What's this?

Is this a bird's nest??

Maybe, it is after it starts in life.

Sunny Sunny Sunny!!!

This is how the sky was in the morning and still is a sunny blue sky day! Some people from Canada came here today to enjoy this beautiful day and go out snowshoe hiking. They decided to walk around Yokoteyama where, on clear days, it's possible to see even the Mt. Fuji. Hope they are enjoying the view right now!

Shiga Kogen Backcountry Ski Tour 2009...

And tomorrow will be another Shiga Kogen Backcountry Ski Tour 2009 edition!

This picture shows the nice fresh snow from yesterday...

It's cloudy today but we hope to see some more snow at this weekend... let's hope!

And finally, don't forget... you just have tonight and tomorrow to enjoy our Snow Village!!!

Ready...

This Dakekamba is ready to help someone who wants to send a message in the old-fashion way.

Dakekamba or Erman's Birch (Betula ermanii), at Kumanoyu, Shiga Kogen.

Letters

I heard today, from the Shiga Kogen's guide, that in the old times, people use to write letters using the peelings of Dakekamba's bark [Dakekamba or Erman's Birch (Betula ermanii)], which peels naturally.

Sunday Morning

Today the sky was gorgeous in the morning but during the day became cloudy. But still a very good day for Shiga Kogen guests!

This picture, taken this morning, shows 2 typical trees in Shiga Kogen. Shirakaba or Japanese White Birch (Betula platyphylla var. japonica), on the left, and Dakekamba or Erman's Birch (Betula ermanii), on the right. In the background you can see Nishitateyama and Higashitateyama ski fields.