Shimokita Peninsula

Last week we went on a short camping trip with our friends to the northern part of our island, Shimokita Peninsula. It rained for a good portion of the time, hence we drove all the tiny winding roads to see various tourist traps. 

This is the first campsite that we've stayed at that came with a picnic table - what a luxury. 

We stopped at Osorezan, one of the three holiest sites of Japan.

It was really fun to walk along the trail looking at little hot springs, piles of rocks with pinwheels, and little graven images. 

 Here are six Rokudai-Jizo and three wet Hacketts.

 We drove along the coast to see the mysterious snow monkeys. I think they used to run wild in this area. In fact the signs in this area do warn drivers against crossing monkeys, but it would appear that they had a great round-up and put all the monkeys in this cage. There is something about looking at my little monkeys looking at other little monkeys that warms the heart.

 The following day we drove out to Cape Shiriyazaki, home of the famous wild horses. I can't even begin to explain the let-down. I hoped to see wild horses in the style of "The Man from Snowy River." Instead we found horses in the style of overfed circus ponies. I didn't even have the heart to take their picture, instead I got Helen.

 Here are Ryan and the girls in front of the lighthouse. I sang "I'll be your candle on the water" the whole time we were there.

 My favorite part was searching for small treasures among the boulders.