tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38576261569544844942024-02-19T14:32:25.893-08:00Our Japanese Eco-KominkaMiguel - Newerahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04970762111234680191noreply@blogger.comBlogger91125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3857626156954484494.post-66984341642474655412016-01-01T02:59:00.000-08:002016-01-01T06:58:48.355-08:00Restoring & Improving our Hiace 4WD 2.8 Diesel Camper.About 2.5 years ago we bought our 1994 Hiace 2.8 Diesel 4WD camper, using funds from the proceeds of sale of our previous 3.0 Turbo Diesel Hiace Regius 7 seater, which had served us well for about 3 years prior.<br />
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This Toyota built Hiace Cruising cabin had been recommended by a friend in the car trade who deals in these vehicles and so understands them well. He'd bought it here in Japan to send to South Africa for a potential customer, but the deal had fallen through so he offered it to me. <br />
Having a young family in Japan it made a lot of sense. Staying in Ryokans and hotels is expensive because occupancy is charged per person rather than per room, which would explain why it's rare to see families stay away over weekends in such places... It made perfect sense to let the Regius go.<br />
It had served us well as a vehicle for carrying materials when we were rebuilding our home - but now we didn't need it for that any more it wasn't as useful any more.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYJ-RfHgOoS51xMD1t1Db6oHPt8bTjvQ87aONbiSf54lO_MEuwm7IIfS2m3SeVq60CM0DEwRjGCKricjcsgdzeR58BsN8h7wLqOi29EDQjY7p39mnm9ucU1o08NW9NeIXozHXX8pXqyhn7/s1600/Hiace%252816%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYJ-RfHgOoS51xMD1t1Db6oHPt8bTjvQ87aONbiSf54lO_MEuwm7IIfS2m3SeVq60CM0DEwRjGCKricjcsgdzeR58BsN8h7wLqOi29EDQjY7p39mnm9ucU1o08NW9NeIXozHXX8pXqyhn7/s320/Hiace%252816%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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This is a picture of how the Hiace looks like today following a restoration that took nearly a year at a friend's paint shop in Chiba and more recent improvements, but I'd like to share it's story and an older sibling's, so this will also be documented for family including our children to enjoy someday....<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVQrxlOxHrzzoDmLNtfyJ92rUq8c3O0OlmYBBaothdBftuXi0pvmJ6IEbKIxyuDmtdjR69PBvepTGbO_8vGjnNZt2rzlUdrL6aarMiFzwYwWJYUq7ElEIJjM56BSlnUhTVzghZwDC9-2eG/s1600/Camping+Trip+2+%25282%2529.jpeg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVQrxlOxHrzzoDmLNtfyJ92rUq8c3O0OlmYBBaothdBftuXi0pvmJ6IEbKIxyuDmtdjR69PBvepTGbO_8vGjnNZt2rzlUdrL6aarMiFzwYwWJYUq7ElEIJjM56BSlnUhTVzghZwDC9-2eG/s320/Camping+Trip+2+%25282%2529.jpeg" width="320" /></a><br />
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It started out like this a couple of years ago and we used it for a total of around 15 camping trips including some longer ones. One trip (The above picture was taken on Shikoku Island) was a total of around 3,000km lasting 10 days with myself, wife, 2 kids & a medium sized dog!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4qCOg2iLPzrp9EbxXFUVFptFmztROZ5mkAd3VQKVc__qaeAHLEsVFWPnrCV1kmPyNRaUzQPaOfDZZ7pdRMXkTfYLMyW4JkL09dApE6rlxKoDKzMXD9Gd0q5xuqh5OD29A-3Ergqba24oH/s1600/Camping+Trip+3+%25285%2529.jpeg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4qCOg2iLPzrp9EbxXFUVFptFmztROZ5mkAd3VQKVc__qaeAHLEsVFWPnrCV1kmPyNRaUzQPaOfDZZ7pdRMXkTfYLMyW4JkL09dApE6rlxKoDKzMXD9Gd0q5xuqh5OD29A-3Ergqba24oH/s320/Camping+Trip+3+%25285%2529.jpeg" width="320" /> </a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheaUqWIUEph1ZePJaihh17wEvcxZWA0-6BcWcGWyg96SeL6w08-YpPBokB8K35ZiJtCWGFQTI_1NSr6Yj0GhCK7yp_zv6_2opcb_hKI7NlE3S6w9zdoOtTKXbXcxgGnBfSppVibnzdMxUq/s1600/Camping+Trip+3+%25284%2529.jpeg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheaUqWIUEph1ZePJaihh17wEvcxZWA0-6BcWcGWyg96SeL6w08-YpPBokB8K35ZiJtCWGFQTI_1NSr6Yj0GhCK7yp_zv6_2opcb_hKI7NlE3S6w9zdoOtTKXbXcxgGnBfSppVibnzdMxUq/s320/Camping+Trip+3+%25284%2529.jpeg" width="320" /></a><br />
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When we got it there was rust on the bodywork, especially the back door, so I replaced it with a more luxurious & newer model's used one that was almost of the same colour. This included a better and more attractive rear light design, so that was pleasing but all the time the remaining rust bugged me as I really don't like rot on cars, it's a disease that spreads if left untreated. Something would have to be done soon!<br />
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Some friends, Carlos & his family borrowed it for a week too and enjoyed it immensely. So much that as they returned it they said they'd like one of these for themselves in the future!<br />
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Our best trip was in Shikoku after visiting my wife's parents 2 summers ago. <br />
Amazingly it really wasn't hard to live with it as a family of 4 with a dog for 10 days - we could have lived like that for months! I had an old motorbike that had been stored at my wife's parent's place in neighbouring Shodoshima and a friend in Shikoku had asked to borrow it long term - so I agreed to ride it and leave at his place during our trip... Little did I know this would be an inspiration for further improvements....!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYY0OgV2OdEu8fnUFpyzW4SB3zJUVVPdDmHRbDJGPq4lrNCY-HBgL2r5gJ8AX_BuNToULwFVHkwg96jblJfHOebaDqB09Mg4IfX-sQvOP0Px7DgE2T-6R2XpQ8bjvzSToTt53M9n8tsZ9_/s1600/Camping+Trip+1+%25283%2529.jpeg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYY0OgV2OdEu8fnUFpyzW4SB3zJUVVPdDmHRbDJGPq4lrNCY-HBgL2r5gJ8AX_BuNToULwFVHkwg96jblJfHOebaDqB09Mg4IfX-sQvOP0Px7DgE2T-6R2XpQ8bjvzSToTt53M9n8tsZ9_/s320/Camping+Trip+1+%25283%2529.jpeg" width="320" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIaYioJCZxIL12jITIb35TEZq-bdVF0TdX7WJNgJxpfBHUdXrcTsNOqlOsz1qMQqrY_F1spMcr-MpBgl1KvyGnplkUu_o0H0SS9bUIyEmKj-BOAzv5mB8HM7mDE-1nGgnriIR45ULlrlhK/s1600/Camping+Trip+2+%25289%2529.jpeg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIaYioJCZxIL12jITIb35TEZq-bdVF0TdX7WJNgJxpfBHUdXrcTsNOqlOsz1qMQqrY_F1spMcr-MpBgl1KvyGnplkUu_o0H0SS9bUIyEmKj-BOAzv5mB8HM7mDE-1nGgnriIR45ULlrlhK/s320/Camping+Trip+2+%25289%2529.jpeg" width="320" /></a><br />
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One morning whilst climbing some very twisty and small winding roads on Shikoku island at slow speeds, I noticed the temperature gauge was about to hit the red mark! Fortunately we were by a fast flowing river with beautiful clear water, so I coasted back down to a spot I'd noticed that would be good for swimming & whilst we took a dip to let the engine cool, we filled some bottles with water. It continued to consume a little bit of water throughout the trip, but I doubted the head gasket had blown, as these are known to be very robust engines that really aren't very stressed (Same as used in Hilux 4WD's and Hiace buses used on the African continent!) and the oil remainder black, typical of Diesel engines.<br />
I was quite sure it was the radiator that was beginning to clog, as after around 100,000km Hilux Surfs (which used similar engines) would also tend to overheat from radiators not working efficiently...I could also see the radiator was weeping a bit of fluid when it overheated... We continued to use it like this for a few 1,000kms whilst having much adventure, keeping a weary eye on the coolant temp. As soon as it begun climbing beyond normal I'd stop and add more water. Such is experience from running old cars as a poor student 20 or so years ago (In those days I couldn't even afford a new radiator)!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL-R1sjQVAZr_bY1qnY2qbzhBHQelDM9oxKn2HdCBU1_gLCqoGx78BOWOEFNP3QA6Sscg5S30FShSwS-LYVbvJbvH_LeHHcQ4H0mKD7mnuyeRLPyjxps-zge6SMDfgVO29ntIDWCsPta4C/s1600/Camping+Trip+1+%25284%2529.jpeg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL-R1sjQVAZr_bY1qnY2qbzhBHQelDM9oxKn2HdCBU1_gLCqoGx78BOWOEFNP3QA6Sscg5S30FShSwS-LYVbvJbvH_LeHHcQ4H0mKD7mnuyeRLPyjxps-zge6SMDfgVO29ntIDWCsPta4C/s320/Camping+Trip+1+%25284%2529.jpeg" width="240" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUuE6mN4zGG8UQO7d38gBi2JzpGY5Iw74lWs6TdrwXTovo7xOIu4OSgNJamiVuWvQnHLVUsDphvkqr3NkIiUHp9fx-u_2YVzmehUp5vG20s6PgZ50uictDeXKYsfEMkLOBMdKmvFKHCwUV/s1600/Camping+Trip+2+%25283%2529.jpeg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUuE6mN4zGG8UQO7d38gBi2JzpGY5Iw74lWs6TdrwXTovo7xOIu4OSgNJamiVuWvQnHLVUsDphvkqr3NkIiUHp9fx-u_2YVzmehUp5vG20s6PgZ50uictDeXKYsfEMkLOBMdKmvFKHCwUV/s320/Camping+Trip+2+%25283%2529.jpeg" width="240" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9_QMhuNuNUh9fwPKF9N7d6G2rea9trcPci0jLxUfoeAymYzm08C9YYrA0E81CIwnZT4QpmviI3oUVeWK73Ucb1nb4aiDDqTq8DlNXpgFokoZEiqbh8YAPmd1e17qQzkOOA45dLfcJiwfs/s1600/Bridge.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9_QMhuNuNUh9fwPKF9N7d6G2rea9trcPci0jLxUfoeAymYzm08C9YYrA0E81CIwnZT4QpmviI3oUVeWK73Ucb1nb4aiDDqTq8DlNXpgFokoZEiqbh8YAPmd1e17qQzkOOA45dLfcJiwfs/s320/Bridge.JPG" width="320" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinxciBqtkP9OQpty44AAvCahzqfbEqC0tT4ClpwdxEu9LMHUIZgGXbdRgTFJ4mfC_8-Ne5vPDAJCOl3uhXZ0tnrKC78edYvGwY8JNUFqpXHNESHBREV4HCrGgg_enYQJsLW8lqAvhwsRpm/s1600/Camping+Trip+1+%25286%2529.jpeg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinxciBqtkP9OQpty44AAvCahzqfbEqC0tT4ClpwdxEu9LMHUIZgGXbdRgTFJ4mfC_8-Ne5vPDAJCOl3uhXZ0tnrKC78edYvGwY8JNUFqpXHNESHBREV4HCrGgg_enYQJsLW8lqAvhwsRpm/s320/Camping+Trip+1+%25286%2529.jpeg" width="240" /></a><br />
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Our daughter was particularly terrified whilst crossing a famous bridge in Shoikoko as it looked so weak, but I could see it was heavily reinforced with steel cables, but I was there to meet her half way and rescue her.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQpXCDG53kkZVLPU9XkXEM5dQEyKVwbqF9YPAxLlzXxYkFYh3zVqSyZOg484_QCjl8DbZhrYGff50FdWhnED-J0ok0KobgV-QbiC6SkWI-WMtvHM1Be4t88IhvljeYchzUueyfRLh3HrLb/s1600/Camping+Trip+2+%25284%2529.jpeg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQpXCDG53kkZVLPU9XkXEM5dQEyKVwbqF9YPAxLlzXxYkFYh3zVqSyZOg484_QCjl8DbZhrYGff50FdWhnED-J0ok0KobgV-QbiC6SkWI-WMtvHM1Be4t88IhvljeYchzUueyfRLh3HrLb/s320/Camping+Trip+2+%25284%2529.jpeg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd0mKs_EfWhyphenhyphenvacyn-9lIjdMIZgraXcfIo2E22WgmkRkiph7mVftTnYnQhrqgmIUEtxEAL1Gmxge5JanyqpG2IFD_PUsfDqSwcZ5iA5K-yFhK6I_K8szvv1_IW5uiDWaF9lzCCOHarrgTl/s1600/Camping+Trip+2+%25285%2529.jpeg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd0mKs_EfWhyphenhyphenvacyn-9lIjdMIZgraXcfIo2E22WgmkRkiph7mVftTnYnQhrqgmIUEtxEAL1Gmxge5JanyqpG2IFD_PUsfDqSwcZ5iA5K-yFhK6I_K8szvv1_IW5uiDWaF9lzCCOHarrgTl/s320/Camping+Trip+2+%25285%2529.jpeg" width="320" /></a><br />
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The locals in one of the higher altitude villages had a sense of humour. They stuffed dummies at the bus stop and local vegetable stall.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0QxKwy_b81xrMDeN5AfOPoDlTIBM05JIC8HtMQVsRhLa-Aw15zMYw0Pm-X8TjxcG2FYDaBBYz3btVWG-C6-J-ANQ8SVyK2aoltYXKHdKetnqeDk9WxuOHfh4L5yidwnIuDsGyKBpDqr-P/s1600/Camping+Trip+2+%25286%2529.jpeg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0QxKwy_b81xrMDeN5AfOPoDlTIBM05JIC8HtMQVsRhLa-Aw15zMYw0Pm-X8TjxcG2FYDaBBYz3btVWG-C6-J-ANQ8SVyK2aoltYXKHdKetnqeDk9WxuOHfh4L5yidwnIuDsGyKBpDqr-P/s320/Camping+Trip+2+%25286%2529.jpeg" width="320" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX0tpY8OXTWNwyDb4O5Qf5H6xSzgPBQFgzxh_tsYkFFSw9ABzH-j2SOb4Yrd93t5FjdsE9kidSwmrR6qy83_2IO-M8jV82-D7vA4T1E1BQf8ortPVSswAC4BhJUoAjLfMlK-XWQ7j99TF3/s1600/Camping+Trip+2+%25288%2529.jpeg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX0tpY8OXTWNwyDb4O5Qf5H6xSzgPBQFgzxh_tsYkFFSw9ABzH-j2SOb4Yrd93t5FjdsE9kidSwmrR6qy83_2IO-M8jV82-D7vA4T1E1BQf8ortPVSswAC4BhJUoAjLfMlK-XWQ7j99TF3/s320/Camping+Trip+2+%25288%2529.jpeg" width="320" /></a><br />
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The camper's 4WD (With free-wheeling & lockable front hubs) soon proved to be a big plus, as it allowed us to camp where others usually wouldn't dare venture with a car!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghjuQzJRzov5QRGQsJ-XwZ4kcyQ8wjyurTElY_MmDIsrUS9NpTrTBgCmDrp-CXjJCOQy-luQvudXooa7GSZZLBp11DxdeAAbYcLHv_OjTwEGxfQQ7OPqnNv3pJbFzWfU-4NgoafQAgIR9g/s1600/Camping+Trip+2+%252811%2529.jpeg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghjuQzJRzov5QRGQsJ-XwZ4kcyQ8wjyurTElY_MmDIsrUS9NpTrTBgCmDrp-CXjJCOQy-luQvudXooa7GSZZLBp11DxdeAAbYcLHv_OjTwEGxfQQ7OPqnNv3pJbFzWfU-4NgoafQAgIR9g/s320/Camping+Trip+2+%252811%2529.jpeg" width="320" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOaDT7pvodOlIbWz2yIEQAtb7SqwuHADnpAn7gHGw2qA7kxoLGpvb2x-e9P1rgSuK1TnMlEM3QQoLSkNci389_SdEtwcZGd4-hYiyKzYck91S8DuiwrElKmRKe9Yxq-R8bpOK8FSQK8j77/s1600/Camping+Trip+2+%252810%2529.jpeg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOaDT7pvodOlIbWz2yIEQAtb7SqwuHADnpAn7gHGw2qA7kxoLGpvb2x-e9P1rgSuK1TnMlEM3QQoLSkNci389_SdEtwcZGd4-hYiyKzYck91S8DuiwrElKmRKe9Yxq-R8bpOK8FSQK8j77/s320/Camping+Trip+2+%252810%2529.jpeg" width="320" /></a><br />
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And so its versatility begun to get under our skin. We wouldn't need to have a camp site to stay at since it's a small, discreet and self contained vehicle. <br />
Not needing to get anywhere in particular for each night, enabled us to stop and explore beautiful places along the way. As my wife can also drive it we can cover long distances overnight whilst the other driver sleeps in the back with the kids.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI2Evy_quBaffU9xUwhD4lQtqAZI6qctuMRePqygLu3iI3jBrb8HFkXoVZyYOQAMKJVagtkqkNsnMVgb0l30Nmk4kU9hyEqAomnPJ-K763A5TlKfdfWZUTTNulFxkEEERqHsQ3iRPFwXIn/s1600/Camping+Trip+3+%25289%2529.jpeg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI2Evy_quBaffU9xUwhD4lQtqAZI6qctuMRePqygLu3iI3jBrb8HFkXoVZyYOQAMKJVagtkqkNsnMVgb0l30Nmk4kU9hyEqAomnPJ-K763A5TlKfdfWZUTTNulFxkEEERqHsQ3iRPFwXIn/s320/Camping+Trip+3+%25289%2529.jpeg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjImPmVZnlPpL4nPiiHdnmwbAuwXuQGUCiuXKNzDVoBY3igGVNBCasUxMhUdaHrC-bSmclMX8nrAPnOGBb42kGX_cxmo5G9AVoCiX0rs2OF9zrtR2OKkbquhSySQ-xRcsANx_CFIXOWn6SC/s1600/Camping+Trip+3+%25286%2529.jpeg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjImPmVZnlPpL4nPiiHdnmwbAuwXuQGUCiuXKNzDVoBY3igGVNBCasUxMhUdaHrC-bSmclMX8nrAPnOGBb42kGX_cxmo5G9AVoCiX0rs2OF9zrtR2OKkbquhSySQ-xRcsANx_CFIXOWn6SC/s320/Camping+Trip+3+%25286%2529.jpeg" width="320" /></a><br />
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Naturally we have a particular interest in traditional antique Japanese houses too. This delightful traditional village that still kept many of it's natural traditions was in Shirakawa-Go in Gifu prefecture. Some of these are around 300-400 years old!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUvMx_uLsWd2RU667ji4l-jw0J4MSAdEkDXKzuZrT2DJsFWiKK-mE9cn0SgDBG58wZSac8s9yR0wEPrYZRjbzhjbwnxFnRBpl494JwxH_iEyeeZSyYhrkhiJfKlFUlHced9j1lnIB08Gka/s1600/Camping+Trip+3+%252813%2529.jpeg" imageanchor="1"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXd1H0mZauuIBDl-4A_bW7O8kcMlI_JTpaWZH2liHF-4_a5G32xTpeNuhy3_g5kuSawF75I1DU3WjJFq3APqiGXO7U_k_-M1ko7NoZ0gZJ5vTM11LkO9ztSR1dPcfRsy_8HrEi7-DgBh0R/s1600/Camping+Trip+3+%252812%2529.jpeg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXd1H0mZauuIBDl-4A_bW7O8kcMlI_JTpaWZH2liHF-4_a5G32xTpeNuhy3_g5kuSawF75I1DU3WjJFq3APqiGXO7U_k_-M1ko7NoZ0gZJ5vTM11LkO9ztSR1dPcfRsy_8HrEi7-DgBh0R/s320/Camping+Trip+3+%252812%2529.jpeg" width="320" /></a> <img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUvMx_uLsWd2RU667ji4l-jw0J4MSAdEkDXKzuZrT2DJsFWiKK-mE9cn0SgDBG58wZSac8s9yR0wEPrYZRjbzhjbwnxFnRBpl494JwxH_iEyeeZSyYhrkhiJfKlFUlHced9j1lnIB08Gka/s320/Camping+Trip+3+%252813%2529.jpeg" width="320" /><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw4dVx227I-Q0axc76XcaGyN35MRLFUOq2x222GosbSczWMc6UKqNSgyOGZ1IWkBqxyuMHAymYbGMSdT04BQlE0W-sEAUlCMAzuTg-ocQlJpVhrEXVRkZD2hyphenhyphenUIjE9k49cZ9Itf6fvPC4v/s1600/Camping+by+Fuji.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw4dVx227I-Q0axc76XcaGyN35MRLFUOq2x222GosbSczWMc6UKqNSgyOGZ1IWkBqxyuMHAymYbGMSdT04BQlE0W-sEAUlCMAzuTg-ocQlJpVhrEXVRkZD2hyphenhyphenUIjE9k49cZ9Itf6fvPC4v/s320/Camping+by+Fuji.jpg" width="320" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjL77uTw09yMKupAYvnh-X0fvlxa3Wh-HJLRl25j2olderp7pahyJFEsIXLVJ6sIHnH7J_Gy9x9494U6xMDYkGi69MLgw-LVoF7BWmxgeX7mNcN0QzijFSMm_6OqL4RplVi1qHRnTlhVXj/s1600/Camping+by+Fuji%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjL77uTw09yMKupAYvnh-X0fvlxa3Wh-HJLRl25j2olderp7pahyJFEsIXLVJ6sIHnH7J_Gy9x9494U6xMDYkGi69MLgw-LVoF7BWmxgeX7mNcN0QzijFSMm_6OqL4RplVi1qHRnTlhVXj/s320/Camping+by+Fuji%25281%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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Our favorite quick getaway quickly became Motosu & Shoji Lakes in Yamanashi prefecture for the beautiful views that would often meet us in the morning.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9KULSy4GNqnvPW0CNTHbvF3LNRE5PO6QBduf9FrKm5Ay9a7ngyUJLspCUP5tgbzrE2e_d-JGPkPMAyEkW-297anLMWLDjnSYUvz7hSexd2N7ujIwPKBUW6fdEldfzTEPI-PN5GcaU7iXF/s1600/Onsen%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOl7EUJcg2PML6wyqLi7PGyyWjBx60oPgvt6bu3CU4lARPDHf6erf1csk17a_TI5VUeWZODkzsEEI12NYR7G-GN4zMl1I1Wnyqjx3vMwioGhiE08gZMuRqtoejYKjevEmuq8l8ISvyabKb/s1600/Onsen%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOl7EUJcg2PML6wyqLi7PGyyWjBx60oPgvt6bu3CU4lARPDHf6erf1csk17a_TI5VUeWZODkzsEEI12NYR7G-GN4zMl1I1Wnyqjx3vMwioGhiE08gZMuRqtoejYKjevEmuq8l8ISvyabKb/s320/Onsen%25281%2529.jpg" width="240" /></a> <img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9KULSy4GNqnvPW0CNTHbvF3LNRE5PO6QBduf9FrKm5Ay9a7ngyUJLspCUP5tgbzrE2e_d-JGPkPMAyEkW-297anLMWLDjnSYUvz7hSexd2N7ujIwPKBUW6fdEldfzTEPI-PN5GcaU7iXF/s320/Onsen%25282%2529.jpg" width="320" /><br />
