Shan in Japan

It's been nearly 2 years since I've seen and touched the stuff. It's white, cold and great to slide on - it's snow I'm talking about! First news of nearby resort Kagura opening up with real natural snow got my attention immediately and I was on the early morning Shinkansen out to Yuzawa. Met up with the guys who run www.welovesnow.com there, and headed for the gondola. It seemed a bit strange not seeing any snow around at the bottom of the gondola. I was looking at the autumn leaves still in bright firey colours as we ascended, but at the top snow become more and more visible. There was only one run open and big crowds, but it was great to be out there. Weather was primo and I was skiing in my t-shirt - spring skiing conditions. Snow was not very deep and grass patches started to poke through as the afternoon sun warmed up. I was on my telemark skis and took a few runs to find my legs. By the time I found my legs and began connecting some turns, I was knackered. Finished the day with beers, onsen and yakiniku. Just the way it should be. This is just the beginning

Halloween was just a time for 'trick or treat' when I was a kid and stocking up on lollies. Never really a big thing growing up in NZ. Japan is the same - a few token decorations here and there. Jack Lanterns and a few Witches about. Well so I thought.

I went to the "Glitter Ball" which was more like a halloween cum S&M party. I was dressed as Catholic priest and had all kinds of naughty people accosting me and confessing their sins! With all-you-can-drink booze flowing, there were quite a few unstable monsters and vampires staggering around by the end of the night. I ended up losing my crucifix and unable to fend them away. Staggered home in the early hours of the morning..of course I was an Irish priest:-)