Moerenuma Park
13/05/2018 / Last updated : 05/02/2023 d.d Arts / Places of interest

Moerenuma Park – Noguchi Isamu モエレ沼公園

Day 30, October 2016, Moerenuma Park After Checking out of our better than usual hotel, replete after an excellent breakfast, we set off to investigate ‘Moerenuma Park‘. At first, we don’t understand the place at all but we slowly realize that it is a huge space, housing various, massive artworks, most notably by Noguchi Isamu. Strange at first, but gradually, we approve as we wander between and climb the unassuming exhibits that sometimes are not obviously exhibits at all.   Noguchi Isamu, Sea Fountain. As we approach Noguchi Isamu’s Sea Fountain, coincidentally, its scheduled display is beginning, otherwise we would, stupidly, not have made any effort to see it. But […]
Historical Village of Hokkaido
12/05/2018 / Last updated : 05/02/2023 d.d Arts / Places of interest

Historical Village of Hokkaido and Sapporo Beer Museum 北海道開拓の村

Day 29, October 2016, Wake to a cloudy morning but we prepare and eat breakfast outside before the rain starts in earnest. My back is still bothering me so, to be on the safe side, I pass packing up the bedding duties to D.. I take over the mopping the condensation from the windscreen task from her. We are not sure why the windscreen is so prone to condensation. It has a silvered, quilted cover, in common with the other widows, which are essential for this kind of travel. Commercial products ,for most vehicles that you are liable to sleep in, are available, but they are pricey.  D., being practical, […]
06/05/2018 / Last updated : 05/02/2023 d.d Hiking / Walking

Yubari, life after coal　夕張

Day 28, October 2016, Michi no eki Shihoro Onsen As expected, it is a cold morning at michi-no-eki Shihoro onsen, though we have no problem as we sleep very cosily. Unfortunately, rolling up our sleeping mats in the cramped confines of the car I hurt my back. This is potentially a major problem as I have a history of back trouble. We are at a bit of a loss for the day as D. has no plan for this area. The typhoon damage has closed off our intended route. A middle aged gent and fellow, dubious, shachuhaku(sleep in a car) character, informs us that the radio is warning people to […]
15/04/2018 / Last updated : 05/02/2023 d.d Scenic Drive / Spots

Kiritappu – Kombu – Kushiro City　霧多布

Day 23, September 2016, Cape Kiritappu Wake up to a bright, sunny morning in Cape Kiritappu with panoramic views of the beautiful, blue bay dotted with small boats harvesting Kombu (Kelp seaweed). After breakfast (coffee, toast and yogurt – what else would you want?) We walk to a nearby lighthouse where the view of the ocean from the cliffs is magnificent. Rakko sighting – sea otter There are lots of cormorants and gulls but we are amazed to see a Sea Otter (Rakko). At first, we thought it was a seal but on closer inspection, through binoculars, we could clearly see it clashing shells together on its chest in classic […]