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It doesn't have a toilet or shower, but we're not fussy. The wilderness is the natural place to relieve ourselves when in need and Japan has some lovely onsens, something my wife is very enthusiastic about each place we go.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9cRMMa7b98jXst9F-ibOLjlbP0y2-RoLYUni0bxLXdVsJpEestCcs3fchHx8CXtz5mu1SeN-WSznpZVlrndadbomxolS8OVnZzOLTJ5HW40FI4ZQPkrLU8XsevnoxbVBo7hH1j19Ma7nl/s1600/High+Altitude%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9cRMMa7b98jXst9F-ibOLjlbP0y2-RoLYUni0bxLXdVsJpEestCcs3fchHx8CXtz5mu1SeN-WSznpZVlrndadbomxolS8OVnZzOLTJ5HW40FI4ZQPkrLU8XsevnoxbVBo7hH1j19Ma7nl/s320/High+Altitude%25281%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_OtbxD_yAEcyciZg7SRkkOY6I3kTYOJF7nAQah8heWylJN2fbu_y9aHzh3dH-Z6jlsUA95TZt1fKlxnRP3qYh8rVI8qbsn4jm0Nd3XjjpGY_SJmbBeJG_bN1tj-7wg3r9hQvhLlMRoEnX/s1600/High+Altitude%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_OtbxD_yAEcyciZg7SRkkOY6I3kTYOJF7nAQah8heWylJN2fbu_y9aHzh3dH-Z6jlsUA95TZt1fKlxnRP3qYh8rVI8qbsn4jm0Nd3XjjpGY_SJmbBeJG_bN1tj-7wg3r9hQvhLlMRoEnX/s320/High+Altitude%25282%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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With all the equipment it carries (The roof is very heavy as it needs to be sturdy & reliable when camping in strong winds!) it's a heavy and slow old thing, so getting up to high altitudes requires patience!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl2pF7e_h5gSizHIMoTfArIPOuq-ZoENlEwtzVsWX0vKX4vjNK7EC6Zjizt-7P6RI4h-ak_mZP0tG2uu5v1uXr6ZOy_X-1oNyA7AeujMRFtvBASx3WQu6Xks86ekaGkP6mI6iTDjD7CUSk/s1600/Camping+by+a+lake.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="123" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl2pF7e_h5gSizHIMoTfArIPOuq-ZoENlEwtzVsWX0vKX4vjNK7EC6Zjizt-7P6RI4h-ak_mZP0tG2uu5v1uXr6ZOy_X-1oNyA7AeujMRFtvBASx3WQu6Xks86ekaGkP6mI6iTDjD7CUSk/s320/Camping+by+a+lake.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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But the rewards are worth the trouble.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi36jpl6iV8FRLXRBUhUaW6FeInrvFPqrmznTvWquzhpjB3QOGp9I81uKPQoIRQgzd6B_ZwaGViTd6mFOrrxiRLNdMSry6HjXL5NN_XKhL7j_zWxkJo8Zzrf-r_mg1HKVbKTA6p1fOdI9GL/s1600/DSC_8475.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi36jpl6iV8FRLXRBUhUaW6FeInrvFPqrmznTvWquzhpjB3QOGp9I81uKPQoIRQgzd6B_ZwaGViTd6mFOrrxiRLNdMSry6HjXL5NN_XKhL7j_zWxkJo8Zzrf-r_mg1HKVbKTA6p1fOdI9GL/s320/DSC_8475.JPG" width="320" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcHIkm3clKeBtEy9Ee9nZ3h-EulNs5MFRJNZHoWSo_ly-EtUy7q17O4XcjYs3h6gc7zJOusl_8UCXFyaHjHEFS_LfcKZpPPV3hkeITScYkJ42j0awZeeQMSYWYbd0CmZ_dLACZAz6VZTif/s1600/DSC_8468.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcHIkm3clKeBtEy9Ee9nZ3h-EulNs5MFRJNZHoWSo_ly-EtUy7q17O4XcjYs3h6gc7zJOusl_8UCXFyaHjHEFS_LfcKZpPPV3hkeITScYkJ42j0awZeeQMSYWYbd0CmZ_dLACZAz6VZTif/s320/DSC_8468.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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We also discovered it's pretty good in colder weather too, as the engine can be left on and there's a very strong heating in the back.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcSDabaiA-t_pzbR5Ri6jkEYQgQ32B-1vUJF_A2ZNaz4tj8I2LFGrOvwydUH8yrDrPRHv6jZxviSfsW5WNhh2lTfPMPu3HONGl4xT2HmSlut-MtQkXsvgoV0r34-TaI-GKktnxaUcRyfd3/s1600/Driving+in+heavy+snow.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcSDabaiA-t_pzbR5Ri6jkEYQgQ32B-1vUJF_A2ZNaz4tj8I2LFGrOvwydUH8yrDrPRHv6jZxviSfsW5WNhh2lTfPMPu3HONGl4xT2HmSlut-MtQkXsvgoV0r34-TaI-GKktnxaUcRyfd3/s320/Driving+in+heavy+snow.jpg" width="320" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY_zpGXXqGBNQ7chDK4K2hL4GQC7JhbPfwJfVh9E6HBaYyZuBB66fF18w6KTXw_-DQbEGkvbQCvZn1igo7sjHWtbYrOpxKchB6Br3pY28WYTMAX1e3W9wQ6AIX9l_FqUxTyYIlBoZ-ei-E/s1600/Driving+in+heavy+snow%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY_zpGXXqGBNQ7chDK4K2hL4GQC7JhbPfwJfVh9E6HBaYyZuBB66fF18w6KTXw_-DQbEGkvbQCvZn1igo7sjHWtbYrOpxKchB6Br3pY28WYTMAX1e3W9wQ6AIX9l_FqUxTyYIlBoZ-ei-E/s320/Driving+in+heavy+snow%25281%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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2 years ago, there was particularly bad snow in Tokyo just before Christmas, but with snow tyres the relatively high ride-height meant it wouldn't get stuck where others would. These pictures were taken on the worst night when we'd gotten past 2 jack-knifed trucks on the end of the up-ramp just before the Rainbow Bridge. It was strange to be driving across with nobody else in sight so we stopped in the middle and took these pictures. On the way home to Chiba as the snow melted there were HUGE pools of standing water and as I passed through some all the electrical warning lights would come on at once, then go off - but I made it home with no dramas.<br />
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And so with an array of happy experiences like these, I realised - this would be a vehicle we'd want to preserve, improve and use to take our kids away on weekends, until they are grown up, so it was worth investing in.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNGmcDTujHqqN6CoOrJGLvxk6V5m3mYKzMCJvOG0rU_xFVfRb7sjNYkwmB1c2RrDsvXvv0_v6mAVVdSQfJSxHe6mTuDCZ0HFn2yeGoFyX3XTIcH9jMievC3uA9GwkPfj6q41CSrgDG7vG2/s1600/Repaint%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNGmcDTujHqqN6CoOrJGLvxk6V5m3mYKzMCJvOG0rU_xFVfRb7sjNYkwmB1c2RrDsvXvv0_v6mAVVdSQfJSxHe6mTuDCZ0HFn2yeGoFyX3XTIcH9jMievC3uA9GwkPfj6q41CSrgDG7vG2/s320/Repaint%25281%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim-fSAiqHU4suqt3hHOYTVFK44ncofnK9HLJTxCm_jEcgZupIGvR5eSOtixqtk2Dyz2C0p0GSl6cEUr6QC-OWiWnK3dDwlozz7qGIhcA05KHMFf5TXz-I3fOZCDTKsjAzaFARHOZ_0OHeo/s1600/Repaint%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim-fSAiqHU4suqt3hHOYTVFK44ncofnK9HLJTxCm_jEcgZupIGvR5eSOtixqtk2Dyz2C0p0GSl6cEUr6QC-OWiWnK3dDwlozz7qGIhcA05KHMFf5TXz-I3fOZCDTKsjAzaFARHOZ_0OHeo/s320/Repaint%25282%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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And so it went to Satou Masayoshi, who in his spare time worked on it to remove rust and restore the bodywork. Much of the lower panels had some corrosion, some of which had been repaired before, so it took him a while to get through it all. During this time he also discovered it was leaking oil badly from the sump, which had rusted through on a factory weld!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVc64Ig7DTSHKv6y6mjXrz2XtLRsHowRRGetUzDghyphenhyphenTYC2z-RVZZcnfcB10sAWoOJT5e6v0WqHSh33-Xzt1ehrho6M9gjUq2RoS0A6OdrpnsjNBBBXZvz6g0oL3fcE6mT3DEUSDdXm70qQ/s1600/Repaint%25283%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVc64Ig7DTSHKv6y6mjXrz2XtLRsHowRRGetUzDghyphenhyphenTYC2z-RVZZcnfcB10sAWoOJT5e6v0WqHSh33-Xzt1ehrho6M9gjUq2RoS0A6OdrpnsjNBBBXZvz6g0oL3fcE6mT3DEUSDdXm70qQ/s320/Repaint%25283%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxccewmQoTvJ1-MIXscPTb1pvDCclAanyUtHSdM_zWnyUvM0UzdUf0Dcca6vLCj-Yw22_A_AKHzy_vJMNAcPV6pdDOi33Ts7uDJsYtNFAML8bAmOkzG0sG-5NoKGXMQTiH8y9oCg0UCTJW/s1600/Spare+camper.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxccewmQoTvJ1-MIXscPTb1pvDCclAanyUtHSdM_zWnyUvM0UzdUf0Dcca6vLCj-Yw22_A_AKHzy_vJMNAcPV6pdDOi33Ts7uDJsYtNFAML8bAmOkzG0sG-5NoKGXMQTiH8y9oCg0UCTJW/s320/Spare+camper.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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At around the same time, I had the opportunity to buy another one of these from our friend Mark. 5 years older, but very unusually in perfect & completely rust free condition. This was ideal as it enabled us to still go camping whilst our's was away being restored. <br />
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I advertised it on www.neweraimports.com but had really wanted to sell it to my brother in Canada for what it cost, since he does a lot of travelling and climbing in Canada, but he was adamant he only wanted a 4WD one.... (which is very difficult to find in rust free & good condition!)<br />
But in the end his decision worked out to the benefit of Paul Robinson, an old friend and ex-business partner who recently bought it instead to use in the UK & Europe in 2016 and beyond. So this 2WD camper is headed to Brighton & Hove (UK) soon. It served us well for a year and ran perfectly - so with a fresh service & minor fettling it'll be perfect for their planed tours this year.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQYv35kbJ_gvUf4BtPRfYbc1oUdYUcxgct9PZ2rYbFB5fB7URQ6ya5XTI0S6GZ9tYmol3tys03Eb9X7_1_5hpCRZWqDhNBZv9qW4JaNqyNMOFZPHnFbZEJYzkt1AGMk8DfRrZRfrnR8wOG/s1600/10475454_1591622534442456_6510970203708632978_n+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQYv35kbJ_gvUf4BtPRfYbc1oUdYUcxgct9PZ2rYbFB5fB7URQ6ya5XTI0S6GZ9tYmol3tys03Eb9X7_1_5hpCRZWqDhNBZv9qW4JaNqyNMOFZPHnFbZEJYzkt1AGMk8DfRrZRfrnR8wOG/s320/10475454_1591622534442456_6510970203708632978_n+%25281%2529.jpg" width="180" /></a><br />
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Whilst the restoration progressed slowly, as is my habit (if not an illness or vice!), I researched and collected parts to further improve the Hiace for when it came back to us. This included a new radiator and sump, which would be essential.<br />
I also bought 8 litres of the best quality spray-on rust preventative penetrating wax fluid I could find, some stuff used to prevent corrosion to aeroplanes, apparently - expensive, so it's probably good. The googled comments I found seemed to indicate it would stop rust dead in it's tracks. Rust usually comes back, even when repaired in my experience, but I hope it'll slow it's return. I'll just keep having it repaired from now on whenever it rears it's ugly head.<br />
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The rest of the modifications weren't essential, but desirable, bearing in mind the use we plan for it.<br />
For me - driving this van is boring, as it's so slow - and the driver's seat wasn't very comfortable for long trips, so a plan was hatched. This also included a 2,100W Twin amplifier 14 speaker smart (hands free) sound system using a Parrot Asteroid Smart head unit with integrated (hidden) reversing camera complete with LED lighting (So the ugly reversing mirror could be removed By Satou San whilst fitting a new roof spoiler!) - and concealed speakers & sub woofer.<br />
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The amps are neatly located behind the drivers seat and the sub between the passenger (front) seat and existing TV / DVD cabinet. Speakers are all high powered and of good quality (Kappa Infinity), with excellent Sub & speaker towers by Jennert,<br />
This new sound system was properly wired in, complete with sound insulation and all wiring properly terminaled and soldered, etc. I see enough badly completed wiring in my work that I have to remove & put right to not make spaghetti when it's not meal making time!<br />
And so this system took 3 days over weekends to run all the wiring carefully, but works very well now. Clear and rattle free. <br />
I have no intentions of blasting sound with crazy bass levels, it's about clarity of sound reproduction and no distortion, it's a pleasure to hear music whilst on the go now - and to be able to select music by saying the band's name or call someone without picking up the phone or pressing buttons. <br />
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Whilst I was at it, I also wired in remote central locking and had keys specially cut, then modified them to fit inside the key remote - so it looks like a factory original single key with remote control on now. Fitted a better electronic toll collection machine, hard wired the mini Garmin Navigation unit & the dash camera too. I like attention to the little details & prefer to do things well and once only!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilCvPWGp9qv5G0RENV6J87BIRm6sBw35Qlv3EMZXwNNEasrQFocfr66bw43TvTl8wn4e2jiRzT8o65f45l09sQXI408BIWKAn8HHuKzJIaZ7KFeMHCahtrBknqJHZFa_bx6lkJ7wUgMRNM/s1600/Hiace%252812%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilCvPWGp9qv5G0RENV6J87BIRm6sBw35Qlv3EMZXwNNEasrQFocfr66bw43TvTl8wn4e2jiRzT8o65f45l09sQXI408BIWKAn8HHuKzJIaZ7KFeMHCahtrBknqJHZFa_bx6lkJ7wUgMRNM/s320/Hiace%252812%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYBiyoLYVO2lvVavOmtndtdfGmAmowACFzcafNh-rH6CtfQdXT7DJcqa3of_a-q6UMs2-FO1EO7-u1FtsgKZ1E0NCafKWJwTUqooMGNwVahhvRiOTv3MB935nFw3XRGN3Uwdxg-SGW95_m/s1600/Hiace%252813%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYBiyoLYVO2lvVavOmtndtdfGmAmowACFzcafNh-rH6CtfQdXT7DJcqa3of_a-q6UMs2-FO1EO7-u1FtsgKZ1E0NCafKWJwTUqooMGNwVahhvRiOTv3MB935nFw3XRGN3Uwdxg-SGW95_m/s320/Hiace%252813%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR258OGciwtFRFThpo8mgg-dVQoTcPHOxO-lz0PUnlnw5_F6g2SbT8lDIjgN5UcS8CxVxy0WFooumREUrUncjpF16f1Iw6cuWaxWofHUe7qqlv-_xg6uEDkfifFLgjUh7CERUTsGADSAgx/s1600/Hiace%252811%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR258OGciwtFRFThpo8mgg-dVQoTcPHOxO-lz0PUnlnw5_F6g2SbT8lDIjgN5UcS8CxVxy0WFooumREUrUncjpF16f1Iw6cuWaxWofHUe7qqlv-_xg6uEDkfifFLgjUh7CERUTsGADSAgx/s320/Hiace%252811%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWvUpKZdb6nz9GuwQ9NUwtJWulEudKCT0ZzoJBUSof3E3IzOwAdYZZuqm4QS3HrbTLllmUPsLPNhmCm7dzBuKMNjIrqZB5LtRRLEhP-nTXQxWkutgDPCfUHQyL1vouIv3ShEMbA9waGg1J/s1600/Hiace%252815%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWvUpKZdb6nz9GuwQ9NUwtJWulEudKCT0ZzoJBUSof3E3IzOwAdYZZuqm4QS3HrbTLllmUPsLPNhmCm7dzBuKMNjIrqZB5LtRRLEhP-nTXQxWkutgDPCfUHQyL1vouIv3ShEMbA9waGg1J/s320/Hiace%252815%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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I also fitted a used Recaro Driver's seat & Nardi steering wheel I'd rescued from Skyline GT-R's along the way and added a new shift knob & dashboard facia, <br />
Deep dish (period) Watanabe R8 wheels (15 x 9J + 0 & 15 x 8J + 13) were specially ordered and I even had centre caps adapted to fit the rear wheels and red Watanabe logos made too. Naturally there's stainless steel Watanabe matching wheel nuts too. A wide arch kit with wider tyres gave the car a much better stance. These were fitted by Satou San complete with rivet nuts. He used mild steel bolts, so I replaced them with stainless steel allen bolts from <a href="http://www.probolt.com/">www.probolt.com</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivbrl_GZe8_pTMh9uVP-uOLF_7G49WqQNCUoJSYBLpLLIdlywkrlEFmvoNq20wR-AUdBikVuXcB70IAW7AaQ4WDbHUUe3aXyZ7smcPFENrpKqtEhf0xI6AIO3y1wxq0Ps2tpIn3t-HgLH2/s1600/Hiace%252816%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivbrl_GZe8_pTMh9uVP-uOLF_7G49WqQNCUoJSYBLpLLIdlywkrlEFmvoNq20wR-AUdBikVuXcB70IAW7AaQ4WDbHUUe3aXyZ7smcPFENrpKqtEhf0xI6AIO3y1wxq0Ps2tpIn3t-HgLH2/s320/Hiace%252816%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg46eMt0HP-QFrkNb19zSD41NMp-mM1WZKxjcSyC2xelHlH6PLEX4k9nB8j_6aXRy1n69oPXc-LU4kXfGkXt9nxGcfTtPJ9RDahuFhhyphenhyphenVNa_Uuhq9QkBFxuKRj4VXfSvkJSbdzAXLXcBOiV/s1600/Hiace%252819%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg46eMt0HP-QFrkNb19zSD41NMp-mM1WZKxjcSyC2xelHlH6PLEX4k9nB8j_6aXRy1n69oPXc-LU4kXfGkXt9nxGcfTtPJ9RDahuFhhyphenhyphenVNa_Uuhq9QkBFxuKRj4VXfSvkJSbdzAXLXcBOiV/s320/Hiace%252819%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKOHKlccVUPqSLwz9HZnKX1QDJUHrrACz_LS09mmL4Rez5oFhpKGSIM6xKGswQlBqhfFodJBA_qHy4S3YzR8CI9Il4TjX3wNCN_Tq2eU5bfEYvTLJNKbcvQ_OABfVEwsEh8LFDIAfqTMzO/s1600/Hiace%252821%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_m2dw42Dk5doG0CZkCqcIFE8pz-xf27lgKG7hGa80ZJsD__of3faO1hVc6Au1kd1bW2wY2Ou5uwvCVtUUEaGNCjFApMTDFEm6Vuor-EsnAxOSKRFdBPQTZxO6l2PYqfBdkO-qYfIxf3At/s1600/Hiace%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_m2dw42Dk5doG0CZkCqcIFE8pz-xf27lgKG7hGa80ZJsD__of3faO1hVc6Au1kd1bW2wY2Ou5uwvCVtUUEaGNCjFApMTDFEm6Vuor-EsnAxOSKRFdBPQTZxO6l2PYqfBdkO-qYfIxf3At/s320/Hiace%25281%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a> <img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKOHKlccVUPqSLwz9HZnKX1QDJUHrrACz_LS09mmL4Rez5oFhpKGSIM6xKGswQlBqhfFodJBA_qHy4S3YzR8CI9Il4TjX3wNCN_Tq2eU5bfEYvTLJNKbcvQ_OABfVEwsEh8LFDIAfqTMzO/s320/Hiace%252821%2529.JPG" width="320" /><br />
I also found & fitted a sliding door wide hinge kit (So there is clearance with the rear arch as the side door slides open).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYlJRzMhgHRSac3JzZV4aNzzGEEng-MW0hV6V0l8eZya43ypwF-sSiRajEnmC9V4BqByh6lRa3YE75G0lggzFo-2ImDn4fEo-Zm9bulda5wufGwKD6Yge9UV1BPE0yvipf8humrCldz9MF/s1600/Camper.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYlJRzMhgHRSac3JzZV4aNzzGEEng-MW0hV6V0l8eZya43ypwF-sSiRajEnmC9V4BqByh6lRa3YE75G0lggzFo-2ImDn4fEo-Zm9bulda5wufGwKD6Yge9UV1BPE0yvipf8humrCldz9MF/s320/Camper.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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Having enjoyed having a bike to ride whilst camping in Shikoku so much (The roads were amazing, but the bike is very old, but low mileage!) I also found a Mototote bike carrier in the U.S. which could be used in combination with a tow bar kit to carry a lightweight bike on board, so that too was ordered. The carrier is a bit wider than the van, so with the towing lights (not shown) I'll modify the harness so there's orange marker lights too. The reversing camera is especially useful for when carrying a bike. I haven't used it yet (It's too cold to ride in mountains during winter and dangerous if there's ice, etc). but I'm sure it'll be great.<br />
So that resolves the frustration with being on beautiful roads but being unable to enjoy them whilst driving the Hiace, as my wife can drive and I can ride! Will also be able to take the kids aboard as we have special harnesses to keep them safe, they fell asleep on the green bike above several times (riding slowly in front - so I could support them), but whilst awake they loved the experience....<br />Our daughter already rides a 50cc mini MX bike on the beach and our son will too, just as soon as he can touch the floor when sitting on it!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCYqea7v27_vKOTdCjlKJaRHzJguU9XlP3rFW0Ulqa8SoVtMKlXGs55dNcOr-KkuBmU8LXJrgS4Xa8L80bL-pzlzfyx9rSos0g1dWMA7ZjCatB4euHulGkQaxhy6slxoRXukaqALO65m99/s1600/Hiace%25286%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCYqea7v27_vKOTdCjlKJaRHzJguU9XlP3rFW0Ulqa8SoVtMKlXGs55dNcOr-KkuBmU8LXJrgS4Xa8L80bL-pzlzfyx9rSos0g1dWMA7ZjCatB4euHulGkQaxhy6slxoRXukaqALO65m99/s320/Hiace%25286%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4P9zXIs7psfG6V-a5gQAC5hTGh5eut8vqZ03Yx9Zrgxk_QZPGf14-CUz9Kve9HPu2EOk9v_nQX4wm42H2lTKTOgNBnC0AdMC2EicfAWEzf4wqaJklXa4MNlkFeO00TZGs7fW9t_bGKn7w/s1600/Hiace%252816%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4P9zXIs7psfG6V-a5gQAC5hTGh5eut8vqZ03Yx9Zrgxk_QZPGf14-CUz9Kve9HPu2EOk9v_nQX4wm42H2lTKTOgNBnC0AdMC2EicfAWEzf4wqaJklXa4MNlkFeO00TZGs7fW9t_bGKn7w/s320/Hiace%252816%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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The original roof vent didn't have an electric fan, which would be useful when using the kitchen, so the old one was cut out and a larger reversible direction fan assisted vent was fitted in it's place. It sits a little taller, so we have to be mindful of the increased height when considering entering car parks now. I also found some new unused (They're long since discontinued by Toyota) side visors for the front doors and a very cool custom air intake vent for the engine (Located just behind the driver's door.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtgdjbXmufH9EKUtEIsMAGqRABeJJ7k_tq64kn_6C-xa8lHNzRdh6Ane4lXMfgglBtdlCnaT7X_vJPGxcIqi-qmTTLnc5JuG7cYQqgcMfTZiUIsVVM41B29jneUXSky6ql85ou9jfWLFs7/s1600/Hiace%252818%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju94QMYl3fxk01mfQk31nt4sG-Kwj4z2tl2j_ZvkQy5_ZCH8DbT5MXizVIa5y68kAa7s0PeRJG1Cm-XPkRFG9y8JYyaPJq24UQVRlbpoVBWugHhssffM_QxxXcSMQ1NNMVL7q85SItfMlq/s1600/Hiace%25284%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju94QMYl3fxk01mfQk31nt4sG-Kwj4z2tl2j_ZvkQy5_ZCH8DbT5MXizVIa5y68kAa7s0PeRJG1Cm-XPkRFG9y8JYyaPJq24UQVRlbpoVBWugHhssffM_QxxXcSMQ1NNMVL7q85SItfMlq/s320/Hiace%25284%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a> <img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtgdjbXmufH9EKUtEIsMAGqRABeJJ7k_tq64kn_6C-xa8lHNzRdh6Ane4lXMfgglBtdlCnaT7X_vJPGxcIqi-qmTTLnc5JuG7cYQqgcMfTZiUIsVVM41B29jneUXSky6ql85ou9jfWLFs7/s320/Hiace%252818%2529.JPG" width="320" /><br />
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I went as far as finding suitable itallic chromed matching "TRD Sportivo" & "Diesel" rear badges and having custom-made decals for the sides. , since this vehicle had originally been built by Toyota Technocraft as a dealer supplied car. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih1ujnmHUSFBq-adMZgU7Fd_7kEdKrTDnEkZwOMuJoQjNsALjJGz7KBZ-eJgdxQS_RJe2Zh4vMXz6g4ou_a9gXBsa82eh_k6tjvZEjmcusn2SZEuWHS9i8JLVk8Lg5JH8Jj8AKnqAKD-ej/s1600/Hiace%252814%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih1ujnmHUSFBq-adMZgU7Fd_7kEdKrTDnEkZwOMuJoQjNsALjJGz7KBZ-eJgdxQS_RJe2Zh4vMXz6g4ou_a9gXBsa82eh_k6tjvZEjmcusn2SZEuWHS9i8JLVk8Lg5JH8Jj8AKnqAKD-ej/s320/Hiace%252814%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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The gauges got LED white back-lighting too. At 131,000km, I had the timing belt changed by Toyota and at the same time the sump replaced.<br />
Changing the radiator had been a 2 afternoon job that pretty much consumed a weekend. It's located in the nose of the car, facing downwards and required removal of a lot of stuff to get to, so I didn't want to do more. Their labour rates are cheap, all things considered - and although they didn't want to take on the job on something this old and tried to make excuses so I should go elsewhere,, being Toyota they couldn't really say no. So I stood firm, booked the car in and waited 3 weeks. Finally it no longer leaks fluids and the engine will remain reliable for a very long time to come.<br />
