Fields of Gold

We have recently moved houses in Misawa and our new house has a front row view of rice fields, elevated too. Its been a great summer watching the rice turn from green to greener, then to yellow and just before harvest it turns golden.  Quite a site really. Theses farmers work really hard and I have always wondered how much one field of rice yields as far and bags or pounds? If anyone knows please tell? Enjoy. Also did a little time-lapse with my Iphone. Most photos taken right on our back porch.

Summer Cycling

The last couple of months I have been cycling while the surf has been flat to stay in shape.  Its been a great way to find small back farm roads that are well paved, with no traffic, winding through the Japan country-side.  Watching the fields grow, the forrest turn from green to greener, finding new local temples, shrines and parks has been good for the mind and body. Thanks to Jim and Mike for showing me some great routes. Its always good learning from the best! Here are a few snaps from the Iphone of stops on a local route that I have been on a few times. Also, check out the App from cyclemeter which I use to keep track of distance, time and routes.  Below is an example of a local ride of where I have been.

Local route from Misawa google map here--->http://j.mp/k10Sh5

and one more http://j.mp/jICnBt

Oirase Strawberry Farm Clean Up Project.

The Misawa Community has been working hard to help out our Japanese neighbors and I am really impressed with the turn-outs of volunteers.  Today we went to a Strawberry Farm in Oirase Town just south of Misawa that was effected by the Tsunami. We did up to 2 weeks worth of manual labor in a matter of hours with the help of 100 volunteers... Military, Civilians and even the entire High School Senior class from the Base.  It was a very successful day and the family of the farm will be back to growing more delicious strawberries in no time. Here are a few pictures from the day as you can see our mission of the day was to take down and rip up the green-houses so they could re-fertilize and till their soil.  Some great before and after results. For more on how you can help please go sign up and follow along on the  Misawa Help Facebook Page  Lots of opportunities for everyone to go out and "do it."  

Have you done it?

All pictures taken with my Iphone via Instagram.

Earthquake Aftermath in Misawa, Japan

This last week has been filled with loss and sadness for the entire country of Japan. Here in Misawa we are all very fortunate that we have seen little damage except for the Misawa Fishing port and the surrounding beaches. Hachinohe Fishing Port saw a considerable amount as well with huge ships in the middle of roads.  The American and Japaneses Red Cross along with US Military and French Special forces Search and Rescue has been taking volunteers via Bus to theses locations for the passed week to help clean up the mess that was created by the Tsunami.  With my wife working 12 hour days since the Disaster and having a 11 month old to take care of it has been hard to get away and Help with the clean up efforts.  Yesterday I dropped off the little guy at the baby sitters so I could get out to the Hachinohe Fishing port area to help with the cause. For those who live in Misawa, I strongly encourage you to go help our local Japanese Neighbors any way you can. There is months and years of humanitarian work to be done.

Here are some Pictures from yesterday as our mission was to clean up and clear out buildings with trash in it and then organzine them onto pallets to be taken away. We got a lot done and was great day for Labor work.

Japan will rebuild again.

Harvest Time

Its that time a year again, the nights are getting cooler and fall is finally here. Winter can't come soon enough. I have always wondered how many bags of rice one field produces?

Neighborhood Chronicle. Misawa Japan

Here you go. More shots from the Neighborhood Chronicles in Misawa Japan.
Enjoy.

Neighborhood Chronicles . Misawa Japan

With spring here and summer upon us and no waves this week I have been wanting to start this Chronicle for a while now. This will be an on going post of shots in the Neighborhood taken with my Hipstamatic Camera. Here is the first of many installments.
Enjoy.