Earthquake and Tsunami

Just thought I'd put a note on the blog letting our readers we are OK! (Though most of our readers probably already know.) It was business as usual here today except for a little shaking. We even went to BJJ class and discussed how the building we were in probably wasn't earthquake safe.

We are pretty horrified by all the destruction going on elsewhere and are thankful that we are safe in Sapporo. Don't worry about us!

Rusutsu Revisited

From Rusutsu Revisited

Last weekend we went back to Rusutsu and it is still awesome! Just looking at the pictures now, I'm blown away. Again the forecast was for light snow and this time it was true. We had a pretty nice "greybird day" (not quite bluebird but close). It wasn't the powder wonderland/nightmare we had first experienced but it was quite nice especially considering the warm weather we had been experiencing.

(On a side note, it has been snowing like crazy in Sapporo recently which bodes well for skiing this weekend, I think. And I love snow so let it snow!)

So, without the knee deep powder, how was Rusutsu? I'd say that it definitely stands out among all the resorts we've been to. It's probably in my top 3 along with Furano and Tomamu. I don't really have much to add that I didn't already say about it before- it's a big resort, nice long runs, great snow, and some steepness. I do have to add a little bit about the view though!

From Rusutsu Revisited

Rusutsu has it all- a view of Mt Yotei (considered Hokkaido's Fuji), Lake Toya AND the Pacific Ocean. Yotei was in full effect that day. It was so grand and majestic with its peak cutting right through the clouds. But even more breathtaking than that was seeing Lake Toya in the distance, shrouded in mist and mountains like a fairytale and just beyond it the flat serenity of the Pacific Ocean. Ah, it was spectacular!

From Rusutsu Revisited

From Rusutsu Revisited

We had a good day. Ryan was even able to realize his dream of being a "human sled," which was just as fun for me. I was also able to ride the carousel this time AND we had ice cream. Also, I think my skiing is much improved. But in case you're thinking I'm probably a pro skier now, think again. I was totally schooled by two little girls on an expert course. Hahaha. At first it looked like they were being forced by their dad, one of them was even sitting down at the trailhead in what I thought was defiance. A few seconds later, they had gained on me and were carving like racers right past me. I have a long ways to go before I can catch up to those 8 year-olds. Haha.

From Rusutsu Revisited

Here's the album:

Rusutsu Revisited