Birthday Adventures

Happy Birthday Paulie!

After big group birthday huggles, a somewhat subdued team Blackford explored a hybrid Japanese/Western buffet at 6.30am. There were so many little bowls of things you wouldn't think to eat for breakfast. Thankfully, there were English labels, and to our credit, we went for the authentic experience before heading off to see the Snow Monkeys.

We travelled from Matsumoto via Nagano to Yudankana via train. I just loved looking out the window of our reserved seats as the weather is similar to Donnybrook, cool and crisp. Here in Matusomoto, they grow massive apples and manufacture a particular type of Miso. The size of the ranges and the mist on the peaks were hard to capture in photos, but they framed every view of the countryside like we were in a (ramen) bowl. Just so beautiful.

After a couple of hour-long train rides and a rickety bus transfer, we landed in Yamanouchi National Park to enjoy a beautiful 45-minute walk through the forest. We were all happy to stretch our legs and marvel at the quiet, crisp green foliage as we made our way up to the National Park Reserve.Read more