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I still have a few jobs left to do, such as fitting braided brake lines and uprated pads (For safety not speed!), new bushes and some rare brand new Bilstein rear shock absorbers (Bilstein are excellent shocks which will improve ride at the rear. I will also raise the rear leaf spring ride height, as carrying a bike on the back tends to raise the front through leverage of carrying around 260kg or so with the carrier & motorcycle combined. There's a lot of overhang when carrying and I want to avoid it beaching itself on steep ramps, etc!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXoZT5qh0_SXImRmVp5GCTE4ClnRHmw7jIss1PfBbmCknOTIfvwzeegA92aFoyS0Mlza8yJPJjtIHRVNAg7WhK6iCc45MErLwQ8bmqxAusIzz8hLRlE-RO7eQZWDRJsTx-By7-NYBKIFhm/s1600/Hiace%25287%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXoZT5qh0_SXImRmVp5GCTE4ClnRHmw7jIss1PfBbmCknOTIfvwzeegA92aFoyS0Mlza8yJPJjtIHRVNAg7WhK6iCc45MErLwQ8bmqxAusIzz8hLRlE-RO7eQZWDRJsTx-By7-NYBKIFhm/s320/Hiace%25287%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiHfScbBiNM5VyvpY4mtFACV1hSPHW02i6O_Y98YDW9Z3SfnwsLAQ2e3aXX6AKo4s8ly8OoIUSTY84wEvDOw_mtLJvjvkbwAvsoad1dIMQSM9bfGJiuRT4BzmHqM10hnAQA04GMTBLr-Y9/s1600/Hiace%25288%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiHfScbBiNM5VyvpY4mtFACV1hSPHW02i6O_Y98YDW9Z3SfnwsLAQ2e3aXX6AKo4s8ly8OoIUSTY84wEvDOw_mtLJvjvkbwAvsoad1dIMQSM9bfGJiuRT4BzmHqM10hnAQA04GMTBLr-Y9/s320/Hiace%25288%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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Aside from already fitted LED lighting and concealed speakers, sub woofer., etc. The interior will remain pretty much as original. I expect it'll keep getting marked and damaged from a family with 2 young children, but that's OK. It still all works fine including the stove, fridge, etc! Not bad for a 24 year old camper, but then it was built by Toyota, so it's to be expected I suppose.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1MmA9BEXUKV7Zfj3-CrZP-n4WOXq0pToSq1GZHPf9JYdJiws4BlNZnPa05pFL4E2muQAVXnNPwMFqiP9d2bV0tVS_zfcedGOiOyWxm4qf8AnQszCNZGV7kq8f0LNOzoXO3-yRFS4QYy1E/s1600/Hiace%252810%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw3OZO_xVyP4EWzjjSiIOL_SfhvwENY9_E7Sd8lPoiwVljC8IpaqhQtpi4XTIfVL7cTe35PiSwjIfHwk0cGF3Gxvee3cAMbPv6JHYOfsYNFE5VK2CnJeR0ynbE6RnetzJZUbk_cSwq20dI/s1600/Hiace%25289%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw3OZO_xVyP4EWzjjSiIOL_SfhvwENY9_E7Sd8lPoiwVljC8IpaqhQtpi4XTIfVL7cTe35PiSwjIfHwk0cGF3Gxvee3cAMbPv6JHYOfsYNFE5VK2CnJeR0ynbE6RnetzJZUbk_cSwq20dI/s320/Hiace%25289%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd9Bs9KPW-nG11w65eZ5-3_-lx_n3Vl-naFLj3HQg4MB7In28XQCSr3gHZ6W8I_5v_LRnrUcPTlxlS7z8HRoyQeznHNkFyAPpwIcFgzF4ni5Msvn9T7guHDxKfHgvLZGT_NXGKom5ZRFZ_/s1600/Hiace%25285%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd9Bs9KPW-nG11w65eZ5-3_-lx_n3Vl-naFLj3HQg4MB7In28XQCSr3gHZ6W8I_5v_LRnrUcPTlxlS7z8HRoyQeznHNkFyAPpwIcFgzF4ni5Msvn9T7guHDxKfHgvLZGT_NXGKom5ZRFZ_/s320/Hiace%25285%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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Upstairs sleeps 2 and downstairs allows standing room for the kitchen area when the roof is up, which takes a few seconds to do. The table downstairs can also stow away to turn into either an 8 seater mini-bus, or another double bed with curtains for complete privacy.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-CDZ6qUjlIfsxTZggb0L7QW0OpTDYFnxA_Jvc_zoKsaWCgmR9Qhu1m7PnfUz4zJX5c-rX6oGqDcRR2eVUwVRmoKJo_mEybfbZW0pilkP_Ud9FlS5s8tMOYkITCbaclAdzj3itSqhMKgHc/s1600/Hiace%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0XSBAkvZszyf_PIMuqcZ9BOtYSmPlNrR6RY4R2kMinpHTtANeKIxt19nySJX55ilPZJ4XeovqVKEuaGbOgz2R-9L6ctUd3w_CoN9GzMMjMbcV2601Of4RBRtpRGCSWuhJ6anFq2p3IeHi/s1600/Hiace%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0XSBAkvZszyf_PIMuqcZ9BOtYSmPlNrR6RY4R2kMinpHTtANeKIxt19nySJX55ilPZJ4XeovqVKEuaGbOgz2R-9L6ctUd3w_CoN9GzMMjMbcV2601Of4RBRtpRGCSWuhJ6anFq2p3IeHi/s320/Hiace%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a> <img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-CDZ6qUjlIfsxTZggb0L7QW0OpTDYFnxA_Jvc_zoKsaWCgmR9Qhu1m7PnfUz4zJX5c-rX6oGqDcRR2eVUwVRmoKJo_mEybfbZW0pilkP_Ud9FlS5s8tMOYkITCbaclAdzj3itSqhMKgHc/s320/Hiace%25281%2529.JPG" width="320" /><br />
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As another recent improvement & modification I fitted HID headlights and spot lights.<br />
The spots are too bright for use with oncoming cars, but will be useful for getting off-road at night.<br />
I also plan to fit an aerodynamic roof rack at the front (We carry a telescopic ladder to get to the sleeping quarters upstairs so that'll allow access) to carry my bike gear in 2 boxes. This is so the interior isn't cluttered inside. There's a stainless steel exhaust on order and a brand new Toyota front pipe waiting to be fitted too. When I do the substitution I'll also use the opportunity to do that intended chassis rust proofing, rear shocks, bushes, brake hoses & pads too. Should be a day's leisurely work as eaxh job is fairly simple to do.<br />
Yesterday I lso ordered a large van cover from the U.S. via ebay, as I want to keep the paintwork pristine and unmarked for as long as possible.<br />
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Inside there's a complete box of kitchen & dining equipment for 6 people, table, chairs, BBQ, snorkelling gear and even a hammock tent carried + a very large awning & 2 large independently charged batteries with mains adaptor, water tanks, etc. (Factory fitted) <br />
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Finally it's just about ready for the use as intended. Just a few more tasks to finish but I can see the end of all the hard work at last & I'm quite pleased with the results.<br />
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Looking forward to more trips now in 2016 and beyond!<br />
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No doubt we'll update more on our camping adventures in the future.Miguel - Newerahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04970762111234680191noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3857626156954484494.post-21486311780210400502015-12-30T09:15:00.003-08:002015-12-30T09:19:19.866-08:00Motorcycle build & maintenance projects of 2014 & 2015.Apologies in advance to those who aren't interested in mechanical 2-wheeled things - If not, please ignore, move away & read some of the other more interesting posts!<br />
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For those of you who do appreciate mechanical art, I hope this may be of interest and hopefully some inspiration for what can be achieved with tools, care & a bit of mechanical & electrical knowledge with occasional spare time and a passion for good quality work.<br />
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Being a hobby of mine to build, improve & maintain mechanical machinery, keeping a record of these things to some day share with our son, is something I feel I need to do at the very least; He's already a budding car & bike nut, so it's just one of those things I guess he'll be thankful to read about someday when he can. These pictures were taken over the last couple of years.<br />
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Looking back it doesn't feel as if I spent a lot of time on these, but idle evenings with the family asleep, I confess I have spent a fair bit of time researching, buying and ordering several parts for these machines.<br />
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I also helped Carlos, a close friend to rebuild his bike (VTR SP2), which started off as a wreck, bought cheaply from Yahoo auctions. It started out as a heavily crashed machine, which had been high-sided with bent forks and seat frame & a lot of missing parts.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHtKDjCVkrOBuvUBgWdgRlpTQ-m5vTSByVIQRr3veikysRiIopMKhNH7y5h-s3WdGj7_myUgdFzHkqm0xkNZyAWPHUoChHj-RnLy4mGVIop07W5ib1CAXP1YKO800Hl0IUsNQaykx_UGua/s1600/DSC_5632.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHtKDjCVkrOBuvUBgWdgRlpTQ-m5vTSByVIQRr3veikysRiIopMKhNH7y5h-s3WdGj7_myUgdFzHkqm0xkNZyAWPHUoChHj-RnLy4mGVIop07W5ib1CAXP1YKO800Hl0IUsNQaykx_UGua/s320/DSC_5632.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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These first pictures were taken after a couple of weekend's work during the first months of 2014 where we we replaced most of the front end, fitted a used snorkel and my original exhaust. We also replaced the rear sub-frame, undertail & re-fitted all the electrics. My bike was used as a fully assembled example from which we compared to see what parts would be needed, how to route wiring, etc. We also had a lot of help from the RC51 community throughout the world, who kindly shared spare parts, or sold them to us cheaply. It took months to find & collect all the bits we needed, which I didn't already have stored as spares taken from mine, when upgrading components.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3i-u_exvE67KKvzxDrkxPCMLUd7VzXPj67EAgWV7WbrYrirAZyPmlLt4O-feAfZ9hhEcSE7E-1OtQl84fMPkTj5Y8_fUOFzZwnSqvEWkjsfR_xGGAIdZpB7Cl4rszUCpzJ3X17nTkn1jO/s1600/DSC_5637.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3i-u_exvE67KKvzxDrkxPCMLUd7VzXPj67EAgWV7WbrYrirAZyPmlLt4O-feAfZ9hhEcSE7E-1OtQl84fMPkTj5Y8_fUOFzZwnSqvEWkjsfR_xGGAIdZpB7Cl4rszUCpzJ3X17nTkn1jO/s320/DSC_5637.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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Carlos had wanted a VTR SP2 (RC51) ever since riding mine for 10 minutes or so, 2 years prior.<br />
Being the father of a young girl, his financial priorities were in the right place, so hobbies like having a nice bike took 2nd place of course.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWWIzMOkZQ9U4ePZ8wWAFt6Nrk1aUIwL6UV_YVckQ5afhWllDc9BNvILUrGrnVgIumH4TQbDa_LAPjFsOBgam_OZw42nUGOn6IGpTuL-_fqL-OwnAPVWptO1hXg7BTbJKV8iZT7hZpErZz/s1600/DSC_5636.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWWIzMOkZQ9U4ePZ8wWAFt6Nrk1aUIwL6UV_YVckQ5afhWllDc9BNvILUrGrnVgIumH4TQbDa_LAPjFsOBgam_OZw42nUGOn6IGpTuL-_fqL-OwnAPVWptO1hXg7BTbJKV8iZT7hZpErZz/s320/DSC_5636.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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We had fun & some late nights building his dream machine,<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_7ptRdtxR8jyvKP6JKoIf73HCcbsf4IRIM-OSezZIdH7zchLhVw1uy_cfQx1y9txTo6Sn-XuH1pafnpoyjYVjRf62Kn030oEhLE082vVge-lUHGuz8cfHil7eVzXm4N_hN2gpY_NF7uuV/s1600/DSC_5608.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_7ptRdtxR8jyvKP6JKoIf73HCcbsf4IRIM-OSezZIdH7zchLhVw1uy_cfQx1y9txTo6Sn-XuH1pafnpoyjYVjRf62Kn030oEhLE082vVge-lUHGuz8cfHil7eVzXm4N_hN2gpY_NF7uuV/s320/DSC_5608.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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And slowly, it took shape, whilst my son took a keen interest,,.,<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWMYp-LDVoBORNLMdqNsA4z43ivTAn0KNVSEW-1Eze6dn-TG2ldHxhZTebKmoIf-SbgncT8h9Te2pbv0K8WLsyX55hUtyLmPq5KsWvKnbXA6ohlQbOjh4kTwX2_LYoDdLyD6PLtd8iRurn/s1600/DSC_1214.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWMYp-LDVoBORNLMdqNsA4z43ivTAn0KNVSEW-1Eze6dn-TG2ldHxhZTebKmoIf-SbgncT8h9Te2pbv0K8WLsyX55hUtyLmPq5KsWvKnbXA6ohlQbOjh4kTwX2_LYoDdLyD6PLtd8iRurn/s320/DSC_1214.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZTRzzFdHjv7XWT-GAifBxbdFIrq5soosgs2ak4YA7En2dqABSjF0Zn37Bqz6MUUEBHyL-vgp9qlIEHVL2IpHVOzygOHltJcidrCD1nCoYXuNjWvNZ6WB04eydehnPqbukog9c30EznG_8/s1600/VTR+SP2+2005.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZTRzzFdHjv7XWT-GAifBxbdFIrq5soosgs2ak4YA7En2dqABSjF0Zn37Bqz6MUUEBHyL-vgp9qlIEHVL2IpHVOzygOHltJcidrCD1nCoYXuNjWvNZ6WB04eydehnPqbukog9c30EznG_8/s320/VTR+SP2+2005.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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Like me, Carlos is a perfectionist and so some top quality parts and further workmanship went into this bike.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ9ciFspUrsuHTlGaWBbdLkrbr_PCzzdTMftUq_m8t0algFfcvkUnMUjlbvZuIgWqCeiOJ6BlL73bTOxs7PkwoJsDnUUIOV_gPckLUROhYXg8kpe6g_sD3fmPVBfBQ_ozHvJ03b9Tc0iKx/s1600/DSC_1224.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ9ciFspUrsuHTlGaWBbdLkrbr_PCzzdTMftUq_m8t0algFfcvkUnMUjlbvZuIgWqCeiOJ6BlL73bTOxs7PkwoJsDnUUIOV_gPckLUROhYXg8kpe6g_sD3fmPVBfBQ_ozHvJ03b9Tc0iKx/s320/DSC_1224.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVP9FROWJY7SVWMLGRD3lboLiCXa3tv-iKUHLcQFa0P-YCNoOEr2S38YMHAEghrezXnaVBPgqMpqiKNg_q72WzjUz2MoeYrjCb8bf7TN4J3zeDpBhKoOW033SmU6PYc4g93hjSxFYo7YFP/s1600/DSC_1236.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVP9FROWJY7SVWMLGRD3lboLiCXa3tv-iKUHLcQFa0P-YCNoOEr2S38YMHAEghrezXnaVBPgqMpqiKNg_q72WzjUz2MoeYrjCb8bf7TN4J3zeDpBhKoOW033SmU6PYc4g93hjSxFYo7YFP/s320/DSC_1236.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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The result was a truly stunning machine.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitKrd8HBQxR30TM3Xf9hkLQOU6lr9w2QjZ9lh14KLlWDSNRnEm2TKf07qGmOsvLn-7k1VDWVLyOuW-QcHwgnIDpWlTTs2-DwW0d3IQsDzyBO8zO35i4VeVedsN07y6xD5tABaXnulCiCPJ/s1600/DSC_1360.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitKrd8HBQxR30TM3Xf9hkLQOU6lr9w2QjZ9lh14KLlWDSNRnEm2TKf07qGmOsvLn-7k1VDWVLyOuW-QcHwgnIDpWlTTs2-DwW0d3IQsDzyBO8zO35i4VeVedsN07y6xD5tABaXnulCiCPJ/s320/DSC_1360.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_iToFPrRbFQbXH3OR19uD7xT89g2HRs6no8y_niZ3R-M5jIIVapHINckMTsU88nUcJCk6QaKCFvSAODQ6kmSfFOBcMlL81vdREIgLOr8KBcddXa_D__arvsA8ukhV9Odh8wiKbAX5hX6D/s1600/DSC_1366.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_iToFPrRbFQbXH3OR19uD7xT89g2HRs6no8y_niZ3R-M5jIIVapHINckMTsU88nUcJCk6QaKCFvSAODQ6kmSfFOBcMlL81vdREIgLOr8KBcddXa_D__arvsA8ukhV9Odh8wiKbAX5hX6D/s320/DSC_1366.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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In Spring of 2015 we enjoyed a ride through my favourite roads around Fuji.<br />
Carlos' bike performed faultlessly and that first day riding together was in his words, the best ride he'd ever experienced!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYWEQtCok7iW-XnAl0jr0lMt2X0TrYVS0xG70jnI55uVpuT_IwiGKXm6mR3YTEVlcPVNYLuDGN9dRUwZcuqwF03tjN2l0gyZRymYvtMTbErHH1biQJGFt1gVZ4q9BZTq7bJuQrbPHvMyoP/s1600/DSC_1615.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYWEQtCok7iW-XnAl0jr0lMt2X0TrYVS0xG70jnI55uVpuT_IwiGKXm6mR3YTEVlcPVNYLuDGN9dRUwZcuqwF03tjN2l0gyZRymYvtMTbErHH1biQJGFt1gVZ4q9BZTq7bJuQrbPHvMyoP/s320/DSC_1615.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC3Vc4vUQmmV4ol0zOuKgEYddgxvcSalrnstNyD5vsbkbB8wxa93NhjtmzHuju7scjwJMhUzV10lczWqB7u90sOPLy303dDyv3yst82bZapzfn6OqLk4pFq04oxH3wNzbXdpJ6QUoGIWzl/s1600/DSC_1639.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC3Vc4vUQmmV4ol0zOuKgEYddgxvcSalrnstNyD5vsbkbB8wxa93NhjtmzHuju7scjwJMhUzV10lczWqB7u90sOPLy303dDyv3yst82bZapzfn6OqLk4pFq04oxH3wNzbXdpJ6QUoGIWzl/s320/DSC_1639.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ8gFBSXJWXgzW1MoJ-_q19ewgchZo_bgHULvi57CtZ7Y13jyvtQ-27GYH9dzsx1L6zVRsbZVy0ZKIy4frJMIAJN5NUvoz9TE3pHHLvXEvJY_vW_92GE8WSsKuXZHI_tiPyOFmuKhpsm9k/s1600/DSC_1667.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ8gFBSXJWXgzW1MoJ-_q19ewgchZo_bgHULvi57CtZ7Y13jyvtQ-27GYH9dzsx1L6zVRsbZVy0ZKIy4frJMIAJN5NUvoz9TE3pHHLvXEvJY_vW_92GE8WSsKuXZHI_tiPyOFmuKhpsm9k/s320/DSC_1667.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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After a glorious day's riding, we spent the night at a Ryokan at Yamanaka lake so we could ride again the next day, but were greeted by a very cold morning!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgHzi83KHU35JQEUJfdipSpBGk0jk7C5pDnEMgcR_0rAgusJy4jnOCl-hs2XdUOM5IXYtwEUcwAZV6onkohD5hlp6gOPdSCP1fzG_D_SdArsd_7AEzDmTk3WswWSHBBN0XHYgcQnn1-zKn/s1600/DSC_1704.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgHzi83KHU35JQEUJfdipSpBGk0jk7C5pDnEMgcR_0rAgusJy4jnOCl-hs2XdUOM5IXYtwEUcwAZV6onkohD5hlp6gOPdSCP1fzG_D_SdArsd_7AEzDmTk3WswWSHBBN0XHYgcQnn1-zKn/s320/DSC_1704.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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The weather did improve throughout the day, but then it begun snowing again in the late afternoon so we headed home to lower plains, but first stopped at my favourite race track.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheJ-3eK5J9SmjvkrQiPq4V89nDm_bqLZUHklxPm2JFZeAcH8sL5mYF9TaNxO-sW680h5MAk_wJjMDb2kVm1Oj1qcCqBSVrV6MX7-0hyIhyaMNHcQKigRqUW1cWfGwIbktJTvgsUrbuEUT9/s1600/DSC_1728.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheJ-3eK5J9SmjvkrQiPq4V89nDm_bqLZUHklxPm2JFZeAcH8sL5mYF9TaNxO-sW680h5MAk_wJjMDb2kVm1Oj1qcCqBSVrV6MX7-0hyIhyaMNHcQKigRqUW1cWfGwIbktJTvgsUrbuEUT9/s320/DSC_1728.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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Carlos & his family returned to the UK in summer of 2014 and of course the SP2 was also shipped there. After all the fun of rebuilding it together, it had become a fantastic machine again and these being bikes that are appreciating makes it a good investment to be enjoyed when time allows.<br />
It's now safely in his garage in the Cotswolds. He intends to continue improving it slowly as and when funds & time allows. These things tend to take a long time to develop... but the time taken allows for modifications to be added with plenty of thought and leisure.<br />
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<b>Naturally</b>, my own projects also took up some of weekends between 2014 & 2015 as part of the culmination of years of ownership.<br />
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This is my VFR750, owned since 1993, when I was still a university student. I had stored it in my garage in the UK from when I moved to Japan in 1998 and brought it back to Japan at the beginning of 2013. This is what it looked like after a weekend's work bringing it back to life.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaqkUGeS6SO2EcPF3C_AwvhRMbKelZ_irHvrrz_0HhyphenhyphenSeQ5dCkg_5QqNal2XgcDpzWmOULEW_Lm6GGbfdQFAezEzxC30QbtpecY46E-AEC6xaUuKgKdpk5XatdnxQhnoEFn_DiTpJnAKr1/s1600/VFR750.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaqkUGeS6SO2EcPF3C_AwvhRMbKelZ_irHvrrz_0HhyphenhyphenSeQ5dCkg_5QqNal2XgcDpzWmOULEW_Lm6GGbfdQFAezEzxC30QbtpecY46E-AEC6xaUuKgKdpk5XatdnxQhnoEFn_DiTpJnAKr1/s320/VFR750.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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After registering it in Japan, I lent it to my young friend Olfa for a weekend and unfortunately she had a small spill on it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjclCkQWDBMiN63SjAaofsq52P-QS9LOqfM2OcvYxV7r6zKc6sNEB3n6N1lkbDKfCAUlQTo3NQHDLvlVzsSHnaG81qjn7hCXQPdU2Spv7fLqZnTjaaK9GRnaJ-s8O3qoi-G07KNWYm3IitN/s1600/DSC_3424.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjclCkQWDBMiN63SjAaofsq52P-QS9LOqfM2OcvYxV7r6zKc6sNEB3n6N1lkbDKfCAUlQTo3NQHDLvlVzsSHnaG81qjn7hCXQPdU2Spv7fLqZnTjaaK9GRnaJ-s8O3qoi-G07KNWYm3IitN/s320/DSC_3424.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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Fortunately she was absolutely fine and the bike could be fairly easily repaired. I was a little sad at first, but being a great lass Olfa made herself responsible for the costs of repair & I soon managed to find the plastic panels & parts needed, from Honda Japan. I'd meanwhile also discovered that the front end of a VTR SP1/2 could be adapted to fit. An obvious progression after having fitted an uprated front end to mine, a whole spare front end had made itself available!<br />
