Muroran
Felt the pressure this morning. After being so non accountable, all of a sudden we had a list. It was our first excursion day and needed to report to the #Theatre for 9 am (so that meant an alarm), had to fill in immigration forms because this was our last day in Japan and @Mac just stepped into his last pair of clean undies. Definitely under the pump!
What a beautiful day presented itself. Crystal blue sky and the first morning we have been able to venture on the deck without being blown away - and although crisp, didn't feel there was any chance that I would be frozen to the deck. Mind you, when we looked on the pier from our breakfast table, everyone was definitey rugged up and braced against a breeze. The huge tower of the wind turbine on the pier however, was barely moving.
Today's excursion was from #Muroran for a scamper up to the site of the year 2000 volcanic eruption and was billed as a "walk on the crater" of an active volcano. Why not? Living on the edge.
The organisation for the off ship excursion was excellent. So many people with different foibles and mobility needs must be a challenge but the #Princess team did it with ease - nothing like that fading memory of our embarkation. Smiling staff greeted you at the top of the Theatre steps, handed out a boarding ticket and guided you to your seat to wait. Included cheery conversation, an umbrella if needed and bottles of water. All very civilised.
We were rugged up against the cold and traipsed behind lots of others heading in the same direction. We were bus 13 .... lots and lots heading out today. @Noble was our driver and the guide was @Nori San (meaning sea weed.)
Her commentary was spot on. A perfect mix of factual background to the geography and geology of the area, mixed in with cultural insights and presented with a vibrant, cheeky sense of humour. @Nori San was 'Japanese' organised and meticulous with instructions and her easy banter had the crowd of 32 on board eating out of her hand.
The big attraction for us early on, was the constant view of#Mt Yotei - ##Hokkaido's very own mini #Mt Fuji and of course the site of one of @Michael's ski adventures. We photographed it from every angle and every height all the time secretly wishing we had experienced a similar view with the real thing.
The excursion was in four parts: walk the crater to view the destruction from 2000, cruise #Lake Toya and enjoy a traditional Japanese lunch and finally, ride the cable car to the top of #Mt Usu Ropeway.
We ticked all the boxes and were appropriately oohing and aahing ... except for the crater walk. We definitely had the wrong picture in our head of what this would be . ... we were back at #Mt Etna in our perception - hot black ash, steam erupting, steep slopes and valleys.
Me bolting with the front runners - @Mac ignoring the call back at the gate
Nothing like that. But nonetheless interesting in itself. #Mt Usu had erupted in 1910, 1944-45, 1977-78 and 2000 and according to @Nori San was due again "soon." Our walk gave us a boardwalk (up hill of course) view of destroyed homes, broken roadways and newly formed craters. What had been flat farmland was now an undulating series of hills amd craters.
Nothing like that. But nonetheless interesting in itself. #Mt Usu had erupted in 1910, 1944-45, 1977-78 and 2000 and according to @Nori San was due again "soon." Our walk gave us a boardwalk (up hill of course) view of destroyed homes, broken roadways and newly formed craters. What had been flat farmland was now an undulating series of hills amd craters.
Forst views of homes lost and abandoned, last views of blossoms
There was a challenge on gaining entry here - the gate was still locked here and blocked the roadway with a sign announcing it was closed for the winter. We were in the lead group, totally ignored the sign and the locks, and forged our own way up, around, over and through the fence before @Nori San arrived with the slower members of the group. The walk was then promptly called off and no other bus groups were allowed entry. We were too far up the hill to call back so enjoyed the views and the details shared on the interactive signs. Have to say i can't even imagine what that would be like to be living through an earthquake where the ground is lifting and splitting and your home is tumbling down around you!
We were enough to have found our own path and all in the groul managed to get back through the gate and returned to the bus unscathed.
There was a challenge on gaining entry here - the gate was still locked here and blocked the roadway with a sign announcing it was closed for the winter. We were in the lead group, totally ignored the sign and the locks, and forged our own way up, around, over and through the fence before @Nori San arrived with the slower members of the group. The walk was then promptly called off and no other bus groups were allowed entry. We were too far up the hill to call back so enjoyed the views and the details shared on the interactive signs. Have to say i can't even imagine what that would be like to be living through an earthquake where the ground is lifting and splitting and your home is tumbling down around you!
We were enough to have found our own path and all in the groul managed to get back through the gate and returned to the bus unscathed.
Next stop was cruising #Lake Toya a volcanic caldera lake - looks like a donut because it has a small island at its centre - and that was our destination. Sweeping views here of the surrounding mountains and a quiet little refige for a stroll. At night here, these boats host guests who are here to view the fireworks. The is a "Long RunFireworks" and runs every night for 20 minutes from April 28th till late September. Guests can take the boat or enjoy the night sky from the comfort of their hot spring bath!!!!
