After we left Asahikawa we headed for Monbetsu on the Okhotsk Sea. This is where the sea ice collects on the coast. We visited the cold simulation room, where the temperature is -20 degrees C. I tried out my snow jacket to see whether it will be enough in Siberian temperatures (summer) next year. And yes it will be fine.
Also here are the underwater aquarium, (actually just an aquarium, but maybe better when the sea ice is in.
The seal hospital is great value. Here they rehabilitate seals which have been injured by the sea ice, ans release them back to the ocean. In the meantime they are allowed to entertain tourists, even to the extent of being patted.
In Utoro we did the short version of the boat trip. Again I recommend the boat trips. Last time we saw wild bears, but this time we saw white tailed sea eagles close up. One had just killed a cormorant and was squabbling with another eagle over the carcass. It was fabulous to watch. Unfortunately I didn't get a good photo.
We then went up to the rotemburro which we enjoyed with Staurt and Nira. This time there were people there wearing shorts! So we did likewise. I must say it is not nearly as nice an experience if you are dressed!
Leaving the onsen we saw a wild bear! He was a half-grown youngster, but he was only three meters from us! He didn't stay long, shuffling off into the bush. What a thrill that was! A wild bear! We reported the encounter to the Nature Centre as requested, especially since he was not far from the onsen. Unfortunately we were all so excited we didn't get a photo.
But we did get a photo of this stag with his great antlers and his doe.
This time decided to camp at the Shirotoko Pass. This place was in the clouds as it was last time we were here. It made for interesting camping, although the view camp me a pond went.
Moving off to the south east side of the peninsula we started to see the Russian occupied Japanese Kurile Islands, which are as close as 6 km from the Japanese coast! These islands were occupied by the Russians within days after the Japanese surrender in WW2. This causes consternation in Japan still and there has never been a declaration of peace between the 2 nations.
Thanks for sharing your travels and experiences in Japan I'm really enjoying your blog. would like to know more about the safety inspection and whether this is recognized back in Australiaa
ReplyDeleteOurs is a Qld registration. I called Qld transport and was directed to a vehicle inspector. He told me to get the inspection signed off by a Japanese service centre using both their firm (in Japanese) and a form which I had (which had red printing all over it indicating it was an example form only) and send them both to him (electronically). He approved the inspection on the Qld Transport computers, and now we have only to pay. I might also be able to use the Japanese CTP rather than duplicating that with Australuan CTP insurance. So it all seems good.
ReplyDeleteBut first we had to rectify a problem with the wheel attachments before the Japanese mechanics would sign the inspection certificate (see the new blog published after this one).
I'm glad you enjoy the blog!
Thanks Beryl this info is very useful, hope all works out ok for you getting fuso to honour their warranty
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