Hiji Falls

We recently had a great time hiking to Hiji Falls. I've heard the hike was challenging from some people, then again my pregnant friend hiked it with no problem, so I was excited to try it out myself. When we got to the park we met a couple that said they turned around before they even got to the falls because it was too much, but we went in confident with our Camelback and cameras that we'd be ok. It was a hot, cloudy day with about a million percent humidity, a kind of day where you feel soaking wet as soon as you go outside. The both of us hit the trail at our normal fast pace, we tend to hike more like at someone elses jogging pace. (My sister knows all about this, and how I'm not allowed to lead on a hike because I tend to run.) Don't get me wrong, I love to take it all in and enjoy the sights and sounds. One of my favorite parts of the trail was the suspension bridge. The trail started out like a breeze, but quickly Incorporated an increasing amount of steep, uphill staircases that left us panting. It was so incredibly hot and humid, so we were quickly drenched.

We got to the falls in a half an hour just as it started raining. It was a beautiful sight and the rain was a welcomed cool off.

The hike back was a lot quicker because it was a lot more downhill stairs involved and we weren't stopping as often for me to take pictures. We did stop off in the river right off of the trial to cool off. The water was nice and cold and we were loving it.

Then, right close to our feet on the bank I notices something wriggling and realized it was a small snake. I pointed and yelled out so everyone would know it was there. A Japanese man confirmed that it was a small Habu snake, the very poisonous snake common in Okinawa. There were signs all over the trail that it's Habu season and to watch out, so I'm glad we didn't end the day with a snake bite.

Woods Bathing

The Japanese practice of shinrin yoku or "woods bathing" is a form of preventative and remedial health care and it is believed that the refreshing and rejuvenating atmosphere of the woods helps to relieve fatigue and stress. This practice is part of the overall Japanese philosophy of combining nature into every aspect of life to become a part of it.

Until I read that in one of my Japan books little did I know that I practice shinrin yoku and benefit from it almost every day.


Today was ridiculously cold and windy, but to escape "cabin fever" in the hotel room and to support my low, winter time vitamin D levels I went out for a walk camera in hand.

I had my doubts about this base, but it has really grown on me. I love to run, walk and just be outside in general and the area around the BOQ has some beautiful trails and pretty views.



Here you can see the main road on base is lined with trees with a running trail on the side. I like to get off the main road and run through the trees though, this is a picture of my favorite dirt road trail.



I took these pictures back in November. Here is where we've been living:



I love this spot! I love walking through the trees and field to get down to the water. It's very quiet and pretty:

The little sandy beach is a nice place to walk and is covered in pretty shells.

I hope you've enjoyed getting a peak at my current "woods bathing" spots.


P.S. -- I love my Canon PowerShot SD960SI. I seriously upgraded my old Kodak and got it back in November knowing that I didn't want to miss out capturing a memory because the person moved or it was too dark. I know this little camera will serve me well on my travels and adventures!