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I also collected & stashed away a few uprated & spare parts, including uprated brake discs which had come off the SP2, plus a new titanium exhaust silencer and other goodies. Unfortunately being engineering minded, this is my vice in life... See, I just can't resist wanting beautiful mechanical things when I finally come across them, especially when they function well too.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2TzOGif0fBd3jv2JtzywPLvydlaPh6naYMfkSOQ80dmGO8eJqEDNj8hqN_wUJPORyQkU7TEUqJ2R7rAxUhuDMKc7VfRFiwapf2eBiiOVwXyAH01ciB7vhVFNAazGm-jtCAF8i-6DOHNT9/s1600/DSC_3421.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2TzOGif0fBd3jv2JtzywPLvydlaPh6naYMfkSOQ80dmGO8eJqEDNj8hqN_wUJPORyQkU7TEUqJ2R7rAxUhuDMKc7VfRFiwapf2eBiiOVwXyAH01ciB7vhVFNAazGm-jtCAF8i-6DOHNT9/s320/DSC_3421.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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So, off with the old.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge1Viu5LqEuEldxbqY90MG3h4ABVvQquRMLg4y1kCycyqfn1BSXlobMUhWpngZnCwt1sP2oM_gsAwQawwF7kgSeyb-Up8e_v7FrFEOwpd0qzPUSWg5-p8zFRqmmaCM2eubgY7KlwL3lbyF/s1600/DSC_3482.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge1Viu5LqEuEldxbqY90MG3h4ABVvQquRMLg4y1kCycyqfn1BSXlobMUhWpngZnCwt1sP2oM_gsAwQawwF7kgSeyb-Up8e_v7FrFEOwpd0qzPUSWg5-p8zFRqmmaCM2eubgY7KlwL3lbyF/s320/DSC_3482.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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And on with the new!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidOCKfwXh8T0eE4K9s_khQZ-X6cRnH72EUMpc8nhcHN_U8mXn8rA0xvDczLaaseHzYH0CL9XX4B-QBlHeptQqILoMiZLgcFCFZEFnZPd3BUEcLh-5-fptf9gsnNHuYCZ1x9nK83S4wyrjN/s1600/DSC_3497.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidOCKfwXh8T0eE4K9s_khQZ-X6cRnH72EUMpc8nhcHN_U8mXn8rA0xvDczLaaseHzYH0CL9XX4B-QBlHeptQqILoMiZLgcFCFZEFnZPd3BUEcLh-5-fptf9gsnNHuYCZ1x9nK83S4wyrjN/s320/DSC_3497.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_ofuTU57nRN5KhDZGRlvLlClJq8ldDQ8CAiqchZWNTO-dJoTyhprVwtZ_J-CGr0raCFeg-NtFJWDgYwbep8-aoM8BNjQw5JiWgxpl9FQInsGVIS8f3O-V1VKZ3S55fRrBWOsroLe1dRu8/s1600/DSC_3503.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_ofuTU57nRN5KhDZGRlvLlClJq8ldDQ8CAiqchZWNTO-dJoTyhprVwtZ_J-CGr0raCFeg-NtFJWDgYwbep8-aoM8BNjQw5JiWgxpl9FQInsGVIS8f3O-V1VKZ3S55fRrBWOsroLe1dRu8/s320/DSC_3503.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCRRsGOC8qYXAxSYSFCjEvbXRJU3CpmtFEuXQNoQA_M2Z0dW9TJXN5x3mPc8vWs47b69P7Tg-2H9DIjw7rP8LldCnjUfW4WSoWk97XnEjx4KOdg2yoplRRYyUF7kVmtSDVSL4_7CO4DaaZ/s1600/DSC_3493.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCRRsGOC8qYXAxSYSFCjEvbXRJU3CpmtFEuXQNoQA_M2Z0dW9TJXN5x3mPc8vWs47b69P7Tg-2H9DIjw7rP8LldCnjUfW4WSoWk97XnEjx4KOdg2yoplRRYyUF7kVmtSDVSL4_7CO4DaaZ/s320/DSC_3493.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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This is how it looked in the end... It rides better (Safer with new suspension, brakes, louder exhaust, etc). I don't get to ride it much, but it's useful for riding into Tokyo sometimes, when need arises and weather permits. It'll also make a good bike to take my wife touring on someday, when she finds the courage. I know she'll love it when she does try and I have hatched plans on how I'll slowly introduce her to the joys of travelling on two wheels.... in time.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixysmhfXE15HifNFH0W1qvJ7ltKuijZ45gHQpz5ra2GRHuIVRvM7dAsSaV6T5fnCnApLXV0VT5REhPGli-0Dn08Nc38bkDuSYdS2Sm_GW62BpTXAztBhFouMmarch64pU3FTzQ1SL0aqh5/s1600/VFR750%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixysmhfXE15HifNFH0W1qvJ7ltKuijZ45gHQpz5ra2GRHuIVRvM7dAsSaV6T5fnCnApLXV0VT5REhPGli-0Dn08Nc38bkDuSYdS2Sm_GW62BpTXAztBhFouMmarch64pU3FTzQ1SL0aqh5/s320/VFR750%25281%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJCwfnHf09GposieywgmriStjIWNVqGZItXDw1ww0RMbJ1WgqFuwJlh9wOjDUWQO53bRXnXljrm8Y9CsmFoJe4ZFghVnXLVs2Fvx-Bab-RFQwMg351GmsYSifFTRM6VyXYAF5TLDB0WqQX/s1600/VFR750%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJCwfnHf09GposieywgmriStjIWNVqGZItXDw1ww0RMbJ1WgqFuwJlh9wOjDUWQO53bRXnXljrm8Y9CsmFoJe4ZFghVnXLVs2Fvx-Bab-RFQwMg351GmsYSifFTRM6VyXYAF5TLDB0WqQX/s320/VFR750%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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Aside from this, there are a few other projects in the slow-moving pipeline.<br />
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A TDR250, the very first production motard bike, which has been uprated and modernised with CRF250 forks, Maxton suspension and much more. These pictgures show only a mock-up, so I could check & see how the parts intended will fit, I will need to find time to strip it all down, get some welding done for a spare frame, have it powder coated and then begin the build from the ground-up, leaving paintwork till the very last so I don't scratch it whilst tinkering!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD4d447VQoZJs7NcPSxEkzAgCVdzEinrPmakfkE8LKvg7ydLxp6Bj5WRMAqqEORvk0zgWfSeOeRdOBVX2tblMtG7lzvNasa6IvjhYwUpvLtxGPqrmTY5B4UVqySZsxJcj3nmRFgfuahRyr/s1600/TDR250.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD4d447VQoZJs7NcPSxEkzAgCVdzEinrPmakfkE8LKvg7ydLxp6Bj5WRMAqqEORvk0zgWfSeOeRdOBVX2tblMtG7lzvNasa6IvjhYwUpvLtxGPqrmTY5B4UVqySZsxJcj3nmRFgfuahRyr/s320/TDR250.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKCXmQ0YMZ8lzc9fLZelOj7i45ubGjECWyCPjQ0-Zkfqyc0wrIaZhrwbYr5ZdjDZq3z7Sh_d8b2C_nDtzTh1pXYT48udWLPP79U6Zky12dtyxMCJnXq-yWfGr4hbPljnAFbPw79uBuKUFX/s1600/TDR250+2.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKCXmQ0YMZ8lzc9fLZelOj7i45ubGjECWyCPjQ0-Zkfqyc0wrIaZhrwbYr5ZdjDZq3z7Sh_d8b2C_nDtzTh1pXYT48udWLPP79U6Zky12dtyxMCJnXq-yWfGr4hbPljnAFbPw79uBuKUFX/s320/TDR250+2.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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There's also an NSR250 which is in small pieces right now, with a lot of uprated parts waiting to be fitted to a replacement frame. It's awaiting special bodywork that's coming from a well-known specialist manufacturer in Thailand. I've told him there's no rush at all, so it's taken about a year so far... I';m sure they'll get it done sometime in 2016!<br />
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I have a lot to get on with before that, basically assembling a complete bike onto which the bodywork will be attached in the end.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim8guvuVR60Bcn6PL03PuqtV-yxrYgOLuocfeiTgTR1ThDsQ8LnHYlmwyf7wJcGJjPLUxjH05wlgKHMzSM8_v44HXnOsz3Mip25JzMx7gVFtxLnuwDpr7vtOfLIzLX6K-jMXoSUAdHV6t9/s1600/umi_hosi_on-img600x450-1411627530hjypj517535.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim8guvuVR60Bcn6PL03PuqtV-yxrYgOLuocfeiTgTR1ThDsQ8LnHYlmwyf7wJcGJjPLUxjH05wlgKHMzSM8_v44HXnOsz3Mip25JzMx7gVFtxLnuwDpr7vtOfLIzLX6K-jMXoSUAdHV6t9/s320/umi_hosi_on-img600x450-1411627530hjypj517535.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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The intention is for it to look a lot like this very famous NSR500 (Mick Doohan's 1993 GP bike).<br />
I'm excited about this project, as there's a lot of boxes hiding under the table in the dining room, waiting to be unpacked and assembled, right down to a set of brand new carbon fibre wheels!<br />
We'll see.... there's always other projects that seem to get in the way and with more priority, there's work too (Which is often similar to these projects, only instead on customer's cars).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZHFlaqIi7Kko_BHNSnS1dLEgKGvRCiW-jl8NaFvz2Bd5f1Zt96gl-MOUSTfyJNjvYacxyFcffDwr5URPDfeO3YluCLq1UO8llXvSOmhs3Jb6hh5dRuF4iiqdOKEP0Dvgow-oqErV1K7qI/s1600/DSC_3053.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZHFlaqIi7Kko_BHNSnS1dLEgKGvRCiW-jl8NaFvz2Bd5f1Zt96gl-MOUSTfyJNjvYacxyFcffDwr5URPDfeO3YluCLq1UO8llXvSOmhs3Jb6hh5dRuF4iiqdOKEP0Dvgow-oqErV1K7qI/s320/DSC_3053.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDTeVsyPU_x0vFWyig8uWb7xiiemzDbvGh_MSBYSmZn_P1FZD2PGbNi1f2Su0CAKeyrV537j-CjvEBDYKlxgrurPN9DJiVxzbd_Jsa3fp7PFaiOmNak3_0ZDL19FDPSo_O3fiNWRg2eGfX/s1600/Doohan+NSR500.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDTeVsyPU_x0vFWyig8uWb7xiiemzDbvGh_MSBYSmZn_P1FZD2PGbNi1f2Su0CAKeyrV537j-CjvEBDYKlxgrurPN9DJiVxzbd_Jsa3fp7PFaiOmNak3_0ZDL19FDPSo_O3fiNWRg2eGfX/s320/Doohan+NSR500.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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I think the way to inspire a child's love for mechanical things is to share from a young age with something he can enjoy playing with and be inspired by.<br />
So first of all - our son needed to learn how to ride a bicycle. This he did at just 3 years and 3 months of age. I took these pictures after asking him to try to ride with his feet up for about 50 metres, which he promptly did - effortlessly!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLU62BC8XGzVEybDEPeH0fuhyphenhyphen4Z398fwfZE8J3j5cSdVW4iMU-1am1zVceC2NI_tLO5Pq3dDuuCdJHIcMXJ3xrjHzhsdtNTqRWFCJ6OHOT7sl4kHlE1SIQnm5f4SRSGlA8ZXBr6tQ9fl3L/s1600/Akira+rides.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLU62BC8XGzVEybDEPeH0fuhyphenhyphen4Z398fwfZE8J3j5cSdVW4iMU-1am1zVceC2NI_tLO5Pq3dDuuCdJHIcMXJ3xrjHzhsdtNTqRWFCJ6OHOT7sl4kHlE1SIQnm5f4SRSGlA8ZXBr6tQ9fl3L/s320/Akira+rides.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzeiWPKq5y1hp_vEau2PHST9XyIXQRujqHp8gYlcG3IVAFgiESfb6-QHWs0tMXbitJ_RFPQf4wmRY9odD8q7W8fFPLyF3Un66Fy8WrWuSTQQ_e5qTkAwcZcJ-QL2m5mR2x5PLaAlAfgHHZ/s1600/Akira+rides%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzeiWPKq5y1hp_vEau2PHST9XyIXQRujqHp8gYlcG3IVAFgiESfb6-QHWs0tMXbitJ_RFPQf4wmRY9odD8q7W8fFPLyF3Un66Fy8WrWuSTQQ_e5qTkAwcZcJ-QL2m5mR2x5PLaAlAfgHHZ/s320/Akira+rides%25281%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyA1tn5FZWQbvnk77wqMl_tAgB0j0c9gGv24XzaY2vEPjNa9To8_2TUIkmCDiTLXzKMC-RWeBr5FjUQebvscALIs-_Jys1QsLIZV010iUdBVONxzBB2zEeExr_e9HR98qSCA1nuFtvbR7V/s1600/Akira+rides%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2fgObaujxalu25lwEuxhbQBzICaX7TsBpc5_Ni3FysGvJ9iFe9aDrN1sXNjdz8rXgqkqHd8IUzv7qz5vnTNQ3AXH-eGehXUgfnAt0FQqYB2Zy6yqr9HfLKl5fFojJ7XggSflZT1KMS2x5/s1600/Akira+rides%25283%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2fgObaujxalu25lwEuxhbQBzICaX7TsBpc5_Ni3FysGvJ9iFe9aDrN1sXNjdz8rXgqkqHd8IUzv7qz5vnTNQ3AXH-eGehXUgfnAt0FQqYB2Zy6yqr9HfLKl5fFojJ7XggSflZT1KMS2x5/s320/Akira+rides%25283%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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And within a few weeks he could ride a bicycle - without anybody having ever taught him, except for seeing his sister riding her bicycle (she learnt the conventional way, with training wheels). See - we learn from example!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbss-ifRCbFalfMRrtd2jshSax-3HqaHg_JNEkhGwZCcuXE2s_651-Gb0IaJ8Hkl25GjHE6PwOg1Im7bUhlEeg3DiUXQZe0BcjSR66x2H8pYN4fYt4OMdMzg-6tLXhAyFSFxRLGqGLxKH-/s1600/DSC_8128.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbss-ifRCbFalfMRrtd2jshSax-3HqaHg_JNEkhGwZCcuXE2s_651-Gb0IaJ8Hkl25GjHE6PwOg1Im7bUhlEeg3DiUXQZe0BcjSR66x2H8pYN4fYt4OMdMzg-6tLXhAyFSFxRLGqGLxKH-/s320/DSC_8128.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzkideyyBMDOfv5YhyphenhyphenT6BMGrEuSzZn1hPhWimz3roa0kWITs6xzsj5kjMmVPiwf1V-VyHywx7tClAIFTwyHFi03TL3cFTOe7WVBMG8zuRWpIe_9tgrFfIM_BEMMM1zWTZjqHr3xHbzAHYB/s1600/DSC_8121.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzkideyyBMDOfv5YhyphenhyphenT6BMGrEuSzZn1hPhWimz3roa0kWITs6xzsj5kjMmVPiwf1V-VyHywx7tClAIFTwyHFi03TL3cFTOe7WVBMG8zuRWpIe_9tgrFfIM_BEMMM1zWTZjqHr3xHbzAHYB/s320/DSC_8121.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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And so the next progression was a motocross bike of his own...<br />
He's still too small to put his feet on the ground, so we ride it together - every time he remembers, he asks me to go for a ride, which I do my best to accommodate even when I'm working. I make sure his feet are on top of mine and his hands underneath my own, so he will understand how to control the bike. Just 5 minutes riding together puts a smile on his face. I just love seeing the excitement on his face as he waits for me to start the bike and it first bursts into life.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipmZwfG__MFLrJyGS5VQG8pYPXE34p-2JQAEARdhulg3lhrBsfkES1vOYxIeTE0x92diaHBo5JLKCP7PVJLiCVjPGBGAS8CevNgz1WUWJcFia3maIyOnFCziTQGrVs1TwQY76DDBEqiEuh/s1600/DSC_4954.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipmZwfG__MFLrJyGS5VQG8pYPXE34p-2JQAEARdhulg3lhrBsfkES1vOYxIeTE0x92diaHBo5JLKCP7PVJLiCVjPGBGAS8CevNgz1WUWJcFia3maIyOnFCziTQGrVs1TwQY76DDBEqiEuh/s320/DSC_4954.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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It made an excellent little bike at Motegi 2015's Moto GP which Carlos & I attended. This is how we got from the car park where we camped, to the ticket barriers, much to the amusement of pedestrians walking up to the circuit. It was painful for Carlos and I had to ride with my legs spread wide in order to be able to steer, but it worked great... Next time we'll take a larger bike, maybe...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG8UcY6XRXiirIyamLjoknoXwtzA_ovAEasK6gwqsylBDK0UdvAbMDFBSYA0FefTwCiY8ZuFMp16hUBmNB3_qmFflDds_5gFYpjvgEQgrwjQd62nGesdR-3kSQA_S1zcr59TYZbKMY5eDQ/s1600/DSC_8212.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG8UcY6XRXiirIyamLjoknoXwtzA_ovAEasK6gwqsylBDK0UdvAbMDFBSYA0FefTwCiY8ZuFMp16hUBmNB3_qmFflDds_5gFYpjvgEQgrwjQd62nGesdR-3kSQA_S1zcr59TYZbKMY5eDQ/s320/DSC_8212.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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Earlier in 2015 I also bought a cheap old enduro bike, so I can take the kids to the beach (20 mins from our home) and teach them to ride in safety on the wet sands beside the sea. I can also use it in the forest, when we build the intended small motocross track for our kids to play on.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh_ZxA_R6Ci48hLudUDpPTthr3vXMJQoccOrf7ejEfLYHFyeSIZjUj7DHqeuUSMbgFhw1pTFLuoHKjzyguq0Ei31gXZpkLvpoJBz0oA_L0SgzTVuMXnrHzjxo7FaDASscAIGvkefbvdkIt/s1600/CRM250.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh_ZxA_R6Ci48hLudUDpPTthr3vXMJQoccOrf7ejEfLYHFyeSIZjUj7DHqeuUSMbgFhw1pTFLuoHKjzyguq0Ei31gXZpkLvpoJBz0oA_L0SgzTVuMXnrHzjxo7FaDASscAIGvkefbvdkIt/s320/CRM250.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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Our daughter already knows how to ride and a few weeks ago we took them to an empty winter beach. Whilst I rode the CRM250 with her brother sitting in front, she rode the CRF50. Together the three of us chased baby seagulls as they flew close to the shore line for about 3 km each way. She only fell off once at slow speed (when she tried to chase me across dry sand after I'd specifically told her to stay on the wet & firm stuff only!) but soon re-mounted and was riding again.<br />
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The night I bought the CRM250 on a yahoo auction, I had also put in a cheeky bid for a 2006 Husqvarna SM450R. I had known they were great bikes for a long time and had hankered after one for years A(fter seeing my friend Richard Haus' Hussaberg 620 in his garage!), but could never justify owning yet another type of bike. These are often misunderstood by those who don't appreciate mechanical finesse or know how to properly maintain these machines. I think the reason I managed to buy this cheaply was because Japanese riders need a full licence to ride anything over 400cc and this is a 450 with larger 510 models also available.<br />
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This one had been well looked after, I could tell - and the price was cheap. Thinking I'd try a silly bid I was surprised to find the next morning I'd bought not one, but two bikes whilst sleeping!<br />
I confessed to my wife cheekily & casually a few days later that I'd bought these, explaining that one was to ride with the kids and make sure they'd be safe (Which is of course sensible & true - really!! - But having had a CRM250 in 1998 as my first and only transport in Japan I bought it partly from nostalgia too) and the other.... well, I had no justification except that my motard project could take a lot longer to complete yet, as it needs a fair bit of work to complete yet and there are always other projects in the pipeline!<br />
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She just laughed at how I tried to justify these expenditures as she already knows about my vice for beautiful mechanical things.... The way she understands and accepts me is one of the reasons I love her so much. I hear other wives would go ballistic, but she's just so relaxed about these things (In turn I never get in the way of her hobby of belly dancing either!)<br />
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The Husky has proven to be a fantastic machine to ride on the road. Super handling, brakes, suspension and of course engine too. Of course I couldn't resist adding a few touches to perfect it, so it's had a new titanium silencer and race (carb) jet kit, plus new pedals, brake & gear levers and other small cosmetic parts.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6yOks8e2vgOyhyphenhyphenzIBLjvtzrAnTMbyAU65e7YfTzBzgHb0zeQjSeYVcWXtpw3QZmCEs6fmdAwqsHyUhSzahp-psvFFzvR0TLQSkqft5DSTr2Ew_PWjP1v5h4QqL7MLrnf8A1g1YeA8LEwN/s1600/DSC_8261.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6yOks8e2vgOyhyphenhyphenzIBLjvtzrAnTMbyAU65e7YfTzBzgHb0zeQjSeYVcWXtpw3QZmCEs6fmdAwqsHyUhSzahp-psvFFzvR0TLQSkqft5DSTr2Ew_PWjP1v5h4QqL7MLrnf8A1g1YeA8LEwN/s320/DSC_8261.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPZQVUUM-oWFftMSKpSfo129KnRf0sOZ6EACyyTF13eAGGTg8fHbpWSIFGqf1XlsEOrPwc5B3Z7bYlSnUYbUks7UG_0OgKdSV6-EyiaQHiJKQQLES9w-FkX2CX7tvFRNLsCwJg8Iu2Ujtt/s1600/DSC_8262.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPZQVUUM-oWFftMSKpSfo129KnRf0sOZ6EACyyTF13eAGGTg8fHbpWSIFGqf1XlsEOrPwc5B3Z7bYlSnUYbUks7UG_0OgKdSV6-EyiaQHiJKQQLES9w-FkX2CX7tvFRNLsCwJg8Iu2Ujtt/s320/DSC_8262.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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The side panels were a bit scratched from track-work the bike's evidently done in it's past ownership, so I replaced them with new an also added 2008 decals, as to me their design looks better.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCh7-V4qh5Pc2Q1d8Tc2rbz_JTd6lJUWk36UMo8DchyBqicXsJhGjAMpr0Y9nsyI8HLghp8mp_yYvrwloZ8_a0GKFdzvGKFW7h6Tq8mXujcY3bxMzezfW0CL7ioZq4UD1_gI453KY3rfZN/s1600/Husky+3.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCh7-V4qh5Pc2Q1d8Tc2rbz_JTd6lJUWk36UMo8DchyBqicXsJhGjAMpr0Y9nsyI8HLghp8mp_yYvrwloZ8_a0GKFdzvGKFW7h6Tq8mXujcY3bxMzezfW0CL7ioZq4UD1_gI453KY3rfZN/s320/Husky+3.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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Being a race tuned bike and very light, it loves to wheelie under power and is very easy to chuck around curves, which makes for a perfect machine to get into town on errands with, and will also be huge fun to ride on mountain roads! <br />
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Being so inspiring to ride, it could easily get me into trouble with the fuzz. Besides which, the exhaust's power pulses made the number plate begin to fracture, so I placed the number plate somewhere a little more discreet.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinjC1aAj6bUu17MNpLgCXISAHz9Egbxe79Yqsa5QMTppPPwOg7xlcgb-nBv5KUuk9LvYAvfjDj_sY_BH_BrleShe-9h3bZbk_fzSp1j2WpRyajR9u22sN20cQxmqz-g_BbJ8uZFKCZyf5Q/s1600/Husky+5.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinjC1aAj6bUu17MNpLgCXISAHz9Egbxe79Yqsa5QMTppPPwOg7xlcgb-nBv5KUuk9LvYAvfjDj_sY_BH_BrleShe-9h3bZbk_fzSp1j2WpRyajR9u22sN20cQxmqz-g_BbJ8uZFKCZyf5Q/s320/Husky+5.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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I'll be putting up another post about camping and restoration & improvement of our camper van, but a few weeks ago I added a tow bar & Mototote bike carrier to it, which will be used to carry the lighter bikes when completed, when I want to use them somewhere further away, or take a bike + the small one to go camping together with the family.<br />
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It's always a little sad driving the van on Japan's amazing countryside roads and being unable to enjoy them on a capable machine, with the bikes always left behind with the intention to enjoy them another time... This modification to the van certainly put a smile on my face.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8uPHvCSovNgQ4Ih-KuYiBWvI6AV1yiUjF34aaR9yEEg8azHz9eQLDapkffzXJvxNV7GTvqIYvC9NunMhW-Jq1rZhXbgwFaX_mmxGaNRaBdPDA73G0RcsSC_zet0si42xW3pC1UM3a_950/s1600/Camper.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8uPHvCSovNgQ4Ih-KuYiBWvI6AV1yiUjF34aaR9yEEg8azHz9eQLDapkffzXJvxNV7GTvqIYvC9NunMhW-Jq1rZhXbgwFaX_mmxGaNRaBdPDA73G0RcsSC_zet0si42xW3pC1UM3a_950/s320/Camper.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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And last but not least, comes the last bike to be mentioned on this post. My <b>VTR SP2. </b>This bike I've had since 2005 and is my favourite of all. It's slowly been transformed from a near standard bike to something very special during the time I've owned it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7VG-ZACrLotdZFfK4ANrQv4qVCF9wLxaCFVCpHyZcLhA-gkcWZGPqLlZj_0_E9FppxODSET3HmgoBAdb5S9_FxqsYqnVz4-xerLMSNz28Q0lt0sqRrMQttIgFSIj3gFAp8sJAlUne-U7-/s1600/DSC_5431_zpsed77a2f3.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7VG-ZACrLotdZFfK4ANrQv4qVCF9wLxaCFVCpHyZcLhA-gkcWZGPqLlZj_0_E9FppxODSET3HmgoBAdb5S9_FxqsYqnVz4-xerLMSNz28Q0lt0sqRrMQttIgFSIj3gFAp8sJAlUne-U7-/s320/DSC_5431_zpsed77a2f3.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5FYtOzaR7NMoBAw_ZuHWO7u_XuH3GOwbt-PEvgBGRF2HRBYH7vXbv0FvwCKaqKZ7pM_19pUAtikQr5yE0ZPTgXe24o_TqH3IxJq5cw4o6MpEYUPTNjibpGjLPuQ96u_lv_zKKEa_IIAMz/s1600/DSC_5433_zps617e00eb.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5FYtOzaR7NMoBAw_ZuHWO7u_XuH3GOwbt-PEvgBGRF2HRBYH7vXbv0FvwCKaqKZ7pM_19pUAtikQr5yE0ZPTgXe24o_TqH3IxJq5cw4o6MpEYUPTNjibpGjLPuQ96u_lv_zKKEa_IIAMz/s320/DSC_5433_zps617e00eb.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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With the abovepictures it won the 2013 bike of the year competition on the international RC51 forum, but it's still continued to develop considerably since.<br />
