Nikko Circuit Motokids 4Hr Edurance Race

Yesterday Heather and I went out to a small local track to watch my coworker and his friends ride in a 4hr endurance race. The bikes classes are from 80-125cc. Ishikawa's team rides a Honda Ape 100. Of course as soon as I smelled the 2-stroke oil in the air, I wished i was riding rather than watching. It was however pretty cool to watch and though the race was cut 20 minutes short by a nasty rainstorm, their team managed to get a 1st place finish. Pretty good especially since it is their first year of racing. Congratulations to Ishikawa, Hana, and Kazu!

Myka Visits........

For the last 10 days we were paid a visit by our daughter Myka on her first trip to Japan. We (hopefully) entertained her with many of the local attractions around Utsunomiya and the Tokyo area. We hope spending time with us, meeting many of our friends and colleagues, and seeing the local sights as as enjoyable for her as it was for us. Now it is time for her to head back to School and begin her 3rd year in pursuit of her nursing degree.
Gambatte Myka Chan, we miss you!
Above is a sampling of the pics she took, and about 500 more can be found here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/8953511@N05/sets/72157606886845353

Utsunomiya Miyamatsuri 宇都宮の宮まつり

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The Miyamatsuri is held on the first weekend of August. The streets are loaded with about eighty 'mikoshi', over two days. It is really something to see. It is a major Shinto holiday and a huge street festival, and as usual my photography doesn't do the size and intensity justice. By far one of the most festive weekends in Utsunomiya.

If it needs a lime............

Yeah i sold out for a few minutes last night and drank a few Coronas. Pitched the lime of course, but the beer actually didnt taste too bad. Having a couple of Corona girls to enjoy them with didnt hurt either.