Camping in Northern Tohoku

Last week Ryan got Friday off so we packed the van and headed north. First we stopped at the capital of our prefecture (state): Aomori. As you can see, it's right on the water of Mutsu Bay. 

 The main attraction was the Nebuta Museum. Every August (when it's super hot and humid) there is a big parade where millions of people pour into Aomori to see these floats all lit up being carried down the streets for the Nebuta Festival. Luckily we've been to the museum and won't have to fight the crowds, heat, traffic and tired kids to see the floats.

 Carl sure is getting big. He had a great time exploring all over the campsite.

 For dinner we had "Walking Tacos" (chili and taco toppings all in a Fritos bag) and I was luckily to get the girls to stand still to take their pictures. Their tacos probably walked them 1/4 mile around our pavilion during dinner.

 We had a great campsite right next to these fun toys. As you can see in the background, we've graduated to two tents: girls in one, parents and carl in the other.

 Here's a shot of awesome kite flying with the town of Noheji in the background down on the bay.

 Helen had a great time with our Chinese kite. We did have to do a little training on not putting the string down. Although we've heard in Sunday school that if you let go of the sting the kite will fall, I'm not ready to test that out, especially with our best kite.

 I used to think that gorp was invented to have a high calorie snack on the trail. While that is true, I think it's main purpose is as a movement motivator. Walk to eat on the way up. Race to see the dropped snack along the path on the way back. It's really a beautiful thing.