There happened to be a drone show right in front of our hotel, which was right in front of the Wakayama Castle.  What great timing!  

This castle has so much history.  Just looking at it makes you wonder what happened here over the past 500 years.  You can feel the power and energy in the air.  

Our tour guides Kimura-san and Atsuko-san showing us the beauty of Wakayama.  

We were even lucky enough to see Wakayama from the sea.  The local fisherman took us out for a ride.  The sun was out and the wind was chilly.  It’s always nice to be out in the open ocean.

Tony, Joshua, and Seth have been here before.  It’s my sisters first time so we are enjoying the wonderful parts of Wakayama.  And Marutaya ramen is one of the highlights.  

The number one focus of this trip was to stay away from tourists.  And the number two focus of this trip was to stay away from bears.  Both I don’t want to be any where near…

Saturday morning check. Ganbatte!

I am and will always be fascinated by this powerful mountain.  Ever since I was a little kid, I saw this mountain pictured in frames hanging on my Grandparents wall.  I’d hear the stories over and over throughout decades.  The first time I saw Mount Fuji with my own eyes was in 1992.  I never forgot how exited, emotional, and happy I was.  Those feelings have never changed.  I still gaze at it thinking about my Grandparents, I gaze at it thinking about my past, and I think about it thinking about my future.  I look at it and get answers.  I look at it like as if my Grandparents are looking down on me guiding me along with life.  I woke up yesterday at 2am, went up to the balcony, and gazed for hours in the cold wind.  The bright full moon on the right, snow capped Mount Fuji directly in front, bright stars overhead, and the golden sunrise on the left.  It felt so powerful, yet so peaceful.  There is on other mountain in the world where I’m this connected to.

We drive down and meet up with Toda-san and Takami-san.  Hanging out with my family and friends on this trip is what I needed.  It’s been an amazing year of great waves and experiences but nothing beats this.  The journey continues as we drive through Japan…