Flood Control ?

by Kazu

I was so surprised at the change of the scenery. I had been concerned about the water emerging from the the ground near the Stone Garden.
 

As a result, a land restoration was being conducted next to the Stone Garden. There had been no river on this hillside but it seemed to be for flood control.  

To prevent landslides, the restoration might be planned and carried out. I had not recognized during my life in Kitami City. Something might have occurred to my hometown.

What happened in the forest ? 2

by Kazu

After the heavy snowfall, the forest changed its countenances so much and we recognize the difference after the snow melted up.

 I am not sure if anybody else recognized the difference or not but I felt something different from the usual scenery.

 I left the forest that had surrounded a hospital specialized for the patients of tuberculosis, and went to "the Stone Garden" adjacent to the premises.

What happened in the forest ?

by Kazu

It seemed that the trunk of the spruce was broken recently. I asked my aunt if she recognized any lightening these days or not but she did not. Strong winds ?
Neither she did.

A big brown bear did that ? No scratch on the surface of the trunk. But a small lump was on the surface. It might be a kind of tumor for the tree.

Every time I visit the forest of my hometown Kitami City, all of the existences there give me the power to live and fight again as well as the courage to love others. Yes, they are the resource of the power to proceed.  

Go East !

 by Kazu

My wife and I were heading to my hometown Kitami City. On our way back to Kitami, Daisetsu mountainous area could be seen from the highway.

 The peaks of those mountains were still covered with white snow and the contrast was so nice to see even from the highway.

After driving for four hours, we reached my hometown again without being caught by the police, The entrance of plants encyclopedia welcomed us.:

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Lake Shikotsu and the Hotel "Sound of Water" !

by Kazu

It's so nice to see the scenery and to put ourselves on such privileged
place to see and fish under the sky so high and beautifully blue.

Mt. Tarumae that has a lava dome on top of it's peak and accompanied with the beautiful mountain  Fuppushi adjacent to the dome.

It was so nice to see and savor the very best of happiness that had been created decades ago but I hope I will be able to see you even in such tougher situation, compared to brfore.

Best regards,

Kazuaki IKEDA

Marukoma Onsen 2 !

 by Kazu

Above is the original building of Marukoma Onsen Hot Spring Spa & Hotel and the staffers of the hotel.
Wooden building shows the era of the foundation.

 I could not take photos of the outside bath bat the isle to there was very narrow and long. It may be a little bit tough to reach the outside bath in cold winter.

The outlook of the hotel was so simple and cool. I heard that so many foreign tourists are visiting this place. Everybody may want to find hidden places of pleasure.

Marukoma Onsen Hotel !

by Kazu

Lake Shikotsu is surrounded by mountains with a variety of shapes.
I think I posted the scenery of Mt. Tarumae and Mt. Fuppushi before.
Actually, it was so easy to reach the peak of Mt. Tarumae but so tough to reach the peak of Mt. Fuppushi.

 These displays are telling about the history of this hot spring spa and Lake Shikotsu. Since the the foundation of this hotel, you can learn a lot from the display and descriptions.