The only negative for the day is that we have become so accustomed to the gentle polite and courteous ways of the #Japanese people in all our interactions over the last month. It is now a little disconcerting to find yourself in "argey bargey" crowds of (sorry for the sterotype) noisy and quite pushy US and Chinese tourists. It doesn't matter that we are all going to the same place with the same group - there seems to be a desperate need to be "first" - so you find yourself jostled as people "compete" for the gateway, stairwell or seat at a table - even the aisleway in the bus. Very noticeable.
Not many photos of the lunch - could barely lift my arms - that top photo was seating for 20
Anyway, next stop was the salmon bake lunch. Huge room, long trestle tables, everyone squeezed in shoulder to shoulder. Lots of jostling and shouting but the team had gone to a lot of trouble. Every dining guest had their own series of hotpots, bubbling away in front of them cooking noodles, shellfish and salmon and keeping the rice warm. Tasty.
Anyway, next stop was the salmon bake lunch. Huge room, long trestle tables, everyone squeezed in shoulder to shoulder. Lots of jostling and shouting but the team had gone to a lot of trouble. Every dining guest had their own series of hotpots, bubbling away in front of them cooking noodles, shellfish and salmon and keeping the rice warm. Tasty.
Crowded car up the ropeway
Last stop was a ride up the ropeway to take in the views from #Mt Usu. Of course, endless stairs to reach the highest viewing platform but there were fabulous views stretching to the coastline towards #Muroran and then inland to #Mount Yotei. You get a great view of the red #Showa-shinzan which was created over a period of 2 years during the 1944 eruptions. Steam still rises from this new hill as well.
Last stop was a ride up the ropeway to take in the views from #Mt Usu. Of course, endless stairs to reach the highest viewing platform but there were fabulous views stretching to the coastline towards #Muroran and then inland to #Mount Yotei. You get a great view of the red #Showa-shinzan which was created over a period of 2 years during the 1944 eruptions. Steam still rises from this new hill as well.
The whole area is famous for its hot springs and there are many hotels and spas in the area. All the infrastructure that has been created to support tourism of course is potentially a statistic of a future eruption. Given the 30 year pattern of eruption here, @Nori San was philosophical indicating that the local people give thanks for the blessings they enjoy today and will deal with and rebuild in the future as needed when the inevitable occurs.
Back on board the #Royal Princess signalled the end of our time on land in #Japan and we had to front up to security to have our passports stamped for exit. All guests were given till 6 pm to complete the task - and it was such a quick and easy job it is difficult to understand why some didn't.
But from 6 pm till 8 pm we listened to the public speaker announcements giving warnings, final warnings, a last warning, final last warnings and very last warnings to guests who had not reported. At 8 pm the last 4 guests were NAMED and finally the Captain was given permission to leave the pier and could head out to sea. @Mac was shaking his head as the requests escalated - because we are all wearing the #Medallion onboard your whereabouts on the ship is always known. He was prepared to go and hunt down the recalcitrant offenders himself - mind you by 8 pm he was in his PJs AND there is that undies problem.
Just chillin' and saying farewell to #Japan
So that was a big day. Home late, we did the ice cream thing again - because we know how. Ordered room service drinks, coffee and toasted sandwiches and enjoyed some sunshine and deck time for a quiet night of reflection. Have a feeling as we head further north and into the #Pacific our warm deck evenings will be limited.
As an aside, the ice cream and alcohol combined to make us uber lazy - and despite @Mac acquiring the needed tokens, we didn't quite make it to the laundry.
PS @Nori San's demure explanations on how to use #Japanese toilets to help with the clean up of (she spelt these words) "wees" and "poos" and the importance of keeping your "ass" clean while disguising the noise of your "fluffs" was hilarious.
So that was a big day. Home late, we did the ice cream thing again - because we know how. Ordered room service drinks, coffee and toasted sandwiches and enjoyed some sunshine and deck time for a quiet night of reflection. Have a feeling as we head further north and into the #Pacific our warm deck evenings will be limited.
As an aside, the ice cream and alcohol combined to make us uber lazy - and despite @Mac acquiring the needed tokens, we didn't quite make it to the laundry.
PS @Nori San's demure explanations on how to use #Japanese toilets to help with the clean up of (she spelt these words) "wees" and "poos" and the importance of keeping your "ass" clean while disguising the noise of your "fluffs" was hilarious.
PPS Maybe this sign explains my on shore mishap of a few days ago!
Weather: Max of 18 with a cooler start in the morning
Steps: 14 356
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