Another Hanmoto Camping Trip

Well, we couldn't help it...We love the Hanmoto campground so much we returned for another 3-day/2-night stay. That's just about all the sun our pastey white bodies can take!!! This time the weather was wonderful, aside from a 1am downpour during our last night.

We had a little bit of a delayed departure from the campground

while waiting for our tent, shelter, and some other items to get dried by the sun. However, it was a great excuse for another dip in the ocean.

This time we got a little smarter and played Hirado Island tourists during the "sunburniest" parts of the day! Aside from the Hanmoto Campground & Beach, we ventured out to walk across a bridge built in 1702.

The Oranda-Bashi (Dutch Bridge) was actually built in 1669 out of

wood; but, when the Dutch came to Japan, this bridge was rebuilt by the Japanese in 1702 using Dutch building techniques.

Another thing we were able to do was check out Kawachi Mountain Pass in Hirado. The pass is quite a hike!!!

We made it over the the first two mountains and then

decided to call it quits. After all, the goal of being tourists

for the afternoon was to stay out of the sun, and we weren't doing a good job of it!!! But, we got several choice pics on the peaks. If you can distract your attention from the imperious display of manhood on the picture to the right, you'll see the beautiful cascade of rolling mountains fading off into the distance. Simply breathtaking!!!

In addition to these adventures, we were able to make a trip to Tabira Park and the Tabira Insect Museum on the way home! Both of which were outstanding spots that we will have to visit again!!!

All in all, an outstanding and fun-filled 3 days!!!

Hanmoto Camping Trip

We finally got our new camping gear in the mail and had to wait a grueling week-and-a-half to get out and try all of it (just too much rain lately). The stars aligned this past weekend and we took off to Hanmoto campground on the western coast of Hirado Island. It was overcast, so not too hot; and, we had a couple light sprinkles at night. However, the cool ocean water, mild weather, and fellow campers made it just perfect.The new tent and shelter were just perfect for keepuing us comfortable; much better than the tiny tent we were trying to squeeze into earlier this summer. They also pack down much smaller too!

The campground looks as though someone converted terraced rice paddies into a campground. Although the steep terracing proved for some very laborous walks to-and-from our car, the

terracing also provided all campers a breathtaking view of the ocean and outlying islands. We were fortunate to get to the campground when it was fairly empty and

set up camp in a tucked away area both down by the beach and right near a beautiful cliff backdrop where the waves crashed as the tide rolled in all night. Absolutly relaxing!

Ilana and Aiden were very busy finding interesting creatures,

riding the waves, sculpting

the sand, and making friends with travelers from all over Japan. We also spent the evenings with some tasty camp cuisine and hanabi (fireworks). All in all, a great experience for the Lybarger's.

Ilana's Birthday

Ilana had a big birthday weekend last week. She had an evening pool party with all of her friends. She absolutly loved it!!! From 6pm to 9pm all the girls were in the water with the exception of a few minutes for cake.Two of Ilana's friends, Mai and Risa, stayed the night for Ilana's birthday. With all of us recovering from the pool party, we decided to go out for breakfast. Ilana could get whatever she wanted. Here's a picture of her eating her double-decker whipped cream and blueberry syrup sandwich on marble rye. Mmmmmmmm!!!
After Breakfast we went out to play for a bit. Here's Mai planting her own mushroom garden.