Made it
 

Well it was a lot more present trip this time to Japan. The plane wasn't full and the wife and I had an extra seat in our row. Plenty of room to stretch out and sleep:D

Upon arrival in Kyoto, went out to see a festival that's being held this am. Last night everyone was out in the streets dressed in there finest yukatas and drinking, eating, socializing, and looking at the neighborhood " floats" which are built by certain "family crests" that hold dieaties (sp) (gods) and offerings. All lit up with baskets and kegs of saki. (Pics to follow if they will download, they are full of detail)
Just woke up to get ready to watch the parade, I'll get back to you later.
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Well, let's try some pictures.

Shogun or samurai family armor with arrows on right.

Old Japanese man explaining his family "crest" woven into tapestry.

What a different culture. Please keep us updated on your travels; it will be like we are there too (minus the long a$$ flight and funny food) :D

Glad you made it and be safe

Have fun "Martysun":)

Hey look, they have Tawn's shoes:eek:
He could work as a Captain or mate in Japan:D
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I find this just amazing. When you flush the toilet, it fills from the back just like ours. However, they have a little spout that you can wash your hands with the water that is filling the tank. It's almost like a little sink on top of the toilet. You rinse your hands and the water runs into the tank filling it for the next flush.
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Are you sure that's not for cleaning something else?? :D

It's a great idea for a water saver. With all those people, if it saved even a few an OZ of water per flush, it would add up to millions of gallons rather quickly.

Judge Yachts hat made it to Japan.
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One thing I found about Japan; whatever you want, you can find it "on a stick":D

I've seen, cucumbers, chicken, bananas, octopus, hotdogs, and poop ( yes I said poop) on a stick:eek: The poop is a toy with a plastic swirl of poop with a face; on a stick. I guess it is supposed to be a reward for potty training young children:rolleyes: When I initially saw it, I thought it was strange to see a replica of a swirly ice cream cone in plastic. I was quickly informed that it was not a replica of ice cream, but poop:mad:

Oh well, different strokes for different folks:)
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Sorry, no photo of poop on a stick.

Marty,
Please don't let them see you wearing that hat!!!! You know those little guys will google "Judge Yachts" and by this time next year you will be able to go to Walmart.com and order a 27' Judge Yot for 30,000 Yen!!!! :eek: :D

I have heard a lot of stories about those Japenese girls "eating anything on a stick"....

Stay safe and use protection....

Damn thier eating food off of sticks now...

I like mine covered in chocolate....

:)

Hey....they may look as goofy as hell but they don't stink at the end of the day! I have tried Keens and several other high end brands but they all stunk. Literally!

I spent a lot of time in Yokosuka and Sasebo. Nicest people you would ever want to meet and I love the food. If you are staying in a hotel or using taxis ... look around very closely; they take cleanliness to a whole new level!

Lastly you haven't really lived until you have done your "business" on a Japanese smart toilet. When we remodel our bathroom, we are putting one in!

Tawn, I agree; but you almost need a degree in engineering:rolleyes: Good thing they have pictures:D

So, how's the fishing? Spot growing larger every month:eek: anybody trolling for blues? When I get back it's time to fill up with fuel and run her:)
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I just got back from a wedding in lovely Detroit myself ... I haven't been out in a week. I heard the spot were getting tougher to come by behind the island and they are still big ones.

Bluefish are becoming more of a problem live lining and John and Doug have been doing well trolling for them in the usual spots.

My 02 sensor is now going off continuously so I cover the buzzer speaker with duct tape until I can get it over to Judge Yachts next week. Bill is working with Honda to see if I need the kit or just another sensor.

Still haven't found an acceptable big boat. Either the nice ones aren't certified for over 6 or the certified ones we have looked at are beaten up and worn out.

My daughter is vegetarian:(. I've been eating lots of vegetables, rice, tofu, and noodles! But tonight, I asked for STEAK:D
Holy crap, the best beef I ever ate:eek: it was a restaurant where you cook your own food over a grill built in the table. In the U.S., I've been to a Japanese restaurant where they cook your food at the table, but never where I cook it.

We also had fresh vegetables (peppers, onions, corn on cob, mushrooms) to grill as well. It was delicious. We also got large shrimp to throw on the grill to finish out the meal.

The pictures don't do it justice.

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Here it is cooked. (Beef, shrimp, mushroom,and corn)

And cold beer!

The wife snapped this one of me enjoying my meal:D

Marty,
Very cool.Sounds like you are having a great time.
Enjoy!


bhl (Bruce)

Just spent the night in beautiful Canada:D. Our flight from Tokyo had weather issues trying to land in Toronto, so we were diverted to Ottawa airport where we spent several hours on the ground refueling and waiting for weather to clear.

Got to Toronto to late to catch our last flight back to BWI airport:mad: when we went to clear US customs, we only had ten minutes because they CLOSE. AT 9:00 PM :eek:
WTF, I can cross the southern border all night long from Mexico :rolleyes:

Therefore, I was denied entry into my own country:(

Luckily, Canada excepted us with open arms. I was thinking about trying to negotiate an oil pipeline from Canada to my back yard, but the wife was tired and wanted to get a hotel for the night instead.

This morning, the union working US immigration people were back at their stations and the wife got upset at me because I questioned why they felt the need to close at 9 PM and deny American citizens entrance back into the country! I figured it would really be pushing it if I asked where I sign up for all my free **** (housing vouchers, food stamps, health insurance, public schooling, etc.):eek: My luck, I'd be spending more time in Canada than I bargained for:D

So anyway, if all goes well, I get in late tonight. Tomorrow, I'll be hooking up the boat, refueling it, wash it, put it back in the slip, and get ready to fish this week. I've got the binoculars on board, so I can look for Justified, Hook 'em, and Boat Dog:)

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