Sayonara Tokyo

It has been great here in Tokyo and we feel very comfortable out and about even though language is a barrier toward getting to know any of the locals. Today is our last full day so we'll check out another place or so, perhaps the Shinjuku area, but focus on getting things ready for departure. Here's some facts about Tokyo according to me.

     Live music is often sung in English even though many do not speak English
     Tokyo is very clean including their subways and public toilets
     Finding public toilets is not an issue and there's no charge
     Don't be surprised to see a cleaning lady in the restroom while you are using it
     Taxi drivers wear suit and ties
     Drive and walk to left like Brits
     You don't hear cars honking in the busy streets
     Many young people appear very style conscious
     People are very orderly, no line cutting or loud talking
     There is no talking on phones in subways
     Very little graffiti anywhere
     Don't see many homeless people
     Bikes are often ridden on the sidewalks so look before you turn
     People act and appear very respectful in public
     Don't see intimate contact between couples in public
     Streets appear to be paved with a material that cuts down tire noise
     Businesses offer very good service with a smile
     Construction site are screened off so people don't see the mess
     Surgical masks are a very common sight
     Use of mobile devices is a common sight everywhere
     Vending machines selling drinks are everywhere throughout the city
     Public trash containers are difficult to find
     No hand towels in restrooms
     Recycling is done everywhere

Again, our smart phones have proved to be invaluable tools in our travels. There are many App's that can perform language translations; either by typing the text, speaking through the microphone, or using the phone camera to read text. They are far from perfect, difficult to use at times, and usually require a data service; but they've come a long ways. Language translators will only get better in the future which will truly open the world for travelers. I can't wait! I've added more pictures to my Picasa Album and will add a few more in the near future. Use the link below.

Link to Photo Album Bikeless in Tokyo

Bikeless in Tokyo

Kay and I are in Tokyo and we've been on the go since landing here just over 4 days ago after nearly 24 hours of travel time. And no, I did not bring a bike. We're slowly getting accustomed to the Japanese way and more comfortable with our uncomfortableness since this country is foreign to us. The Japanese have been very patient with our sign language and gestures so we are managing well enough. The few words I learned from Jay during our 2008 bike trip in Northern Japan, have been helpful in getting us started. I just have to remember that they drive and walk on the left like the Brits and not to be surprised when ever I encounter a cleaning lady in the men's restroom. As for eating, it's helpful to look for places with pictures on their menu. Kay is adapting very well, although she's already tired of noodles. We've seen more than a few of Tokyo's top sights so it's time to slow down and relax a little more. Click on the picture below to go to my photos in Picasa.

Summer 2012 Great Parks Tour

Here are my pictures from our Great Parks Loaded Bike Tour during the summer of 2012. It's called the "Great Parks Tour" because our route goes through seven national parks in two countries beginning in Canada and ending in the States. In total, we rode just over 1,600 miles and had more than 70,000 feet of elevation gain. Our lodging consisted of motels, cabins, youth hostels, and camping and our daily average was 41 miles. These photographs were taken with my Canon S100 and represent a pictorial journal of our tour. While on the road, I stopped posting pictures from the camera due to unsafe (virus) public computers. My pictures are divided into two parts: Jasper to Flathead Lake, and Flathead Lake to Jackson Hole. I tried to capture the scenic beauty of our journey on bicycles along with photographs to help show the chronology of the trip. This is my pictorial journal so expect a lot of pictures. Below are six of my favorite pictures from the tour. To see all of the pictures in Picasa, click on the picture grouping below to go to that photo set in Picasa. Bike touring is still a great passion but perhaps with a few more motel stays.

Jasper to Flathead Lake


Flathead Lake to Jackson Hole

Moose on the Loose

While biking through the Grand Teton National Park, part of our summer 2012 loaded bike tour from Jasper, Alberta to Jackson, WY; we were fortunate to spot this moose feeding just off Moose Wilson Road. What a treat!

Red Lake Peak Hike

Dick, Geno, Don and I hiked to the top of Red Lake Peak off Highway 88 in the Sierras. We went cross-country to get to the top which added to the difficulty. Otherwise, it was a wonderful day for a hike during the fall with some colors starting to show.

Great Parks Tour

Click on the image below to go to my GPT (Great Parks Tour) pictures on Picasa. I will try to post some photographs within the GPT picture set while we're on the road.

Getting Ready for the Great Parks Bike Tour

Getting ready for our Great Parks Tour this summer which starts in Jasper, Alberta, Canada and ends in Jackson Hole, Montana, about six weeks of travel time overall. There will be 7 riders on this self-supported fully loaded bike tour. Five members will be traveling to Jasper via the train while Jay and I plan to fly to Edmonton and catch a bus to Jasper. We plan to cycle about 1,500 miles with a daily average of under 50 miles. Experience, as well as age, has taught us to keep the mileage down during our tours so we can enjoy our surroundings more completely, plus, there is plenty of time for rest days, about one every five days. Our route along the Canadian Rocky Mountains to Glacier National Park and Yellowstone National Park will be quite scenic so there's no need to rush. I plan to use my Bike Friday which is pictured below during a final test ride before it was taken apart and packed in boxes. My initial concerns will be that the bike and all the equipment arrives at our destination, and in good condition. You know airlines, the outcome is not a sure bet. During our trip last summer, my friend's luggage was missing for two days and only arrived just hours before our planned departure. Thus, I won't be at ease until I see my equipment in Edmonton. Wish us luck!