088980.post-24094570204663082212009-04-23T14:24:00.009+09:002009-04-23T14:56:39.839+09:00First Beach Combing 2009 - Not Bad<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh6ajucubBeMngCe2oBi2dRgr2FsMck0HfvdQcI7PBKwIfhyphenhyphenoPqo1hbW3PEpbcGPmofCtS7zQZBwZi-qVplJiMTPNlV8GaYxz_cMyKnLkvpB4Fv4GgCVJe-sU0kpUWJvaYjRKGwacFe1da/s1600-h/green+float.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327761269965622450" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 180px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh6ajucubBeMngCe2oBi2dRgr2FsMck0HfvdQcI7PBKwIfhyphenhyphenoPqo1hbW3PEpbcGPmofCtS7zQZBwZi-qVplJiMTPNlV8GaYxz_cMyKnLkvpB4Fv4GgCVJe-sU0kpUWJvaYjRKGwacFe1da/s320/green+float.JPG" border="0" /></a> I had a break today and decided to do a little scouting and glassing on the north beaches. It started out looking like the makings of a dismal day. The temp was about 5 degrees and the wind was howling. All of the beaches looked pretty bad, as the sand had put about 2 cm top cover on the flotsam. I finally decided to do a little walking and ended up with 9 floats total. I found everything on the new tide line. There was nothing on the winter storm lines, as these were almost completely covered as mentioned above. I only ended up walking about 12 km. I had a great albeit short walk. I spooked several pintail on one of the inlets and saw some bluebill also. Other than that, no wildlife. All of the floats were fairly typical, nothing too rare. I did have one marking, "D.G." (Diaichi Glass) on a seal button, and some good barnacle shells, crust, a couple of nets, and 1 with the attached octopus jig.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327761427037429618" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 180px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0RpkkbaLgAXKszvIoQbC2nSIzfOdampiBrcpZBsUvVCPbr1V4j61Gn9VpD6r-fL_wKtcp30NnXnEDdpBBcR0uhJ6ZRf0YN8XzuNlosHrQZ9-FHp1en3Nc3B8mwMnzWhlwzp1_B4zfnwLf/s320/pack.JPG" border="0" /> <div><div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikRB092yJze6VagCnApozcMrhiqf5gzGLEJc5SgDqwhoYgt5dHjFk9wal7flnLhKyIyxfQ-wb1jx9mq0eLtoRrfhXXIGNngFc2j2c5haJH0h1a18hqLmbmORetCPsicEir8K9GLM3l73Pj/s1600-h/pack.JPG"></a>I was also able to scout out a couple of potential trout fishing streams on the way to the straights. I hope to make it back to this area sometime in June with my tent to check the beaches, trout fish, scout for deer and do a little port fishing. I did come across a nice whale bone today, which I also brought back.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT3CJg42_sAw5lZTGe2FmChJYXTqwIUVgIELWapAi9PuNIAaFv67eo8Py2DjsCM0Ft_aufClGuBAJBSloDFXlCwNYCoLPr3LHPj_8Zy4HdOYE5s4FvHq6uGmmIA6iGWpVr-HGmTywGNzwA/s1600-h/bone.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327759694990547954" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 180px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT3CJg42_sAw5lZTGe2FmChJYXTqwIUVgIELWapAi9PuNIAaFv67eo8Py2DjsCM0Ft_aufClGuBAJBSloDFXlCwNYCoLPr3LHPj_8Zy4HdOYE5s4FvHq6uGmmIA6iGWpVr-HGmTywGNzwA/s320/bone.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div></div><div></div><div></div><br /><div>Not a bad specimen. I did not take official measurements, but this is about 110 cm in length. I'll add this to my collection. I should have an entire whale soon.</div></div></div></div></div></div>"The Hunt"http://www.blogger.com/profile/07067591148028407158noreply@blogger.com3