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Once again, many of the parts have come around through friends & acquaintances made in the international RC51 community, who have either sold parts used, or introduced places where such parts are available, right down to <a href="http://www.ti64.co.uk/">www.ti64.co.uk</a> where I've had lots of tasty one-off titanium parts made by the ever dedicated & tallented Pete Lidster.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN6irI8U3rNl1oq9tbRWg6UNJeE0iZdiKEtOJeUGsnQR9xeD6DOCPa3mWIgEGE1TutmPD4R7PBufVQ6ZML1UZbSdQPMEeE5H1iLUJHj_cRTCnQaYA2qLt8Gl5WNZMx6mrAiDanUq5L0BJU/s1600/SP2.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN6irI8U3rNl1oq9tbRWg6UNJeE0iZdiKEtOJeUGsnQR9xeD6DOCPa3mWIgEGE1TutmPD4R7PBufVQ6ZML1UZbSdQPMEeE5H1iLUJHj_cRTCnQaYA2qLt8Gl5WNZMx6mrAiDanUq5L0BJU/s320/SP2.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjahtiSodtGd78ppPfCIWE5-t2yjxWTp8eMVv_sAsGXIDoLhACUzktzWEzrtEioOGmAA3bHap0-XfSWvAHXV7Yt6NuyAPWqmPvvJB6hdgy3KUTt3E1my1flMwAaQjJ77NhTdT-arkhGyQNS/s1600/VTR+SP2+2002.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjahtiSodtGd78ppPfCIWE5-t2yjxWTp8eMVv_sAsGXIDoLhACUzktzWEzrtEioOGmAA3bHap0-XfSWvAHXV7Yt6NuyAPWqmPvvJB6hdgy3KUTt3E1my1flMwAaQjJ77NhTdT-arkhGyQNS/s320/VTR+SP2+2002.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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The above picture was taken shortly after I had fitted Ohlins forks and Brembo SBK narrow track brake rotors along with Dymag carbon rims which resemble the standard design (The greatest performance parts that can be fitted to a bike are super light wheels!)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwFylH9Wggou5HeuspZXQA_tlOYcx2oYqV42pmV9h96q33ZETykRrpGjC59urwKthBDv3cYaQucOiQ-IBJ6RbRWbvMKCiliyrxypNs7bd4PGGTmQxSBL1KTeCKsJJgbqErBsxPuWL23BGR/s1600/Swinger_zpsvs8mauth.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwFylH9Wggou5HeuspZXQA_tlOYcx2oYqV42pmV9h96q33ZETykRrpGjC59urwKthBDv3cYaQucOiQ-IBJ6RbRWbvMKCiliyrxypNs7bd4PGGTmQxSBL1KTeCKsJJgbqErBsxPuWL23BGR/s320/Swinger_zpsvs8mauth.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAqkSiu7ztzUh-s6f9400gOuArUdU2RnerhKLbfYP3FrjaVJU5vKG3utO-enj0Js05krKTIL6TNI4vTI7Lg7XwZ87FIO9RCzD4mPrKw0BS1MMdm9mXKSBgNeIxjhw0lrdkq-bfcC94CraN/s1600/VTR+SP2+%25282%2529.jpeg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAqkSiu7ztzUh-s6f9400gOuArUdU2RnerhKLbfYP3FrjaVJU5vKG3utO-enj0Js05krKTIL6TNI4vTI7Lg7XwZ87FIO9RCzD4mPrKw0BS1MMdm9mXKSBgNeIxjhw0lrdkq-bfcC94CraN/s320/VTR+SP2+%25282%2529.jpeg" width="320" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9unj5kiRhvGT4NJJw7yYquQFpuCynSZExxnW14q3qB5ovZuTreHPknHhQ2JwD4diR0HTIrhwr8yb2CqUcuDl8-SBTGxQgh0mkU3h4apGc3gyG22DSP271zJyFBvZamgULk8E30AcUjZ-6/s1600/VTR+SP2+%25281%2529.jpeg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9unj5kiRhvGT4NJJw7yYquQFpuCynSZExxnW14q3qB5ovZuTreHPknHhQ2JwD4diR0HTIrhwr8yb2CqUcuDl8-SBTGxQgh0mkU3h4apGc3gyG22DSP271zJyFBvZamgULk8E30AcUjZ-6/s320/VTR+SP2+%25281%2529.jpeg" width="320" /></a><br />
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This is the most recent picture of the SP2 I have. It now wears Brembo GP calipers too, same as used on some of the original WSB & Endurance factory bikes. It's a fantastic machine to ride. I'm sure I'll keep doing things to improve it as time goes on, but there's not an awful lot left to change on it, I think...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY5b4FfnPHk6PP3e_vSX2-xsVLUOez-YGcgrnbnjQJynk_1Hi3TVSnOGGcX_-VJkCcdFcsVhc5ccAw9oWpyoSO5h7sV77eXIY9x3DExJiSn_dxR2lqOGyvftrmfIwitC3tO_eaGy3N_J9U/s1600/VTR+SP2.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY5b4FfnPHk6PP3e_vSX2-xsVLUOez-YGcgrnbnjQJynk_1Hi3TVSnOGGcX_-VJkCcdFcsVhc5ccAw9oWpyoSO5h7sV77eXIY9x3DExJiSn_dxR2lqOGyvftrmfIwitC3tO_eaGy3N_J9U/s320/VTR+SP2.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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Someday all of these projects will become my son's - he's already staked a claim to the RX-7 as his own (Which I've owned & been tuning since 2001! seen in some of the background on above pictures). But of course he will need to learn to be a proficient & safe rider & driver first and I've every intention of sharing all I know with him as he grows up & continues to learn at his own pace through playing with and having fun tinkering with mechanical things.<br />
<br />Miguel - Newerahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04970762111234680191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3857626156954484494.post-36019169104524822402015-12-30T05:40:00.003-08:002015-12-30T09:28:33.083-08:00Building a pizza oven in a day - Sept 2014.<div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">With our daughter's 3rd
year at kindergarten coming to an end, as is traditional from parents - we
wanted to give something that would be of use to the school. Having learnt how
to make these ovens from Phil Cashman, our ever resourceful & ingenious Permaculture
teacher & friend, I put the knowledge to use.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Building materials
consisted of clay (from our garden), rice straw, sand, cement and 32 bricks + a
used wooden pallet. We had a team of around 20 parents to do the work together.<br />
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The first stage I did myself at home, mixing up clay, soil & cut straw,
which was dried on the pallet for around 4 weeks. This would make the bottom
insulation layer.</span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwzZl-Oe4uLbtJZ6fRqwyJaSyB13EKvYc_W3g_LeAFiSzTYTimyaFumsUqkfIGhRvEY95utfiu7oGG65PSILnvmf93Gl7tL8szLbgjBtSM92AN5vDxGcE2gMaVXkKR19r481pP-bs9m5wG/s1600/DSC_4997.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwzZl-Oe4uLbtJZ6fRqwyJaSyB13EKvYc_W3g_LeAFiSzTYTimyaFumsUqkfIGhRvEY95utfiu7oGG65PSILnvmf93Gl7tL8szLbgjBtSM92AN5vDxGcE2gMaVXkKR19r481pP-bs9m5wG/s320/DSC_4997.JPG" width="320" /></a><br /><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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The base layer of bricks was laid with cement beneath, as tightly placed as possible, placed roughly in a circle.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcscuHo9CZApCSDYYIsl5jeC9SqY9Lfi_dco6j5IR3yNeOFdkw4ULLbiwgHr9YUUgYh6Pd4ZvLD5rbzbH65MMUg98lUiko6re0C2av5gyNvfCZE6bYz_Ii7MuRy2NBO2tunqn5auWQtrzI/s1600/DSC_5002.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcscuHo9CZApCSDYYIsl5jeC9SqY9Lfi_dco6j5IR3yNeOFdkw4ULLbiwgHr9YUUgYh6Pd4ZvLD5rbzbH65MMUg98lUiko6re0C2av5gyNvfCZE6bYz_Ii7MuRy2NBO2tunqn5auWQtrzI/s320/DSC_5002.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6-f1ZhqWQNiqgkrsHo2wJqmuT4UuDINJHvqYOmsWlRqJbiimqtycciluWNy6W8HAF6SFCEBwP-oRYwYTZiwR5KtjEkJjbKNLbj26nHsICTl3U7t5eRdH6MSAu8FjABNOoD2JwTukmNGMF/s1600/DSC_5006.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6-f1ZhqWQNiqgkrsHo2wJqmuT4UuDINJHvqYOmsWlRqJbiimqtycciluWNy6W8HAF6SFCEBwP-oRYwYTZiwR5KtjEkJjbKNLbj26nHsICTl3U7t5eRdH6MSAu8FjABNOoD2JwTukmNGMF/s320/DSC_5006.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Bricks were cut in half and a semi-circular temporary form was used around which an arch was laid, again - using wet cement.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_5S-wEVl81yr1VG4catIjH1cV5b5w3r-NnlAgRVziP9pUIl0QbGZWIUUvyYDU2GaQN64z5Rq1_8ETsTL1-2Nc7Kw4i_PakSPVFCUC01ZJNNNn8uXVPZbDLxkHt-AJUBEkrCxd0A9276S_/s1600/DSC_5009.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_5S-wEVl81yr1VG4catIjH1cV5b5w3r-NnlAgRVziP9pUIl0QbGZWIUUvyYDU2GaQN64z5Rq1_8ETsTL1-2Nc7Kw4i_PakSPVFCUC01ZJNNNn8uXVPZbDLxkHt-AJUBEkrCxd0A9276S_/s320/DSC_5009.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The ratio of the pizza oven's entrance and width & height of the inner dome are critical to making a good oven. There's no chimney with this design.<br />
Here we laid wet sand as a form on which to build the oven on top of. It was laid with wet newspaper over the top when finished, so that the clay walls wouldn't stick to the sand later (newspaper will burn when the oven is first lit).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8a_3vrcgsxZiTDo5p8UCM6mSDEE5t8yWBw4qb8GVePdwf3wJcjU-qZf85azhSehUpqG-eI2nqe60VsXT81_mMBHO3bUEySzvlhWLYnEwATik8un2WwyT9Dd25I_g7PSHcI70iOzqh5SYS/s1600/DSC_5016.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8a_3vrcgsxZiTDo5p8UCM6mSDEE5t8yWBw4qb8GVePdwf3wJcjU-qZf85azhSehUpqG-eI2nqe60VsXT81_mMBHO3bUEySzvlhWLYnEwATik8un2WwyT9Dd25I_g7PSHcI70iOzqh5SYS/s320/DSC_5016.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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Meanwhile, the ladies were having barefoot fun, mixing soil, clay & straw with which we'd lay the refractive inner layer of the oven. Somehow the men got the easy labour this time!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5pk4yDPLIQjhL747U6af6krhmHaGewgqsdrwL9fhPb5yCaFLYkLNkFoCtABtYMhXxb-bm-qsrm0lIJQhPhWhvefqJsrlfb_M7YlL4RzfcZwEKUHsUZOA-rtpAs12Fxj0WMeHKpzayO_sN/s1600/DSC_5023.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5pk4yDPLIQjhL747U6af6krhmHaGewgqsdrwL9fhPb5yCaFLYkLNkFoCtABtYMhXxb-bm-qsrm0lIJQhPhWhvefqJsrlfb_M7YlL4RzfcZwEKUHsUZOA-rtpAs12Fxj0WMeHKpzayO_sN/s320/DSC_5023.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh68hIp-NJrX07yhzI-dA82K_0uuCE31ixvNW0mZhxGECAetE4TBAUwDsXcDlVhzGDTHzYSHeg-0qGsL24bmvRul8g4us9nIoX71oXJBUhshi0g4iXdAvMG8mVCFdLaJEj9kRli3mOy-uJn/s1600/DSC_5029.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh68hIp-NJrX07yhzI-dA82K_0uuCE31ixvNW0mZhxGECAetE4TBAUwDsXcDlVhzGDTHzYSHeg-0qGsL24bmvRul8g4us9nIoX71oXJBUhshi0g4iXdAvMG8mVCFdLaJEj9kRli3mOy-uJn/s320/DSC_5029.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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And so the first layer went on. Being quite a wet and soft mix, it was necessary to be careful not to lay too much on the sides and more on the top as the layer naturally gravitated downwards.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_DN57dS9M112tyVTfZFZihS50UGmwBG_Ukcww0Xu1zp8fN6v02Q_HrHFz8-uJ5AGsIkjgvqOdQdCBR1h3Hw6Udk3QS2BDFB_q1zyP_aiPfQMfbocMHfWElEOIOvjrFNEkKNEkRfJeSjga/s1600/DSC_5017.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_DN57dS9M112tyVTfZFZihS50UGmwBG_Ukcww0Xu1zp8fN6v02Q_HrHFz8-uJ5AGsIkjgvqOdQdCBR1h3Hw6Udk3QS2BDFB_q1zyP_aiPfQMfbocMHfWElEOIOvjrFNEkKNEkRfJeSjga/s320/DSC_5017.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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And the ladies continued....<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinMuSRt0kF40AS7mNRkRSQZnhm8Pzn99C9eSPsCpsq0hYWS6eQEtWZgBIj16YPcmaxjeGCB-E8l8ngTCByqfy9S4Dcyn2J_DP-b-wLq2hAwHBEQyOdNRvzMQfPSkbsW7D-CTjs82ETu58l/s1600/DSC_5027.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinMuSRt0kF40AS7mNRkRSQZnhm8Pzn99C9eSPsCpsq0hYWS6eQEtWZgBIj16YPcmaxjeGCB-E8l8ngTCByqfy9S4Dcyn2J_DP-b-wLq2hAwHBEQyOdNRvzMQfPSkbsW7D-CTjs82ETu58l/s320/DSC_5027.JPG" width="212" /></a></div>
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<div>
The thicker insulation layer consisted of clay and straw, which again needed to be laid with more on the top, as it would flow to the sides under it's own weight. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgky9oDzYhvutCU7XSJgb5gesXpP5OpKSzXjWIQ_QlaiFd1pw6hSwVWCqAwg_8Hp2V9ousfdZI2rHBLcJIZHjPOf2cN1SVszK9XMmVuQAvAtHG9zn718vmzwSaclebCNOPcFnTkUq1Bhq1L/s1600/DSC_5033.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgky9oDzYhvutCU7XSJgb5gesXpP5OpKSzXjWIQ_QlaiFd1pw6hSwVWCqAwg_8Hp2V9ousfdZI2rHBLcJIZHjPOf2cN1SVszK9XMmVuQAvAtHG9zn718vmzwSaclebCNOPcFnTkUq1Bhq1L/s320/DSC_5033.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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A final layer consisting of mostly clay and sand was then mixed & laid.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1CqniRWAO1mc-2Mv1jg83V1U_cIHWfE_d9tlGWMk5EGMGdYK59r-mNAmbFsOT9TOx7Uic2OkUcnCLPN1wTqqFSD0ktycytCCBL_YmBncnAcqrZs1e6DS-oitWgzm82rkAGqd8FknUQWA1/s1600/DSC_5035.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1CqniRWAO1mc-2Mv1jg83V1U_cIHWfE_d9tlGWMk5EGMGdYK59r-mNAmbFsOT9TOx7Uic2OkUcnCLPN1wTqqFSD0ktycytCCBL_YmBncnAcqrZs1e6DS-oitWgzm82rkAGqd8FknUQWA1/s320/DSC_5035.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<div>
This is how the finished oven looked. The form could be removed before the cement dried. In all it took around 6 hours for 20 people to build together, including stopping for lunch!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBN-Zs_1vI3yhPauDNWkyh9E0-KzGtDlajWrz5HDZ9HkhFg9lUKxA0KN3xIHgaWXqBcRRAFrN8xwkm45aGMmQd0kObO_O689b8Yy6xM-mOqiERNxnoal5uxsxyk2DF8o1a7PRfVShjLEwR/s1600/DSC_5047.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBN-Zs_1vI3yhPauDNWkyh9E0-KzGtDlajWrz5HDZ9HkhFg9lUKxA0KN3xIHgaWXqBcRRAFrN8xwkm45aGMmQd0kObO_O689b8Yy6xM-mOqiERNxnoal5uxsxyk2DF8o1a7PRfVShjLEwR/s320/DSC_5047.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<div>
It would take around 6 weeks to dry, before fires were lit inside (at low temps to avoid cracking the refractive inside clay & insulation layers) about 3 times. Naturally the oven can't ever get wet with rain.<br />
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Weight is around 350kg when dry, but can be lifted onto a small truck by 6 men and transported elsewhere to be used for pizza parties. Cost of building is around $100 - 150 USD. for bricks, cement and sand. I have details of ratios of materials used for the different mixes so if anybody wants to make their own, just ask and I'll be happy to share the info.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Z5u_7VT3yxLEjsc9H80TpR8Dzj79aIHM31kzF7jISLTgoTh1mx56qsIMCjJL5pjFcTC_JKhZTQ9p8_qPDTpnUSihaqEIIQHermsHzSJwAQSACXd2bAzcZnjMVXWzjIGRqUGh1VGH2sel/s1600/DSC_5053.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Z5u_7VT3yxLEjsc9H80TpR8Dzj79aIHM31kzF7jISLTgoTh1mx56qsIMCjJL5pjFcTC_JKhZTQ9p8_qPDTpnUSihaqEIIQHermsHzSJwAQSACXd2bAzcZnjMVXWzjIGRqUGh1VGH2sel/s320/DSC_5053.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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Makes delicious bread too!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu_amj1VARRxr1sGrE-RI1fjN4wmP3HeCi6kGYvItSAiXVDm8brtssOrik-oAQJ1nz1TEocsKvjqB-MVO_LNJqouk-YegHng5vOAnSmJo1HcJup41Po_8wJVpM9k_t1OpnhA_IyRZoWc7s/s1600/DSC_4980.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu_amj1VARRxr1sGrE-RI1fjN4wmP3HeCi6kGYvItSAiXVDm8brtssOrik-oAQJ1nz1TEocsKvjqB-MVO_LNJqouk-YegHng5vOAnSmJo1HcJup41Po_8wJVpM9k_t1OpnhA_IyRZoWc7s/s320/DSC_4980.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Miguel - Newerahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04970762111234680191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3857626156954484494.post-89864661932046569622014-08-09T07:59:00.003-07:002014-09-07T08:04:17.613-07:00En Suite Shower / Changing Room with new toilet. Fed by Pressure Pumped Solar heated water (400 litres).<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7I_0WBsfjCou3jxRtcduuUBoVBfz-N_jx2SW6zgcWzwv6PY31d16sHrawQUsI1aak0LLwKo6lNo5zN9ySiH8CyXGlC4tdtnUnq61UiS_-I8X7RcHUaXOKzigmxHYdLlHR-CAAYQgZfhSn/s1600/DSC_4905.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7I_0WBsfjCou3jxRtcduuUBoVBfz-N_jx2SW6zgcWzwv6PY31d16sHrawQUsI1aak0LLwKo6lNo5zN9ySiH8CyXGlC4tdtnUnq61UiS_-I8X7RcHUaXOKzigmxHYdLlHR-CAAYQgZfhSn/s320/DSC_4905.JPG" /></a><br />
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The en suite shower & changing room project took over 4 months + of part-time work by Arnie to complete and more time before that, really thinking about what was desired and planning in every aspect. For me this was a particularly interesting project as there are so many variables. It involved selection of all the best components that are good at doing a job and give a combined aesthetic result, so the job will only have to be completed once. Then it’s a matter of assembly, which on a house as I've come to learn is often much slower than I anticipate at first.<br />
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First, here's the finished shower & changing room.(Sorry the pictures are on their sides - I have tried to save them after rotation & before uploading, but BlogSpot insists on placing them on their sides again. *Sigh!*)!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3UgSmqn9otq-1CB7Ld-vWBSmPry3BafNLPcvb2NoWHmnb4FmdGqwfcJblhc6YdKOkniNMkRYWtIH51QmRbL_5W0lwDnyEs7zxl0aBDgUleby0-4DcDMe-8JV325gLj-sPbKcW-Nhn1Urb/s1600/DSC_4893.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3UgSmqn9otq-1CB7Ld-vWBSmPry3BafNLPcvb2NoWHmnb4FmdGqwfcJblhc6YdKOkniNMkRYWtIH51QmRbL_5W0lwDnyEs7zxl0aBDgUleby0-4DcDMe-8JV325gLj-sPbKcW-Nhn1Urb/s320/DSC_4893.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGN-PUypCjm53IZz3PCrKh9Y9byrR4iUcR61BB1dOfYdPvznl62VnTiumcE-9h4S_YwL2W8fdT-39Fh0IVCouGDdDABAuU944d-eMfCGRqfIXPu8lbbFJUM7WSHJMACRRT6heVh7KGSMcd/s1600/DSC_4895.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGN-PUypCjm53IZz3PCrKh9Y9byrR4iUcR61BB1dOfYdPvznl62VnTiumcE-9h4S_YwL2W8fdT-39Fh0IVCouGDdDABAuU944d-eMfCGRqfIXPu8lbbFJUM7WSHJMACRRT6heVh7KGSMcd/s320/DSC_4895.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9kX25KB-0qRDfnkBKmqza9LAyleje9O9mI9u6vtwWavKNirg3M6sOhmsiy1e1uz_AGDgez-MUEnYLyi02VFuI9rroBdZvRvnjyeuaNjro9btuD_Q3thi43GLbx8ubBR9uObuOilJyR46U/s1600/DSC_4898.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9kX25KB-0qRDfnkBKmqza9LAyleje9O9mI9u6vtwWavKNirg3M6sOhmsiy1e1uz_AGDgez-MUEnYLyi02VFuI9rroBdZvRvnjyeuaNjro9btuD_Q3thi43GLbx8ubBR9uObuOilJyR46U/s320/DSC_4898.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1F3arwJp4SCVq95L2F7wprN5Ws_j3ePB4VynniDw-2KA3UgDbRWbhFQlukcb3Aw3hQZE5Y5jWq79o40-hRYTcnvG2wPNjq_IKsmmqU2pU2r4Lk02PYc1zBDRsPawu_PB22xdgkwAZQPzW/s1600/DSC_4900.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1F3arwJp4SCVq95L2F7wprN5Ws_j3ePB4VynniDw-2KA3UgDbRWbhFQlukcb3Aw3hQZE5Y5jWq79o40-hRYTcnvG2wPNjq_IKsmmqU2pU2r4Lk02PYc1zBDRsPawu_PB22xdgkwAZQPzW/s320/DSC_4900.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_VG7Ksacl0AsSraV1rlNlz6Sl3AypWKkHrGfWnbwKk1xrlbWqLcwHCuQwaQdYT25x-Mw7ClW2CetCS6rdefJBkKoDyzJqqNxRiTBdtDIVJW2ZP-XjHq_3lJ2I6Dm_8SiWGoF4hlfPLs5I/s1600/DSC_4904.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_VG7Ksacl0AsSraV1rlNlz6Sl3AypWKkHrGfWnbwKk1xrlbWqLcwHCuQwaQdYT25x-Mw7ClW2CetCS6rdefJBkKoDyzJqqNxRiTBdtDIVJW2ZP-XjHq_3lJ2I6Dm_8SiWGoF4hlfPLs5I/s320/DSC_4904.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMvbpnk8lGHPoX94Co2PtfZGfTCG32_q4EOMsfXNTt2OAgIK2GNTu7LB2cR8hgqrHmbwC0APcwpnmN1MNi1yRwF58vxYV17uAnSHPztwN-LThWWBSr2dsV54D0D7KSkAYRLF8ksJuGIzWY/s1600/DSC_4907.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMvbpnk8lGHPoX94Co2PtfZGfTCG32_q4EOMsfXNTt2OAgIK2GNTu7LB2cR8hgqrHmbwC0APcwpnmN1MNi1yRwF58vxYV17uAnSHPztwN-LThWWBSr2dsV54D0D7KSkAYRLF8ksJuGIzWY/s320/DSC_4907.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxJx0I0C2g5oTGaaOBw-KImjPiAu1Qitw3k7JCHtEpxc0BQ5eth7iSkvG-YCqwg-FqzJC2ZjeGkdfVLtRPdQvYhXZGkCdQHbMr_2TLdlEt5YJeKoYKCSb1zbBVNwMCjcmo9hWcIkqeMMpr/s1600/DSC_4908.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxJx0I0C2g5oTGaaOBw-KImjPiAu1Qitw3k7JCHtEpxc0BQ5eth7iSkvG-YCqwg-FqzJC2ZjeGkdfVLtRPdQvYhXZGkCdQHbMr_2TLdlEt5YJeKoYKCSb1zbBVNwMCjcmo9hWcIkqeMMpr/s320/DSC_4908.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwQrICJQpW9VyredHoqlTnulF9J2kyuWmeh0scjnP4igPi96HRI4qXL9t4dHxedmHFiY2ZZsrn95lKG9QQKzyIO2dr4oStsBVwV4euS1Vq2vycwUJiQdctTGNZ8EXG1qvteobclN7t5jJY/s1600/DSC_4909.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwQrICJQpW9VyredHoqlTnulF9J2kyuWmeh0scjnP4igPi96HRI4qXL9t4dHxedmHFiY2ZZsrn95lKG9QQKzyIO2dr4oStsBVwV4euS1Vq2vycwUJiQdctTGNZ8EXG1qvteobclN7t5jJY/s320/DSC_4909.JPG" /></a><br />
