Winter Sports

Well, they say that this is the least snow they have had in years here in Misawa. It's still the most snow that we've seen in our life. We're learning to adapt I guess...we're getting a little more comfortable driving. Both our cars are 4wd, so that helps. The giddiness that comes with a blanket of fresh snowfall is still there, but we really don't have to shovel our driveway.
We've also learned with snow comes a new world of possibilities in the outdoor rec department. We've already been to three different ski resorts and have joined a club on base that goes skiing every weekend (so you know where we are when you can't contact us). It is a little different going into the lodge and ordering a bowl of ramen instead of a hamburger or pizza. As far as fashion on the slopes, anything goes. Some of the Japanese aren't afraid to wear circa 1983 ski-wear. Two words psychadelic.

As you can see in the pictures, we've also acquired ($2 apiece) what we like to call the "buttboard." We call it that because that's about all you can fit on it (I think they're made for kids). It's a thin piece of plastic with a handle protruding out the front. After I bought them Amy had her doubts on whether or not they would carry us. Let me tell you, just lay back, grab the handle, and lift your legs (sounds like what you do in the bathroom)...we were even passing skiers on the slopes last weekend on these bad boys. To get off, you simply do what Amy is here in the picture...roll or slide...and it's usually not by choice.
I must add that Amy got a little out of control once and slammed into a plastic barrier fence at about 15 mph. Don't worry, the fence is okay. Everyone on the lift did seem to enjoy watching the two Americans darting down the hill with nothing between them and the ground but a piece of plastic.
The other winter sport that we've tried out is snowshoeing. We rented some from our local outdoor store on base and went hiking on the base golf course. We even found a couple of balls. We have a trip with some of the docs in our clinic to snowshoe up Mt Hakkoda later this winter. I volunteered to bring the hot cocoa.