Amarok Outdoor Adventures

涌蓋山ツアー

Autumn in Oita



Hey everyone, sorry for such a long break between posts as this week has been quite crazy, Mana and I went down to take part in the search of the missing boy on Karakuni Dake last Monday. I`ll write about that in my next posting but today I want to write about a great tour we had to Mt. Waita in Oita near the Kuju mountains.



The weather was perfect clear blue skies and a nice wind to keep the unexpected heat off. We made our way through the beautiful autumn leaves at the lower part of the mountain until we came into the vast Susukino fields and huge scenery. After a short break about halfway we made our final assault to the summit and lunch!




In Japanese we use the phrase “waita” to describe when something is boiling and strange as it may seem to most people I always wanted to say that I boiled water on Mt. Waita, “Waita San no ue de mizu ga waita”. Well on this day I got my chance as I boiled water for our yummy pasta lunch! I know, I know “hen na gaijin”, oh well that’s me!!



After lunch we worked our way down the mountain to the parking lot, look at the bridge I had to cross to park! No wonder everyone got out of the truck first!! We enjoyed a beautiful sunset, with the mountain we just climbed providing the backdrop, before heading to my favorite Gyoza restaurant in Hita for dinner!
A great day with great people and great food! What more could a guy ask for!



Until next time stay fit, safe and happy trails. Stay tuned for my next blog about the SAR callout to Karakuni dake coming in the next couple days!

2009.11.06 | Comments(0) | Trackback(0) | ツアーレポート

人吉訓練

Training in Hitoyoshi



Hey everyone, is everyone having a great week? I had a day off yesterday so Mana and I headed down to Hitoyoshi for some Search and Rescue dog training. The weather was sunny and warm as we practiced our search skills. We practiced searching for a missing person by having a helper go and hide in a heavily bushed area.

　

We also practiced Cadaver search training by placing a piece clothing with the laden with the smell of a dead human in a PVC pipe and then sending Mana to search for it. It was her first time for this type of training but by the end on the training she started to get the hang of it!

　

We also worked on some other stuff like obedience and agility training, worked hard all day long so we finished off the day with a well earned game of Frisbee.

　
1 miss, 1 catch

Good job girl!!

Until next time,
Happy trails and happy tails!!

2009.10.22 | Comments(2) | Trackback(0) | 救助犬ログ

Homan Tour



Hey everyone how was your long weekend? We had a great trip to Mt. Homan on Sunday. We had great weather with wonderful autumn temperatures as we hiked up from the Showa no Mori trailhead.

　　

We took a short break at Nansho Gataki before heading up the ridge, this waterfall may not look like much now but wait a couple months and it`ll be one of the most popular outdoor spots in Fukuoka when it freezes!

　　

After making it to the ridge we stopped for lunch at the Homan campsite before heading to the summit. Joining us this time is Alfredo, an exchange student here for 1 year from Mexico, and to make him feel at home, todays lunch was Tacos, a Mexican favorite! He was really surprised to see that I found Tortilla shells in Fukuoka.

　　

After lunch we made our way to the summit where we enjoyed the gorgeous view while also enjoying coffee time and a delicious roll cake supplied by Rice. Thanks Rice!!
We worked our way down following the “Usagi Michi” or the “Rabbit trail” a great trail snaking down through the forest back to the Showa No Mori trail and on to the parking lot.

　　

Again it was an awesome day! Autumn is definatly here so let`s get out and enjoy this wonderful season! Our next scheduled trip is on October 31st to November 1st when we hike to the top of Mt. Waita, in Oita, and camp at the summit. If this sounds like fun to you drop me an email for more info.

2009.10.14 | Comments(2) | Trackback(0) | トピック

デイブズ屋久島ブログ

Daves Yakushima Blog



I asked Dave to write a few words and send a few pics about our recent trip to Yakushima, enjoy!

Our trip to Yakushima was non-stop fun from beginning to end. The hiking and diving were the obvious highlights with something new and rewarding around every corner.



The natural beauty cannot be easily described, from the abundant wildlife to the ancient green blanketed forests, so I'll just say this island is a must see for anyone spending an extended amount of time in Japan. We were also very fortunate weather-wise as it only rained on the second day and most of that time we we're in the onsen - well planned John!



I didn't even need my new North Face vest I bought for the trip as it is still summertime down there. Camping on the beach, all the food and drink, and the company added to the enjoyment as it is a lot more personal than staying in local accommodations - and I got to play my guitar - always a bonus for me.


This is my favourite: also where I 1st used my new stove.

This was my second time and it just makes me eager to go again so I can climb all of the mountains on the island.



I look forward to the next trip,
Hope to see you there,
Dave.

2009.10.09 | Comments(2) | Trackback(0) | ツアーレポート

True Camp 2009

True Camp 2009



Hey everyone how was your weekend? We have an absolutely great time at this years True Camp event hosted by The North Face and A&F Country. This event is a great chance for people who love to camp to get together with other like minded people to share ideas and for people with not so much experience to have a chance to talk and learn from the pros.



We arrived at the campground early Saturday afternoon and after setting up camp we took part in the Dutch oven seminar, where once the coals were hot and ready we made a delicious roast ham crepe. Of course even after that we still had to have our traditional BBQ!! Man, were we full !!!!




The next day Kayaking and Trekking events were held to give people a chance to expand their outdoor horizons and also to increase the camaraderie of the Kyushu outdoor folk! I was asked by The North Face to guide the trekking event and the mountain we chose to hike up was Mt. Kosa, a short little hike up to quite a scenic summit, where we stopped for coffee and of course the summit shot after soaking up the view!




It was a really great event and I recommend it to anyone. The next True Camp isn`t until next year so if your looking to go camping Amaroks next camping event will be held at the end of the month on the 31st 〜1st, when we`ll be hiking to the top of Mt. Waita in Oita for a great camp at the summit. If your interested drop me an email for more details.



Until next time, happy trails!!

2009.10.06 | Comments(2) | Trackback(0) | ツアーレポート