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And here are some pictures in reverse chronological order showing some of the stages we went through to get to the final result.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwHI-m1wkSpqgPurLrntlxSe6d68az2dWakx52TiVvE6dcOMdyU0qWuHxYkJanzhvuF83-3hg8PrRtxxBlzAAaFWB5DR2clRQNusuF-COryssQWErI1BAG3kJaOKa8FutvNCu_AjUR_snm/s1600/DSC_4658.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwHI-m1wkSpqgPurLrntlxSe6d68az2dWakx52TiVvE6dcOMdyU0qWuHxYkJanzhvuF83-3hg8PrRtxxBlzAAaFWB5DR2clRQNusuF-COryssQWErI1BAG3kJaOKa8FutvNCu_AjUR_snm/s320/DSC_4658.JPG" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3JpOSZtKU9DE-kUa3lRwo-WkH8s85ktdZlam8YwwESzZXRq_5zDcjjkjfwSXJfAYyAdtU2h03oJw7Oc3SXFNUCbUR-T38AjTH7YBWJ4LYYOpxCHvsaCYmdMavCmPt38e-zSnK03c9k0in/s1600/DSC_4657.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3JpOSZtKU9DE-kUa3lRwo-WkH8s85ktdZlam8YwwESzZXRq_5zDcjjkjfwSXJfAYyAdtU2h03oJw7Oc3SXFNUCbUR-T38AjTH7YBWJ4LYYOpxCHvsaCYmdMavCmPt38e-zSnK03c9k0in/s320/DSC_4657.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKR3JhsLcMSk-Lo6aiG64JQFE2DoZ3uGNqw1BvVL3nafintrODbYqMA_bj3DAYF6smp_Epav9-qo4GSmy4iC13j_VPgzX6hyQFXVADT2Eu177bd2Lg1N9s3dtNHOcUD3ZRmsDo_TP-oJ8G/s1600/DSC_4659.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKR3JhsLcMSk-Lo6aiG64JQFE2DoZ3uGNqw1BvVL3nafintrODbYqMA_bj3DAYF6smp_Epav9-qo4GSmy4iC13j_VPgzX6hyQFXVADT2Eu177bd2Lg1N9s3dtNHOcUD3ZRmsDo_TP-oJ8G/s320/DSC_4659.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcxM0rEx9FH1SqOq_pFuSVEO6CBDOZ6a7gzzj0gul0ij-MdOzFatXK4iuCRke33Div0D8AmfY9C-5wvgGzcF6oLtJin8NOHNiWKrS_dPcYNElJgTzJZghyphenhyphencKq9z6BL714lg0WCvgXq2K3z/s1600/DSC_4660.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcxM0rEx9FH1SqOq_pFuSVEO6CBDOZ6a7gzzj0gul0ij-MdOzFatXK4iuCRke33Div0D8AmfY9C-5wvgGzcF6oLtJin8NOHNiWKrS_dPcYNElJgTzJZghyphenhyphencKq9z6BL714lg0WCvgXq2K3z/s320/DSC_4660.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQLogDCwOVCOeXBxJUC3MxHaPiI8N5sfe_vyzHrVewcI1AQsj7jRY90-6jDCEWDPNUHWcvXnLxKaUsncRZhhdqioJmE01Hk9IaWPIonEH29XPsRCR1YuolHoKkNQvi7s5HihJq4r_4CUwK/s1600/DSC_4662.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQLogDCwOVCOeXBxJUC3MxHaPiI8N5sfe_vyzHrVewcI1AQsj7jRY90-6jDCEWDPNUHWcvXnLxKaUsncRZhhdqioJmE01Hk9IaWPIonEH29XPsRCR1YuolHoKkNQvi7s5HihJq4r_4CUwK/s320/DSC_4662.JPG" /></a><br />
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The total floor area is a little less than 2 square metres, but it's amazing how much thought needs to go into making a completely waterproof luxury shower room, then planning all the pieces to match, purchase them (mostly online from the US) and then hope they'll all work together. <br />
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These components that were ordered in readiness for the building of the shower room:<br />
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(1). 8 head Shower Tower with additional overhead shower and hand held head. Different modes will be selectable.<br />
(2). High Pressure Booster Pump to ensure water pressure is strong enough to give plenty of massage.<br />
(3). 90mm Stainless Steel Drain Tray, to be counter sunk into the floor.<br />
(4). Powerful but quiet Extractor Fan which has a humidity sensor and also a timer, both of which are adjustable.<br />
(5). Recesses to fit either side of the shower Tower, where shampoos, body soaps and other things can be easily placed.<br />
(6). Wall mounted Soap Holder that won't trap water and make the bar of soap mushy! <br />
(7). Folding Aluminium Door with Frosted Glass for the shower room.<br />
(8). Heated Towel Rail in the changing area with integrated cabinet and sink area.<br />
(9). French tiles (White & deep blue) for the walls & ceilings, with dark tan coloured floor tiles or rough texture to avoid being slippery when wet.<br />
(10). Heated Mirror in the changing area.<br />
(11). Raised Rectangular Sink with safety overflow (We have kids!).<br />
(12). Toto Faucet with retractable shower head, so the women of the house can wash their hair in the sink if they ever feel the need to.<br />
(13). Antique Bronze styled wall sconces to illuminate either side of the mirror.<br />
(14). Warm LED Lighting in the shower & changing rooms.<br />
(15). Electrical receptacles with illuminated on/off switches suitably high enough to be safe from splashes of water (For use with hairdryers, hair curlers, etc).<br />
(16). Ceramic Wall Plates for switches & electrical receptacles - to match with the tiles.<br />
(17). A surprisingly large amount of French tiles & corner edging. These included mosaics which were to be laid on the cabinet top and sides, entrance door frame and in the recesses either side of the shower tower.<br />
(18). 5 custom sized aluminium window frames with double glazed glass. Frosted in the shower room. <br />
(19). Solid antique bronze towel & clothes hangers to be fitted to the inner side of the door from the hall.<br />
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The area started out as a disused corner of the house with a little link in the corner and the remains of what used to be a men's urinal, next to which is the existing toilet. These were of course not part of the original structure of the house, but something built around 40 years ago. Not really very strongly made as the rest of the house, but it's still solid enough so there was no need to knock it down. <br />
Instead Arnie replaced the exterior cladding first, then came inside to work on the rest. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiirycl6QeSeM8sQulE8n7c2odPTVvjur2OMAnwGwId48Pc3u9NBYVMK2Ms5e8OGCeIdDOArOtB9mp0DX3SdjRkcgcxqST6fLXIPt3b0wjmTHXeN5ySN1pD4XSdo52xZ3FMQX8SPSg0CaFK/s1600/DSC_1569.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiirycl6QeSeM8sQulE8n7c2odPTVvjur2OMAnwGwId48Pc3u9NBYVMK2Ms5e8OGCeIdDOArOtB9mp0DX3SdjRkcgcxqST6fLXIPt3b0wjmTHXeN5ySN1pD4XSdo52xZ3FMQX8SPSg0CaFK/s320/DSC_1569.JPG" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyV6N_LNyCt8pgR-Pegzc6P6RZQbX9u8ucVI62yWaHFJxasAepNnCrc8h2Z4jyM6hVtaqmxovqyI3FfNC_YzwL-32iljzRCkpRhgu_Mn57eZc4lMyB2iYiMXl8oazB_3x4-sVjHP9LMQaK/s1600/DSC_1572.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyV6N_LNyCt8pgR-Pegzc6P6RZQbX9u8ucVI62yWaHFJxasAepNnCrc8h2Z4jyM6hVtaqmxovqyI3FfNC_YzwL-32iljzRCkpRhgu_Mn57eZc4lMyB2iYiMXl8oazB_3x4-sVjHP9LMQaK/s320/DSC_1572.JPG" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHJyxdb6vNCwTwOhWi3ouk68ADkuf0Rh9-lZhoE3LUp1YSaV1F7wI6cnvh9tKDl41NYXnkdMmUqzPbuDdP7D0KLzlhkGS8_2hAgkdDzH_4Dp7wzADmt3BDyDHyv-h4AJP3jkQn66hRBPjn/s1600/DSC_1573.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHJyxdb6vNCwTwOhWi3ouk68ADkuf0Rh9-lZhoE3LUp1YSaV1F7wI6cnvh9tKDl41NYXnkdMmUqzPbuDdP7D0KLzlhkGS8_2hAgkdDzH_4Dp7wzADmt3BDyDHyv-h4AJP3jkQn66hRBPjn/s320/DSC_1573.JPG" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSJja7PuHyePoNb52gCeVZnBhhOHMRMbk8g5Md3loyG4b09hP5KM-y4nGJiOD9KLHLa2titelG8giktJeuZa5iokMpBMItH5tDLy9pu_rX6zjEYPDpLwKZ-SCAW_3d-if57xlWmZ9YFW_7/s1600/DSC_1575.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSJja7PuHyePoNb52gCeVZnBhhOHMRMbk8g5Md3loyG4b09hP5KM-y4nGJiOD9KLHLa2titelG8giktJeuZa5iokMpBMItH5tDLy9pu_rX6zjEYPDpLwKZ-SCAW_3d-if57xlWmZ9YFW_7/s320/DSC_1575.JPG" /></a><br />
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First he framed the area and put up plywood walls. There were then all covered with 2 layers of FRP matting and plenty of resin to make them and made impermiable to moisture. This rough surface was also ideal for attaching tiles onto. We didn’t want plastic walls and the typical Japanese wet room style, since these are apparently prone to getting mouldy on the trapped air areas behind the plastic. Our solution nas the same functions, but with more facilities. The result will be much more characterful & aesthetically pleasing too. <br />
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This is the back-side of the shower mounting wall, which is left open for now so the plumbing can be completed, tested, etc. before an easily openable wall is fitted and an old framed mirror we bought from Bali a long time ago is placed on the face. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIBWKUS3RzhCPrAVvarjx8nXoIr5PwWnmEcjQlM8TdMy0fGPbivBEKLIvAH66SMkT5G860p8BLXpkEomLNXfZjqBTPYQC3ReW6RtgTg5kIvjvhWn11EZ0YjwcWdZTNPxfJOBTQM58hS0QG/s1600/DSC_4664.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIBWKUS3RzhCPrAVvarjx8nXoIr5PwWnmEcjQlM8TdMy0fGPbivBEKLIvAH66SMkT5G860p8BLXpkEomLNXfZjqBTPYQC3ReW6RtgTg5kIvjvhWn11EZ0YjwcWdZTNPxfJOBTQM58hS0QG/s320/DSC_4664.JPG" /></a><br />
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We also got a new fancy high-tech Toto toilet with all the funky Japanese washlet stuff – which I don’t like myself, but my wife really does. <br />
She also wanted a wash basin, so I found a tiny little corner one with a nice little antique brass faucet. I also found a matching antique brass toilet roll holder. <br />
The walls and ceiling in the toilet don't need replacement, as I had already wallpapered it (Asian styled print in blue & white - which gives hints of traditional Portuguese ceramic wall tiles).<br />
Here is what the toilet that came with the house originally looks like currently - with the new wallpaper. It won't change much, just a sleeker toilet, new tiled floor & corner sink + fixtures to come.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhluYpWo3ML-pJgdICdU6vfKwVK75bvyRg737MScGHPRFhgx8cYmMHzbw-QbeO-D-siUbUsLizJKOzdXoCp4ftaIyqH5lhPKVvJQu4gaYyWRnnJsod9H9lMsAXObs3O5jSu_91stTDkc0QZ/s1600/DSC_4656.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhluYpWo3ML-pJgdICdU6vfKwVK75bvyRg737MScGHPRFhgx8cYmMHzbw-QbeO-D-siUbUsLizJKOzdXoCp4ftaIyqH5lhPKVvJQu4gaYyWRnnJsod9H9lMsAXObs3O5jSu_91stTDkc0QZ/s320/DSC_4656.JPG" /></a><br />
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The 40 year old plywood floor is currently delaminating, so that'll be replaced before it's sealed with FRP, protected from beneath with plastic insulation and tiled bwith the same non-slip floor of the shower room before being fitted with the new toilet & wash basin.<br />
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Meanwhile, here's some pictures of the frame Arnie built to support the 400 litres of solar water heaters (2 x 200L). This will feed very hot water (It should be scalding hot even in winter, but if not - we can always have an additional thermostatically controlled propane gas heater added in series should the need arise). Part of the structure alongside is for an enclosed chicken run too. <br />
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What we built together in the first day (10cm sq. pillars sunk 70cm into the ground and re-inforced with stones & concrete,<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKpz2pn6ZW6YpXur7T_e60MPT8pJILhV-hRw2PPmgUyIMuxXYAy7eM7lR_3qIyIu-ZrAGOP1CfJ_0fq4LUytespLiFsnJe1Qm6nYX5pVlyYmdJqMQkE-OYqbU0cWNfRv24mXlT_SeQ4Xy-/s1600/Solar+Panel+Structure+0+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKpz2pn6ZW6YpXur7T_e60MPT8pJILhV-hRw2PPmgUyIMuxXYAy7eM7lR_3qIyIu-ZrAGOP1CfJ_0fq4LUytespLiFsnJe1Qm6nYX5pVlyYmdJqMQkE-OYqbU0cWNfRv24mXlT_SeQ4Xy-/s320/Solar+Panel+Structure+0+(2).JPG" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA0lQSlQ23bEkUGIOwY00wcdfZTwWi2yWYLjQXu86Ux_iwVjpTT2KVj2ZOVI0T1qfAai1X8gRzDoSnteVYMHEzoZKgvfzhrTFLVu52jEa7wwbN8Y20hT6G6hEGGILKAgQgP5VgotefDpeE/s1600/Solar+Panel+Structure+0+(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA0lQSlQ23bEkUGIOwY00wcdfZTwWi2yWYLjQXu86Ux_iwVjpTT2KVj2ZOVI0T1qfAai1X8gRzDoSnteVYMHEzoZKgvfzhrTFLVu52jEa7wwbN8Y20hT6G6hEGGILKAgQgP5VgotefDpeE/s320/Solar+Panel+Structure+0+(1).JPG" /></a><br />
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After 2 more day's work:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjajr6jiUHNMV2xljWdPbePv0lcwaBb2JZrUaewQ4oNSjaIH-9WVlGRbqqtORmxiC3clXNqOQmPgt6ONe-jQ-LAs1i_so-ijN8_26WgoHu6ttxfPTd54n2wPn5qb4rHizlnAiNAlX6fc9RV/s1600/Solar+Panel+Structure+1+(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjajr6jiUHNMV2xljWdPbePv0lcwaBb2JZrUaewQ4oNSjaIH-9WVlGRbqqtORmxiC3clXNqOQmPgt6ONe-jQ-LAs1i_so-ijN8_26WgoHu6ttxfPTd54n2wPn5qb4rHizlnAiNAlX6fc9RV/s320/Solar+Panel+Structure+1+(1).JPG" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhk9IMLGhoNi1WVLXmtmsP6NQfyQzaBaHfG09VZLJE0tPcstFtwAEF8yobQajhHeUmpXwjb88-Kbxj4RGBBzMEN_6xyRMXzYFdH3jhAqbUzqwDbb-t41-jJx2FtW0jw-V7lC6RPUnQLajU/s1600/Solar+Panel+Structure+1+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhk9IMLGhoNi1WVLXmtmsP6NQfyQzaBaHfG09VZLJE0tPcstFtwAEF8yobQajhHeUmpXwjb88-Kbxj4RGBBzMEN_6xyRMXzYFdH3jhAqbUzqwDbb-t41-jJx2FtW0jw-V7lC6RPUnQLajU/s320/Solar+Panel+Structure+1+(2).JPG" /></a> <br />
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By the 5th day it was finished and shortly after this picture was taken, Arnie finished applying creosote to the to sections & together we assembled the solar heaters on the roof, which would have been difficult for him to do when working on the house alone.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj6_kEgHGHn0Qh2-QXGQpuKJtG8ODA9atC1TgXBhM36_b_URXy_MH8nzWwVusX2RREiqGQFsHAFo-huPncIoJkCeXg7SgtWvXi_JYRxRcRfKf79jIJrrj9SRNtykSO9x-3s7fU2L0QrV4Z/s1600/DSC_4380.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj6_kEgHGHn0Qh2-QXGQpuKJtG8ODA9atC1TgXBhM36_b_URXy_MH8nzWwVusX2RREiqGQFsHAFo-huPncIoJkCeXg7SgtWvXi_JYRxRcRfKf79jIJrrj9SRNtykSO9x-3s7fU2L0QrV4Z/s320/DSC_4380.JPG" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb_8vKvrFTkknTojzAECo806S9c6xFaxuzd9PEQaxAJSS1v6djl8Z10kJVuSUf_t5E_b3WRmOpuiYjOjVnsvOMnah_fJHhV77vZreluwM6HdI1Wz1T7JiaAdAIAlkblxfDRfe0iIAEptsy/s1600/DSC_4644.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb_8vKvrFTkknTojzAECo806S9c6xFaxuzd9PEQaxAJSS1v6djl8Z10kJVuSUf_t5E_b3WRmOpuiYjOjVnsvOMnah_fJHhV77vZreluwM6HdI1Wz1T7JiaAdAIAlkblxfDRfe0iIAEptsy/s320/DSC_4644.JPG" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0JoWaganYhmHrnT-Fch6hHTWViYGw3U5pjBDigi5AB170Est8ewFmwmqrSEA9v8-a_xBF2EAbtec9D1YrhKcCuu_B1hoB1zLCId6c8ENZxrUhm-yTBga5nTr2aUi7SXdEc29iTCujkXHD/s1600/DSC_4645.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0JoWaganYhmHrnT-Fch6hHTWViYGw3U5pjBDigi5AB170Est8ewFmwmqrSEA9v8-a_xBF2EAbtec9D1YrhKcCuu_B1hoB1zLCId6c8ENZxrUhm-yTBga5nTr2aUi7SXdEc29iTCujkXHD/s320/DSC_4645.JPG" /></a><br />
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The long structure carries the water to & from the solar panels and is the beginnings of one perimeter of the intended Chicken Run / Greenhouse, which when combined will be triangular shaped.This is because we need to allow access with a small truck to the forested land behind the house, since the intention is to also build projects there in future, such as woofer accommodation, hidden parking for cars, etc. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIWGOF0zK5hFN2M4pno901NY8-tyYcVmdsERie2xRIbpl3XRuK2RjSgZCZjDBN5oAu-8JMneujCDRvzC0SrQ-hJSsAEMlAldcUIZeJQLZssBCJ24yh9KNoJ2VE9yjBVVwr7eIN3-9MLd0s/s1600/DSC_4647.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIWGOF0zK5hFN2M4pno901NY8-tyYcVmdsERie2xRIbpl3XRuK2RjSgZCZjDBN5oAu-8JMneujCDRvzC0SrQ-hJSsAEMlAldcUIZeJQLZssBCJ24yh9KNoJ2VE9yjBVVwr7eIN3-9MLd0s/s320/DSC_4647.JPG" /></a><br />
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There will be some roof space left unused for now (We built it large & wide enough for cars & smaller trucks to be able to drive through the lower structure to have access to the forest behind the house). <br />
The intention is to find some suitably sized electrical solar panels so we can use this sunny area (It's angled due south, for optimal exposure to the sun year-round). These could provide some power to charge a bank of 12V batteries to in turn supply power via an inverter to our intended greenhouse which is to be built next to the chicken run... It could also power a pump to lift water from the intended duck pond below & store in drums placed under the solar panels. Duck water is very nutritious for plants, so would make an ideal way to water them in future. So there are other exciting ideas in store yet!<br />
Miguel - Newerahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04970762111234680191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3857626156954484494.post-54798668430200692422014-08-09T05:35:00.000-07:002014-08-22T19:02:51.711-07:00Arnie replaces & repairs old facades of the house's external walls.For the last 5 months or so Arnie (our carpenter friend) has been helping us around 2 days per week, steadily completing repairs and improvements wherever there is a need.<br />
One of the jobs has been to go around the perimeter of the house and continue replacing old wooden cladding, with new & repairing the previously damaged white cladding above the wood. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZFcGpb8acaXFpL6PNvgeMRDPKT8p0w6isgnHLkneQUkCATna4iQrKv7x498Tkk9SlRuqnCv7of_9ymLpLf8U1PGWyRB6pbZWfNohGKx02KDvfW6dx1z26eHwGjQVG4YTYaIVDvXrLcnVI/s1600/DSC_4653.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZFcGpb8acaXFpL6PNvgeMRDPKT8p0w6isgnHLkneQUkCATna4iQrKv7x498Tkk9SlRuqnCv7of_9ymLpLf8U1PGWyRB6pbZWfNohGKx02KDvfW6dx1z26eHwGjQVG4YTYaIVDvXrLcnVI/s320/DSC_4653.JPG" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqpIrG2vAI9AvBgnKMMJRGbmYrNEqdQCCuEj3_C_fiSzU8oN9QySx-YttvZpZtBLUslMoVH3ljjTegVoOh6FUSE0JLrOMnRFYuqJ2ma4DDHTABfjeoJtd7qYqq95QuHCzCNKBcRS2yjvLL/s1600/DSC_4668.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqpIrG2vAI9AvBgnKMMJRGbmYrNEqdQCCuEj3_C_fiSzU8oN9QySx-YttvZpZtBLUslMoVH3ljjTegVoOh6FUSE0JLrOMnRFYuqJ2ma4DDHTABfjeoJtd7qYqq95QuHCzCNKBcRS2yjvLL/s320/DSC_4668.JPG" /></a><br />
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For the toilet and intended shower / changing room, we wanted the walls to not just be renewed, but insulated too, complete with plenty of creosote to ward off insects from nesting inside the walls, as they have been for quite some time! In the first year we moved in, there was a hornet's nest within the walls of the toilet, which made for some entertainment each time we flushed the toilet. That first year I learnt how to get rid of a wasp / hornet's nest using a compressed canister full of soapy water...<br />
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These three pictures show where Arnie removed the horrible old corrugated iron cladding and replacing it with pretty & new Sugi (Cedar) cladding, much like in other areas where he's rebuilt the walls. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4SDcALvWElJPGm2cZAvYGv5sUlBdeJUiUsj2eZpoLn1dPMIYNk-gH3ZMuR4n0ebfTHP52A0avuXmrylsrz7RanNF7T-InS_jj3GaF-2ek23zZDYk4hqJQaT-7zKjWHO_dnsWSVxZd-SLn/s1600/DSC_0202.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4SDcALvWElJPGm2cZAvYGv5sUlBdeJUiUsj2eZpoLn1dPMIYNk-gH3ZMuR4n0ebfTHP52A0avuXmrylsrz7RanNF7T-InS_jj3GaF-2ek23zZDYk4hqJQaT-7zKjWHO_dnsWSVxZd-SLn/s320/DSC_0202.JPG" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5o2D53JdxmuQtuVQWNu5-5Jb7d6mvk21iwbK2aH6cCh56lGjT4gyCsSMGVtFYYMxy0gfsm5NtKhFr-ag4klpEcyBNmqr0N_1b5Cs1e485fW41MOIPkGwdJK3dbHDXnSYh6Qw8TKijqaUR/s1600/DSC_0203.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5o2D53JdxmuQtuVQWNu5-5Jb7d6mvk21iwbK2aH6cCh56lGjT4gyCsSMGVtFYYMxy0gfsm5NtKhFr-ag4klpEcyBNmqr0N_1b5Cs1e485fW41MOIPkGwdJK3dbHDXnSYh6Qw8TKijqaUR/s320/DSC_0203.JPG" /></a><br />
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The window grilles shown above and below are actually no longer there now, since we replaced the old & draughty wooden window frames with double glazed aluminium framed ones instead. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFrjOf7Ct6YSXLhh00Yl4atBGCD3Eil_3alkQ5cWHmyvJbo77hUPgqhHGW3pArDGSfgj50LlqjWkjRukUYiTquprotnlD_gh4siTfE8p5u7wCXLZbgJvyIUaNTyYImWKpGj016MIq5jKnA/s1600/DSC_0271.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFrjOf7Ct6YSXLhh00Yl4atBGCD3Eil_3alkQ5cWHmyvJbo77hUPgqhHGW3pArDGSfgj50LlqjWkjRukUYiTquprotnlD_gh4siTfE8p5u7wCXLZbgJvyIUaNTyYImWKpGj016MIq5jKnA/s320/DSC_0271.JPG" /></a><br />
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The pictures below show the cladding outside the kitchen which hadn't yet been replaced, probably well over 100 years old and quite fragile. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvkr5eZ96fS9ADA8YWRkBf48vV-28off_sDsPdpm00EQGGY4fe7PBvqbwghPENoxsWFdNyPRWGMQlhRO1kfyVXy3Xgy3FvC8cGRvYhXVsAke2Pev6vw8C21R3RSVZXwU-KjgWbLmUS6hNZ/s1600/DSC_0538.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvkr5eZ96fS9ADA8YWRkBf48vV-28off_sDsPdpm00EQGGY4fe7PBvqbwghPENoxsWFdNyPRWGMQlhRO1kfyVXy3Xgy3FvC8cGRvYhXVsAke2Pev6vw8C21R3RSVZXwU-KjgWbLmUS6hNZ/s320/DSC_0538.JPG" /></a
Arnie replaced with new planks, well assembled to there were no gaps, etc.
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOyhg_3L92ANGVeq3-7gdtYgb2Arw55jtwItX84GN9vgOnc-j7T0Ta4iCgj3zrz-l_-qMiE-H7ybZp1E4Pnn9qhVICmNYZ9_C9byM4jw1DFgRe2Zf1vjkYGmF4YO0dCkZAMMMN2hwQXg32/s1600/DSC_0541.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOyhg_3L92ANGVeq3-7gdtYgb2Arw55jtwItX84GN9vgOnc-j7T0Ta4iCgj3zrz-l_-qMiE-H7ybZp1E4Pnn9qhVICmNYZ9_C9byM4jw1DFgRe2Zf1vjkYGmF4YO0dCkZAMMMN2hwQXg32/s320/DSC_0541.JPG" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglfGlV3oKid96M9583TpNskNe20aFAlVHJ8hAHWyLEaBdqfZbdy6yvgFoyKuHpf13y0HL06srLbgvuRuwBjG870sJ8vA1z0gtJusnrPN8KDJ9uK7GPGSVRJWkqTGTfCk8vmXzihg4mr116/s1600/DSC_0544.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglfGlV3oKid96M9583TpNskNe20aFAlVHJ8hAHWyLEaBdqfZbdy6yvgFoyKuHpf13y0HL06srLbgvuRuwBjG870sJ8vA1z0gtJusnrPN8KDJ9uK7GPGSVRJWkqTGTfCk8vmXzihg4mr116/s320/DSC_0544.JPG" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM2U2p9u4847RG3jWqCPwv6Q79G0DWJyvFph0da4tHtiGmUJ-173RyBmzETNNbBVZQIR8-zbWdqGtWE51d8hZxRiet_I1erqWtSDUFUeLwriOZaOZs0PvHycHFJ1qF81r9IEY-ymvElzIP/s1600/DSC_0540.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM2U2p9u4847RG3jWqCPwv6Q79G0DWJyvFph0da4tHtiGmUJ-173RyBmzETNNbBVZQIR8-zbWdqGtWE51d8hZxRiet_I1erqWtSDUFUeLwriOZaOZs0PvHycHFJ1qF81r9IEY-ymvElzIP/s320/DSC_0540.JPG" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1tliNCdpxNpGQQVjcgiDY0oxFAIbjVfUUyUflxVitrKEVcafMiKWnNF8tNaOCndPH_h31mDV_vV0iZjfti5cdfdn2vLJZZh64imMfmsV-lbmJg2Ftnph3B4Ar2s9bisopARk4gDZrTxKS/s1600/DSC_4649.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1tliNCdpxNpGQQVjcgiDY0oxFAIbjVfUUyUflxVitrKEVcafMiKWnNF8tNaOCndPH_h31mDV_vV0iZjfti5cdfdn2vLJZZh64imMfmsV-lbmJg2Ftnph3B4Ar2s9bisopARk4gDZrTxKS/s320/DSC_4649.JPG" /></a><br />
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Arnie also repaired all the cracked off original plaster façade at the side & front of the building, with the same material as originally used. <br />
Now the house looks a lot better as we approach it, although it'll benefit from a coat of fresh white paint on these facades when I find the time to do some work on it. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu5ptvjifOcafR0r4aAmiGi_8Xsbt_QwgROqgNeFlX9i3W_ZC-qJq-PsYSpo6TgdatKd_Ijx5TNeK6YLE6HFXIrsiI8Gc6OUJ_a4YWcofEp83oh1h8FT1XRNOjhP98wQccZK43YBFBf09i/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu5ptvjifOcafR0r4aAmiGi_8Xsbt_QwgROqgNeFlX9i3W_ZC-qJq-PsYSpo6TgdatKd_Ijx5TNeK6YLE6HFXIrsiI8Gc6OUJ_a4YWcofEp83oh1h8FT1XRNOjhP98wQccZK43YBFBf09i/s320/photo+1.JPG" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_jeYxe1ttm6trG73dsg2Db6cIgTDArubNyfvRSr90g6CeNiFhEX1oJaKZEHcSfwYSpFQXtk-_l7F58F_sWgtc4mL1Rz82P79MXzenxMT6n0QRs-PEY77DDGyq0Q4_k_Zydr-H0YPsNEV3/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_jeYxe1ttm6trG73dsg2Db6cIgTDArubNyfvRSr90g6CeNiFhEX1oJaKZEHcSfwYSpFQXtk-_l7F58F_sWgtc4mL1Rz82P79MXzenxMT6n0QRs-PEY77DDGyq0Q4_k_Zydr-H0YPsNEV3/s320/photo+2.JPG" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVBG1pOon7RF_-L7OSFoaiwtt0pxTAxIXxBYyfUefj0O0DTIWWZYIxFt-i2HaPRqXTNdGYq3icV6OcGH_2B3KZvfu4bKMWeeS6g-KnyUCApvXRU2_JUIeskizb_cX384Y2qn7CdEMYpRz9/s1600/DSC_4653.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVBG1pOon7RF_-L7OSFoaiwtt0pxTAxIXxBYyfUefj0O0DTIWWZYIxFt-i2HaPRqXTNdGYq3icV6OcGH_2B3KZvfu4bKMWeeS6g-KnyUCApvXRU2_JUIeskizb_cX384Y2qn7CdEMYpRz9/s320/DSC_4653.JPG" /></a><br />
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Will update this post with better pics soon and again once I have painted it all, soonish - hopefully, before winter sets in.<br />
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There is still other work to do. Before winter I'd like to replace the front doors & windows to the room upstairs with aluminium framed double glazed glass. Later on, all the glass doors around the perimeter of the house too - with aluminium double glazed items, similar to what we've had fitted to the front of the house and more recently the bathroom, but this is going to take at least another year or so... Yet another project in the works. Miguel - Newerahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04970762111234680191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3857626156954484494.post-8234944448121730722014-08-08T22:41:00.004-07:002014-08-08T22:58:50.371-07:00A well engineered Wardrobe - made by Arine our carpenter.I must apologise as the pictures I have here are incomplete, since the only show part of the installation process and don't include pictures of the doors hung in place. <br />
When I get a chance, I'll shoot some more and update with newer photos if anybody is interested in seeing more. <br />
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Apologies in advance that the pictures are each on their sides. <br />
I did rotate & save each so it was in an upright position before uploading, but being a free blog website it's not that good and rotates them sideways again. Grrr! :_)<br />
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This is a wardrobe that was built by Arnie at home over the period of around 70 days, before he brought it in kit form and spent a day or so assembling it (September 2013).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNq5ReNsbiZoqRUfYtd5kHrBkVx3yD5miMXfP3NMgwQ6VeO8hpByZW01-SY5EiLrLXz2Fvh52w_HVd-1BFv2VNsTUbMNJpg2b-PdNZ0xu0t6_vB48K-VIVOpEZBzizCHlyh4Kt3D75SHaV/s1600/DSC_5649.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNq5ReNsbiZoqRUfYtd5kHrBkVx3yD5miMXfP3NMgwQ6VeO8hpByZW01-SY5EiLrLXz2Fvh52w_HVd-1BFv2VNsTUbMNJpg2b-PdNZ0xu0t6_vB48K-VIVOpEZBzizCHlyh4Kt3D75SHaV/s320/DSC_5649.JPG" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZaQ9rjKaDRWfJElM6LxLxLYtow1x5-zfUiv6S8k9QrJbzXJn5MRv9H6YN7H8R-qev0SI6vp4cu8dPQEcYahuwdI28nyxnSB_4j7oCVgiznI4oD3-e5_ZX1gMlMr5-K0Ks9jCdqbAeLdn-/s1600/DSC_5648.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZaQ9rjKaDRWfJElM6LxLxLYtow1x5-zfUiv6S8k9QrJbzXJn5MRv9H6YN7H8R-qev0SI6vp4cu8dPQEcYahuwdI28nyxnSB_4j7oCVgiznI4oD3-e5_ZX1gMlMr5-K0Ks9jCdqbAeLdn-/s320/DSC_5648.JPG" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMRKAq3GvxvMn1aqbN5J3RYBuxi47S7dpItpomG9ixRSIRFtCTkDya-b9ZkJCXsYcENRLmH9n_4WuEm6qC0Eb2QETfazH4BHgzY5XxKCwrvWJbQPPuMGs3bkMxgc3hoQt9sGrlX_nA68gg/s1600/DSC_5647.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMRKAq3GvxvMn1aqbN5J3RYBuxi47S7dpItpomG9ixRSIRFtCTkDya-b9ZkJCXsYcENRLmH9n_4WuEm6qC0Eb2QETfazH4BHgzY5XxKCwrvWJbQPPuMGs3bkMxgc3hoQt9sGrlX_nA68gg/s320/DSC_5647.JPG" /></a><br />
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In the dining room it holds the sound system for the house, which has speaker selection for each of the lounge rooms, in addition to this dining room and the upstairs room also. I'm not sure yet if we'll have waterproof speakers in the intended bathroom Which is yet to be rebuilt), but this could feasibly power speakers there also.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS62nifD9xdv-5GR50byR7ZqpPpEb8LYmg4IFyMMUmF3zE1EPp205erzmt_zL2RhmwfjZFiCHSglNwzzyaGTdcxZovcfIzwSqLYobtY6y3QrkE01JWE4HzgW0fGBTsUAd5M-koca3cEchQ/s1600/DSC_5665.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS62nifD9xdv-5GR50byR7ZqpPpEb8LYmg4IFyMMUmF3zE1EPp205erzmt_zL2RhmwfjZFiCHSglNwzzyaGTdcxZovcfIzwSqLYobtY6y3QrkE01JWE4HzgW0fGBTsUAd5M-koca3cEchQ/s320/DSC_5665.JPG" /></a><br />
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There are custom built CD & DVD shelves as well as book shelves & 2 areas for a dehumidifier and an air purifier too. Channels are made within the structure so the dehumidifier can also draw air from behind, where there is another wardrobe. <br />
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This opposing side is for our daughter's bedroom, which has a stout hanging rail, smooth closing drawers and shelves for books. The doors were also beautifully made by hand and glide smoothly on rails, but are made in the style of the other original shoji doors in the house. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9E3pKHSm6VCdsBhjC1BMvlCAmquvwwvSwIQX2SpTl0rbo55ODzqPszupb6OP2J44svI6PIilv0OW55EmvFUqMukQBZMlLLxZ6kRrUuH5V1KXr6GR9Y1ipVg5-TXiQ6f4HGKvjnKF2f32w/s1600/DSC_5656.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9E3pKHSm6VCdsBhjC1BMvlCAmquvwwvSwIQX2SpTl0rbo55ODzqPszupb6OP2J44svI6PIilv0OW55EmvFUqMukQBZMlLLxZ6kRrUuH5V1KXr6GR9Y1ipVg5-TXiQ6f4HGKvjnKF2f32w/s320/DSC_5656.JPG" /></a><br />
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The shorter exposed side is a wall on which pictures have been hung as part of the bedroom area. <br />
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Miguel - Newerahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04970762111234680191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3857626156954484494.post-17639966293150675272014-08-08T21:52:00.000-07:002014-08-08T22:59:17.757-07:00We brought down more tall & dangerous trees! Our home is surrounded by forest and as those who have followed the blog will know, our priority was to remove all the dangerous ones, which could be in danger of falling on the roof when there's a big typhoon. There was actually one tree that did fall, but thankfully it's crown only just scraped past the roof so there was no damage at all. <br />
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I'm glad we did manage to take down most of the dangerous ones before anything happened. <br />
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The people who'd cleared our trees previously - although fast & very professional at their work, had left a lot of work to be completed in clearing the brush, etc. So on this occasion I contacted Edera San, a friend of a local friend for an estimate. Her team would have to do the work a lot more carefully this time, to avoid felling trees anywhere near the house, which included climbing each tree and taking the canopy off before felling the main trunk. <br />
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This time we were cutting down mostly Japanese Cedar (Sugi) & Hinoki Cypress, which I'm finding tends to get sick and decay from the inside out, seemingly remaining healthy looking with the only clue to it's demise being climbing vines which apparently know of it's ill health. It's amazing how nature can warn us of what's happening. We just need to be observant & willing to learn.<br />
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Apologies in advance that the pictures are each on their sides. <br />
I did rotate & save each so it was in an upright position before uploading, but being a free blog website it's not that good and rotates them sideways again. Grrr! :_)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio9n1xCFPkpfD9uOuto7xiA-aRuO7zlzOSoR5EZHUezFovOWvfCcvSmlWJjG7ZnJCaAam6sXjSTNahrckvk1BxDnCeeNrqNJ5Et6VBT8SY6TpOCukftlqMHmQTLLspZwVrzpmNc4NriZRd/s1600/DSC_9561%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio9n1xCFPkpfD9uOuto7xiA-aRuO7zlzOSoR5EZHUezFovOWvfCcvSmlWJjG7ZnJCaAam6sXjSTNahrckvk1BxDnCeeNrqNJ5Et6VBT8SY6TpOCukftlqMHmQTLLspZwVrzpmNc4NriZRd/s320/DSC_9561%5B1%5D.JPG" /></a><br />
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The gentleman cutting the tops of trees down is a seasoned mountain climber, so to shin up tall trees was no hardship for him, but it was none the less awesome to watch him work. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4zLc_Al_TLxFS3FB46KswXpMGyertWXWWV3-6Ryd7fT4LvPaeQmTTZEbd2KH-_GkdLYwAlxMvi6zCWfynCg1clGR0HpI3-OvloNnNONDGRF8LGmusVC7SxeyOftcf2Zhadk3iVklG7fuT/s1600/DSC_9562%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4zLc_Al_TLxFS3FB46KswXpMGyertWXWWV3-6Ryd7fT4LvPaeQmTTZEbd2KH-_GkdLYwAlxMvi6zCWfynCg1clGR0HpI3-OvloNnNONDGRF8LGmusVC7SxeyOftcf2Zhadk3iVklG7fuT/s320/DSC_9562%5B1%5D.JPG" /></a><br />
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I have to admit I was glad I'd hired this team to do such work. I really wouldn't have fancied doing it myself.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9dTqRqG-yFF7RUzjP504o_CLBgJy2WVPpwVRm0De5rGZym-KU9ZtE5lLfrspiNIcSu9STwlS62GuLzfQ8XioMe-O8UECyCBsnD3UVkKYFty2oGIYEOC2rfM_sxZWWlGQgnMhWWTElrBMl/s1600/DSC_9565%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9dTqRqG-yFF7RUzjP504o_CLBgJy2WVPpwVRm0De5rGZym-KU9ZtE5lLfrspiNIcSu9STwlS62GuLzfQ8XioMe-O8UECyCBsnD3UVkKYFty2oGIYEOC2rfM_sxZWWlGQgnMhWWTElrBMl/s320/DSC_9565%5B1%5D.JPG" /></a> <br />
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Tiiimbeeerrrr!!!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj41Zav7TyW79CMw8xdfahfwOkqw9CDRP2ElZ6JvJLdo2X7-wh6gewHPSkTggsnu3nZcH8AY0uA-8XNXXaHpP6pRKH44j1A5D3nZaqcnfSD8ZBKvrKRgQAFhP_f_esv2LWeB2mb8gHbguh9/s1600/DSC_9567%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj41Zav7TyW79CMw8xdfahfwOkqw9CDRP2ElZ6JvJLdo2X7-wh6gewHPSkTggsnu3nZcH8AY0uA-8XNXXaHpP6pRKH44j1A5D3nZaqcnfSD8ZBKvrKRgQAFhP_f_esv2LWeB2mb8gHbguh9/s320/DSC_9567%5B1%5D.JPG" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVA6ZwoZKpuECWeuqtUbE6ax0g0L6uOlOfZXW7J5qeIAXryWOAZ-BfQ_VujXRwyjSMqpHQdYNDcigWlmdqr5kHhFp79nvxqp13OzY24kQuoC0gZr8tUHjwiU4-wqxMQXhIWb65In4M6Pis/s1600/DSC_9568%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVA6ZwoZKpuECWeuqtUbE6ax0g0L6uOlOfZXW7J5qeIAXryWOAZ-BfQ_VujXRwyjSMqpHQdYNDcigWlmdqr5kHhFp79nvxqp13OzY24kQuoC0gZr8tUHjwiU4-wqxMQXhIWb65In4M6Pis/s320/DSC_9568%5B1%5D.JPG" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOXHcqDs3B1fUyrvJv_uW9Ny794VuztopDX2DayTCeYmWWhsBI-VfBCkXDiWR14ZDDMJDtEHvkFdavN-95gw34IZWNhgptGcpvO3RJ7BT2KohGxzZkNw9CeZqYP3nqlkV8T4-xcCED720n/s1600/DSC_9569%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOXHcqDs3B1fUyrvJv_uW9Ny794VuztopDX2DayTCeYmWWhsBI-VfBCkXDiWR14ZDDMJDtEHvkFdavN-95gw34IZWNhgptGcpvO3RJ7BT2KohGxzZkNw9CeZqYP3nqlkV8T4-xcCED720n/s320/DSC_9569%5B1%5D.JPG" /></a><br />
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Tree beheaded!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7u5VtUPQsoIulLMTqc4zDsdBgL9lULsXdC0ehYvI7KcOMSMQ1ZA4Z6gsAIip5dxkniJk9CDe55F4xLiJQKQ5_6y8z6a7u-zojDxb13Oo9MJZKhpWINjIwgnmhxvTefGuQ99eovNEUEn1X/s1600/DSC_9571%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7u5VtUPQsoIulLMTqc4zDsdBgL9lULsXdC0ehYvI7KcOMSMQ1ZA4Z6gsAIip5dxkniJk9CDe55F4xLiJQKQ5_6y8z6a7u-zojDxb13Oo9MJZKhpWINjIwgnmhxvTefGuQ99eovNEUEn1X/s320/DSC_9571%5B1%5D.JPG" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh256yApa-k0d8PbHkLhbulwcCsqlXgl-9sPuptVTMzZnSgOLnj9nGTRp4hZxhVMGpemNX3zQIexQGwhVTrjwLEezagJxM4WVDOOwDCNI9bWY2xgRmSRDTW6BhRwbaA0vx2Spz4UQIF4b_H/s1600/DSC_9572%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh256yApa-k0d8PbHkLhbulwcCsqlXgl-9sPuptVTMzZnSgOLnj9nGTRp4hZxhVMGpemNX3zQIexQGwhVTrjwLEezagJxM4WVDOOwDCNI9bWY2xgRmSRDTW6BhRwbaA0vx2Spz4UQIF4b_H/s320/DSC_9572%5B1%5D.JPG" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc2WT9qTlez0i9aqSNfMRSN0JyGqG6EFzv5fktvB5HbGHHS8CjFiclmDuvzEkoawbrmPN5LHW5z5BrIcpjTqvm91oU0e8txK9xXAK7mux1WT7cK6eGs-MBbJ5Zq22DRB0LUsAEz5XS1cwK/s1600/DSC_9573%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc2WT9qTlez0i9aqSNfMRSN0JyGqG6EFzv5fktvB5HbGHHS8CjFiclmDuvzEkoawbrmPN5LHW5z5BrIcpjTqvm91oU0e8txK9xXAK7mux1WT7cK6eGs-MBbJ5Zq22DRB0LUsAEz5XS1cwK/s320/DSC_9573%5B1%5D.JPG" /></a><br />
<br />
Once the top foliage & branches of each tree had been cut down, it was time to cut the base and drop the trunk, which tended to fall into the valley below. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO8uZdB9dTdvWewH_Sq-M1z-IQdx77VwiIZNh30ifhuh6pkA070MVPRdzqH3VtqFajhjhf6i_6ccicOmVxRtJya2GeNQUszHmFAaSURdIQuZXcIbH4qkNgIyyxBVOuMGwT6PLCfyS3ld-j/s1600/DSC_9576%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO8uZdB9dTdvWewH_Sq-M1z-IQdx77VwiIZNh30ifhuh6pkA070MVPRdzqH3VtqFajhjhf6i_6ccicOmVxRtJya2GeNQUszHmFAaSURdIQuZXcIbH4qkNgIyyxBVOuMGwT6PLCfyS3ld-j/s320/DSC_9576%5B1%5D.JPG" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwJo-2tNygGtdZIxuBxC7gLAtiRKLj0f7mmOf6hPnWZdgbpn4v1mP_JbwOYWVyDjS8sq60UX_ZDB5R0_Tuz2JkmHnMyUrN7pQcRztyRiIAljn0JKaiGn3ZNu0QLu0gX7g7l_72-Qu2xhAm/s1600/DSC_9577%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwJo-2tNygGtdZIxuBxC7gLAtiRKLj0f7mmOf6hPnWZdgbpn4v1mP_JbwOYWVyDjS8sq60UX_ZDB5R0_Tuz2JkmHnMyUrN7pQcRztyRiIAljn0JKaiGn3ZNu0QLu0gX7g7l_72-Qu2xhAm/s320/DSC_9577%5B1%5D.JPG" /></a><br />
<br />
One tree got caught on a stout old Oak. Some further surgery & engineering was required, but it came down to safety in the end. Around 7 similar trees were removed from this area during a 2-3 day stint. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_EI0qS5ZW97IlYJ5asiEjfxpFxcN-9VFh4k4f9z5NfDVGnI8yVS31nHSsOkDEQcvz-2rxq2U5qZzsC0H7ZLzKGwvOP9-9-ktQeavUG6PHox5iQW0pX7b71CALcvDLYnw0z4Ixihjmd2sF/s1600/DSC_9578%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_EI0qS5ZW97IlYJ5asiEjfxpFxcN-9VFh4k4f9z5NfDVGnI8yVS31nHSsOkDEQcvz-2rxq2U5qZzsC0H7ZLzKGwvOP9-9-ktQeavUG6PHox5iQW0pX7b71CALcvDLYnw0z4Ixihjmd2sF/s320/DSC_9578%5B1%5D.JPG" /></a><br />
<br />
Our next job was to remove a wood drying shack that had been erected some 40 years before, to allow access to 4 very tall Japanese cedars behind it, 3 of which were quite old & sick. Jun spent about a day dismantling it and finally we were rid of the 2 shacks which had come with the property. This is also the location where I intend to build a 6 car sized workshop, so all the reason to remove any possibly dangerous trees. Not least they loomed over the gatehouse!<br />
If they ever fell on top of that it would have been catastrophic! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_YdG9vsny20DI_jsoUybd-_OUo6Derli0UftIt_MkGZQbbjp0P2WNbxTYpkgZwn5_OzlduZyTJICmwHl5LmbWPNgtRKBrs1JL3wndu8fZ86Eyf4nWz0AmUO3pylsUWUZUjHpdm_CMTCy5/s1600/DSC_0299%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_YdG9vsny20DI_jsoUybd-_OUo6Derli0UftIt_MkGZQbbjp0P2WNbxTYpkgZwn5_OzlduZyTJICmwHl5LmbWPNgtRKBrs1JL3wndu8fZ86Eyf4nWz0AmUO3pylsUWUZUjHpdm_CMTCy5/s320/DSC_0299%5B1%5D.JPG" /></a><br />
<br />
Shortly after the shack was taken down, we had some very heavy snows for a week or so. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFBb0S9PnbvKzpvpZFc1qNDd3b01Rdx8fLHsUVInU8oUVneA7TDB4cxLC7QxPtF1TJFKqzlVsL2KJTRUzYJlx2DJrQfiIxA40zsDYCoSQfL7aUHE6CJFDVTR7zHf8NwnyHWC7NXU89QznA/s1600/DSC_0311%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFBb0S9PnbvKzpvpZFc1qNDd3b01Rdx8fLHsUVInU8oUVneA7TDB4cxLC7QxPtF1TJFKqzlVsL2KJTRUzYJlx2DJrQfiIxA40zsDYCoSQfL7aUHE6CJFDVTR7zHf8NwnyHWC7NXU89QznA/s320/DSC_0311%5B1%5D.JPG" /></a><br />
<br />
Tokyo was the worst hit and had something like 60cm!<br />
But it all soon melted. This picture was taken when I drove a friend home in the early hours of the morning, crossing Rainbow bridge when there was nobody else able to make it through...<br />
I was driving our (4WD with locking front hubs) camper van, equipped with good snow tyres. This was one time I was glad to have plenty of ground clearance too.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMp5C8KdhMXW0N02cPxK29hJjeFIcltvMDgiWWt03uNw_EZkd7FbSQU3HjMi_CmRdFM17zKDd2sKmJ36t7w83TgYshjZq6o4wVYleDa4EhvpGU3LMbbKWdbCIqWBwKLWVRBxGazDjPKYFB/s1600/DSC_0343%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMp5C8KdhMXW0N02cPxK29hJjeFIcltvMDgiWWt03uNw_EZkd7FbSQU3HjMi_CmRdFM17zKDd2sKmJ36t7w83TgYshjZq6o4wVYleDa4EhvpGU3LMbbKWdbCIqWBwKLWVRBxGazDjPKYFB/s320/DSC_0343%5B1%5D.JPG" /></a><br />
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Once the snows had mostly melted, on 22nd of February the crew came back to cut down another 6 or so trees!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH-IxeaGJwb4zB-tSjSKMmeVaqIsNezdrRSv28drHCOoq9EamacN27iqViE4EhUXN-FDUIIPLsRybaAGT0J8Pg_LoTkonXjQNc0H_ZkEDAzgJmRKbKcVTQbBIqE9bMZ6_pplfxvrtVFTkg/s1600/DSC_0718%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH-IxeaGJwb4zB-tSjSKMmeVaqIsNezdrRSv28drHCOoq9EamacN27iqViE4EhUXN-FDUIIPLsRybaAGT0J8Pg_LoTkonXjQNc0H_ZkEDAzgJmRKbKcVTQbBIqE9bMZ6_pplfxvrtVFTkg/s320/DSC_0718%5B1%5D.JPG" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Zp0W1s5LjvzWA4kcTEBgRU50j4RdMhCrFCPraxZSVEkxYpmmZfoywEAk8f-G4QnhWX-qEOSUA_3zIDB16BxtwNZTiBvNkX-08z3qflqHWcS-cdRRQ85esII1E1cQyNp0FK2FZ6tgGh76/s1600/DSC_0720%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Zp0W1s5LjvzWA4kcTEBgRU50j4RdMhCrFCPraxZSVEkxYpmmZfoywEAk8f-G4QnhWX-qEOSUA_3zIDB16BxtwNZTiBvNkX-08z3qflqHWcS-cdRRQ85esII1E1cQyNp0FK2FZ6tgGh76/s320/DSC_0720%5B1%5D.JPG" /></a><br />
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Hammering a wedge into the cut, so it won't shut & trap the chainsaw. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgtFxU0eCnvE0SK8sP6LsA_DBgCqvrKCRdJtM4sRG_7juVAVaoCt9E3LYNwHUWCal3aCfBqlNNuOUaFXJrW81ap2o5NNTayHu3gOd3LAFgmu53Om6k6M1JjUmbaslnM__U82akyMO3HDup/s1600/DSC_0721%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgtFxU0eCnvE0SK8sP6LsA_DBgCqvrKCRdJtM4sRG_7juVAVaoCt9E3LYNwHUWCal3aCfBqlNNuOUaFXJrW81ap2o5NNTayHu3gOd3LAFgmu53Om6k6M1JjUmbaslnM__U82akyMO3HDup/s320/DSC_0721%5B1%5D.JPG" /></a><br />
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Cutting....<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTWm6YD-9kNoVO_Xpg5y_F-JsHLO7ButEcYkv1SMRgNkJrtt1BwtQLmvaYNv3T-1CGpF3hh0BkluwX-PtVOZvHjTzu4WgmyKZJVybHCmUUklUkKNmVgsS6gDkg4SynRMje2ROUMmQ0UACz/s1600/DSC_0726%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTWm6YD-9kNoVO_Xpg5y_F-JsHLO7ButEcYkv1SMRgNkJrtt1BwtQLmvaYNv3T-1CGpF3hh0BkluwX-PtVOZvHjTzu4WgmyKZJVybHCmUUklUkKNmVgsS6gDkg4SynRMje2ROUMmQ0UACz/s320/DSC_0726%5B1%5D.JPG" /></a><br />
<br />
Coming down!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp0GJzcY-SaU4Vhx0y4sn5WFLwFKaLFO9W-YVBb4DArZuH4Q7nyzp0KtebJWGvHFckSnamXxvIxmJ0l3HT6n0EdrDkIQe8ADxk17aPIETdfjLfkl7x0zJ-g3ErbfywSeK5bKweWPhjte9U/s1600/DSC_0728%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp0GJzcY-SaU4Vhx0y4sn5WFLwFKaLFO9W-YVBb4DArZuH4Q7nyzp0KtebJWGvHFckSnamXxvIxmJ0l3HT6n0EdrDkIQe8ADxk17aPIETdfjLfkl7x0zJ-g3ErbfywSeK5bKweWPhjte9U/s320/DSC_0728%5B1%5D.JPG" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzuHGoV1nnMSv5DFwTZdoHBXSm_zc0F-7ZJX92PfZ1DCwKRtxy2kza2DZq0TAhWPCRJBPU115MEyurQUFtV5GocJlvW7j9sVocxZS2DLFfKcbMd44ymxxzrlEjkQSsQGGT5kD8rieTwGlE/s1600/DSC_0734%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzuHGoV1nnMSv5DFwTZdoHBXSm_zc0F-7ZJX92PfZ1DCwKRtxy2kza2DZq0TAhWPCRJBPU115MEyurQUFtV5GocJlvW7j9sVocxZS2DLFfKcbMd44ymxxzrlEjkQSsQGGT5kD8rieTwGlE/s320/DSC_0734%5B1%5D.JPG" /></a><br />
<br />
CRASH!!!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEIdZP0I7sWoZSMxYgl_AnvCEQVsee8XnyqCkhqkfSfwwtmR2_n4GUDPhMczD_jmqK6A2l6h82xIhLzEib9V5o9f-KEJIRUJskRN9fo9jiIbV0PUKKTNwNWpzqZ_kx_eYAT4Oj3puqnbhU/s1600/DSC_0736%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEIdZP0I7sWoZSMxYgl_AnvCEQVsee8XnyqCkhqkfSfwwtmR2_n4GUDPhMczD_jmqK6A2l6h82xIhLzEib9V5o9f-KEJIRUJskRN9fo9jiIbV0PUKKTNwNWpzqZ_kx_eYAT4Oj3puqnbhU/s320/DSC_0736%5B1%5D.JPG" /></a><br />
<br />
This tree was around 115 years old. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipbUhECxL60Ni-wXQQ6T0EfOEkx1UBiED7p_KG1p2UWY3CAEyPt6qN_y95xVztw8WeKQUbVz6zsspcrDIIl5IMymVMcK-_EL3suEIML4-n82IzRm0SqsW1iX72FgIfGl7XiA4AQhJhjkKu/s1600/DSC_0738%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipbUhECxL60Ni-wXQQ6T0EfOEkx1UBiED7p_KG1p2UWY3CAEyPt6qN_y95xVztw8WeKQUbVz6zsspcrDIIl5IMymVMcK-_EL3suEIML4-n82IzRm0SqsW1iX72FgIfGl7XiA4AQhJhjkKu/s320/DSC_0738%5B1%5D.JPG" /></a><br />
<br />
And another tree coming down.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNHxOJNtYhlVaMfkSFOKMxsVx59IHJFMJjfmzktNsokRFLWSDuyEUBZnYs69Rq-KDNzhpx_mk_4r_qLsfGxKPIiIc5QR6lrn4njIBtPAoUXiD0RLJwCME5zvnXItX-rEyZgMrOiRaYppob/s1600/DSC_0741%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNHxOJNtYhlVaMfkSFOKMxsVx59IHJFMJjfmzktNsokRFLWSDuyEUBZnYs69Rq-KDNzhpx_mk_4r_qLsfGxKPIiIc5QR6lrn4njIBtPAoUXiD0RLJwCME5zvnXItX-rEyZgMrOiRaYppob/s320/DSC_0741%5B1%5D.JPG" /></a><br />
<br />
Cutting!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFzuYih9nfPIpSV36Oj_DqG_EuORSGss5VQSJNzYoHqcdQ3StTw1MrtwDgkxQFl1h9jGKOcPeGuOkQksIoGOPwNTCasfLbgu2qCQYJAxXD1ncoYT-VRY03duo8M8BevK35LvqjnrmAOeH4/s1600/DSC_0749%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFzuYih9nfPIpSV36Oj_DqG_EuORSGss5VQSJNzYoHqcdQ3StTw1MrtwDgkxQFl1h9jGKOcPeGuOkQksIoGOPwNTCasfLbgu2qCQYJAxXD1ncoYT-VRY03duo8M8BevK35LvqjnrmAOeH4/s320/DSC_0749%5B1%5D.JPG" /></a><br />
<br />
This was probably the most beautiful Sugi we had on the property, but as we plan to build when we can, now seemed an opportune time to bring it down.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeS_gxHTqhEm5gTyTwMh6XvxYzyo3_gvbbQr9wbFL6Cv2rmbVK8BssVxJKznJ5mPPLZkFOU7GNnTDFmqb6w-B1sP82POH8V_Gc_hT9nhebwQ30yyli1VzOM-QLYqLWwwIh9swE_KbDambW/s1600/DSC_0753%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeS_gxHTqhEm5gTyTwMh6XvxYzyo3_gvbbQr9wbFL6Cv2rmbVK8BssVxJKznJ5mPPLZkFOU7GNnTDFmqb6w-B1sP82POH8V_Gc_hT9nhebwQ30yyli1VzOM-QLYqLWwwIh9swE_KbDambW/s320/DSC_0753%5B1%5D.JPG" /></a><br />
<br />
CRASH!!!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaIObLI5Id3_XnJJE0L_I4afJXVmJSEy4tVsXHyKAjdq2C9GbY6NQwOyCXIiNcLfmLOLQCfiPq8YW1oMv_e4wZU3H-EPvFfNk9PJfxK_N2JIEhwZmUBg0vl6ph6fYP-Iyf30ts6V8OM4o1/s1600/DSC_0755%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaIObLI5Id3_XnJJE0L_I4afJXVmJSEy4tVsXHyKAjdq2C9GbY6NQwOyCXIiNcLfmLOLQCfiPq8YW1oMv_e4wZU3H-EPvFfNk9PJfxK_N2JIEhwZmUBg0vl6ph6fYP-Iyf30ts6V8OM4o1/s320/DSC_0755%5B1%5D.JPG" /></a><br />
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It went deep into the ravine below. About 25m total length!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGiLHGKnAJJvejGcRwycZA9QNXyjQHGNH4zWwajRMZ4mivLZ6p6EB427megb7OchgwbvImEPE2VoXWht2-3rZylruiVO2WrVtovO9ZDRg03B80jK7ZAeXNSbec9y6GM8WsuwpkDwEkCVek/s1600/DSC_0761%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGiLHGKnAJJvejGcRwycZA9QNXyjQHGNH4zWwajRMZ4mivLZ6p6EB427megb7OchgwbvImEPE2VoXWht2-3rZylruiVO2WrVtovO9ZDRg03B80jK7ZAeXNSbec9y6GM8WsuwpkDwEkCVek/s320/DSC_0761%5B1%5D.JPG" /></a><br />
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In all, this past winter around 12 trees of 20-25 metres in height were taken down along the ridge just before there is a steep incline to a flat area below.<br />
This has opened up the path for winds to come from the valley below and we immediately noticed a much cooler and more comfortable atmosphere (Especially over the recent summer weather).<br />
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In the spring together with the children we planted lots of replacement trees, as this is a prime area for sunlight. These included Tangerine, Orange, Peach, Cherry, Lemon and Blueberry, in addition to Apple, Japanese pear, Fig, Chestnut and Weeping Cherry Blossoms in other parts of the garden where trees were previously felled last year. We'll see how these saplings survive, but we have fed them with chicken manure and protected each with plenty of mulch, so hopefully they'll grow up well & healthy. We continue to patiently dream of having a range of fruits to juice, eat and preserve to enjoy fresh from the garden throughout the year.<br />
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The new tree's roots will help avoid possible land slides and I presume that's why these trees were grown there in the first place. We will continue to plant as time goes on, but I figure it'll be some years before the roots of the trees we cut down rot into deep compost. <br />
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I then asked Yo Chan, who is a well known builder who favours natural materials to come by and take the tree trunks he wanted, for free. The most beautiful tree that had fallen deep into the ravine was the one he really wanted. He said this was the most beautiful & perfect Sugi he'd ever had the chance to have.<br />
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We used his Unic crane truck as power to pull 5 metre long sections of trunk up from the ravine. These were very heavy & too much for his crane to pull, so we had to engineer ways to bring each section out, using cables and pullies to get better purchase. <br />
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Here, Yo Chan climbs an Oak to attach a strap & pulley.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH6yim_mr2X7lf_C6b1pCnzL-aD_xNSiE3k0BMw-NIF0GzofiYZyG6Fsh2Rio_doVZIyyoxL-OKzRSnsKY_cKmB8eIW8XxxKO1eAfxnRG0egAvZh84k3TdU2FFnf4QhuaggkgGR-phONoG/s1600/DSC_1287%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH6yim_mr2X7lf_C6b1pCnzL-aD_xNSiE3k0BMw-NIF0GzofiYZyG6Fsh2Rio_doVZIyyoxL-OKzRSnsKY_cKmB8eIW8XxxKO1eAfxnRG0egAvZh84k3TdU2FFnf4QhuaggkgGR-phONoG/s320/DSC_1287%5B1%5D.JPG" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj50jMQDWVqWbqmNoBFTbDezFPRTCj0xenGD4B6wkPh-pxzY-Y5VrWERThey2ayHMzGNNZ-CqLvFZlXWs2bpnCStUfMQCu7MIxPeCPic1zQsrhSEW2nUbsse0oqos0Uzb9QX54NPtvNFuB5/s1600/DSC_1291%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj50jMQDWVqWbqmNoBFTbDezFPRTCj0xenGD4B6wkPh-pxzY-Y5VrWERThey2ayHMzGNNZ-CqLvFZlXWs2bpnCStUfMQCu7MIxPeCPic1zQsrhSEW2nUbsse0oqos0Uzb9QX54NPtvNFuB5/s320/DSC_1291%5B1%5D.JPG" /></a><br />
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As always it was amazing to watch & spend the day assisting a professional at work. Part of his work has been to make some fantastic tree houses, so he's experienced in how to engineer success with these difficult projects. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikcGs9LplsGubydbxmhofE-dYSFcyISaA-pWfwcp4kHWk1hABQWmojLRCjgO_AIcs2fIRBAAPBqHSeQwjvz6Xs_lELIoO45e-YMAc9rMWEhNRj8P-kdltzOBUKppYStaE1YPX0DPgkkKZJ/s1600/DSC_1307%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikcGs9LplsGubydbxmhofE-dYSFcyISaA-pWfwcp4kHWk1hABQWmojLRCjgO_AIcs2fIRBAAPBqHSeQwjvz6Xs_lELIoO45e-YMAc9rMWEhNRj8P-kdltzOBUKppYStaE1YPX0DPgkkKZJ/s320/DSC_1307%5B1%5D.JPG" /></a><br />
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Rescuing a piece of 5m length trunk of 100 year old Sugi.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiES-iGkFRvZM8uyTjmqy03qJnxbH9cj70h-kduVEPotZh5a4b73QDfR1cdJlFgKvPuSPHzcNTF3L2lRKf59cI-CytZDBlNPaj6poHDkbVxrkeAwAjIFu4ajss49YjaT45k33NsfWxlw2g0/s1600/DSC_1310%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiES-iGkFRvZM8uyTjmqy03qJnxbH9cj70h-kduVEPotZh5a4b73QDfR1cdJlFgKvPuSPHzcNTF3L2lRKf59cI-CytZDBlNPaj6poHDkbVxrkeAwAjIFu4ajss49YjaT45k33NsfWxlw2g0/s320/DSC_1310%5B1%5D.JPG" /></a><br />
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As we loaded the truck the back wheels continued to sink deeper & deeper into the ground! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK3A1jeWfwOc8QVm7V9U6zIfyxzZFR-ecuRAS5iGScOo8caHASiTugAjj4uBP_QdqIXcJolUIKLtfwNi79rmUdWTA9xZZBVBYlpTS2yR29o-d8SNTWc2C3nVt7EduHZLHsvSVh3B9pFPVQ/s1600/DSC_1317%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK3A1jeWfwOc8QVm7V9U6zIfyxzZFR-ecuRAS5iGScOo8caHASiTugAjj4uBP_QdqIXcJolUIKLtfwNi79rmUdWTA9xZZBVBYlpTS2yR29o-d8SNTWc2C3nVt7EduHZLHsvSVh3B9pFPVQ/s320/DSC_1317%5B1%5D.JPG" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC7hpm9TYU8MZgO68XLQplXuDyYsRI6zGi3IyOkjOaT0rfcnkCJiz_LGjOgEB0j27k7_wLiLAnR_PVPrJA3sryREF-YqyIVGn6KEbbcecbbI3PAa0KYFG6piiN_lJ4XrTgWvOqWlntxVMD/s1600/DSC_1328%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC7hpm9TYU8MZgO68XLQplXuDyYsRI6zGi3IyOkjOaT0rfcnkCJiz_LGjOgEB0j27k7_wLiLAnR_PVPrJA3sryREF-YqyIVGn6KEbbcecbbI3PAa0KYFG6piiN_lJ4XrTgWvOqWlntxVMD/s320/DSC_1328%5B1%5D.JPG" /></a><br />
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It didn't drive out of there easily, but with a combination of using the crane to pull, combined with my 3.5 ton Chihoru winch and large chunks of wood under the wheels, eventually we managed to pull it out - and made sure it didn't stop till it got onto harder ground. I expect it probably weighed around 8 tonnes with that load. <br />
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We still have logs in the valley and on the slope below which need to be cut. That's a project to do perhaps over next winter... Maybe in combination with building an intended duck pond... One project at a time. No rush, just a little progress as & when it can be made!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSGgIzeBaP3c6Om8LPQX9eev4Q9BeRu3gB55vHuA9psoFkbXsSOfmgsRx05eKXyLsGvaCQszSK3SxsYIbdlKSdZHmx52hArZAsjxYns9AoKs2ab_GafAMtTyTN_pADVMq2kCFJtATvzGkC/s1600/DSC_0320%5B4%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSGgIzeBaP3c6Om8LPQX9eev4Q9BeRu3gB55vHuA9psoFkbXsSOfmgsRx05eKXyLsGvaCQszSK3SxsYIbdlKSdZHmx52hArZAsjxYns9AoKs2ab_GafAMtTyTN_pADVMq2kCFJtATvzGkC/s320/DSC_0320%5B4%5D.JPG" /></a>Miguel - Newerahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04970762111234680191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3857626156954484494.post-84429154678362578712014-08-08T07:46:00.001-07:002014-08-22T19:29:10.353-07:00Our Garden through the seasons.Winter is a time I like to use the opportunity for to do work in the garden, when there's time. <br />
It's cold, but the weather is usually crisp & bright although it gets dark at around 4pm. When the snows fall, it usually settles for a few days and makes the dormant nature much prettier.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivJNzmQWjQ3lF6eRlIuqxy_cwizVXsQLIxftujtuCY5RiQi80UE3JulfOqC78OSWWKrYmk5ITz0Dnuv4IhwoC0oWoMruLMFi98EREcXQul2nJwoiqxCRF9vB09Ng6yfV-mCVpYu-4BhnvN/s1600/DSC_0309%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivJNzmQWjQ3lF6eRlIuqxy_cwizVXsQLIxftujtuCY5RiQi80UE3JulfOqC78OSWWKrYmk5ITz0Dnuv4IhwoC0oWoMruLMFi98EREcXQul2nJwoiqxCRF9vB09Ng6yfV-mCVpYu-4BhnvN/s320/DSC_0309%5B1%5D.JPG" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi26wyo9QahhlJvNkJauQQQ8zPctEKMlcusJJJsKNqVE9b1RZKfjqCuOmosr3t7azi77GqmpmhgYpZwS0Xo8BGAzhlYvVhmTuIQ-d94HaCNK_MhtefjCNT-mgLavlgnfAoU6SL-IxQYG2IJ/s1600/DSC_0311%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi26wyo9QahhlJvNkJauQQQ8zPctEKMlcusJJJsKNqVE9b1RZKfjqCuOmosr3t7azi77GqmpmhgYpZwS0Xo8BGAzhlYvVhmTuIQ-d94HaCNK_MhtefjCNT-mgLavlgnfAoU6SL-IxQYG2IJ/s320/DSC_0311%5B1%5D.JPG" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi90t_akDeq_KVGVrDqLMudDjMpmR72UA0zJClK8TtTfCuX6HEGqkwj2TNPbhIVc6k7JwG3ZaVR2L5eyjC6_AnDAnXUkG03aKn94jtk3I5zvyDQ_V3AhHN0vDex-g3YC12uJtu36LO-iBcJ/s1600/DSC_0312%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi90t_akDeq_KVGVrDqLMudDjMpmR72UA0zJClK8TtTfCuX6HEGqkwj2TNPbhIVc6k7JwG3ZaVR2L5eyjC6_AnDAnXUkG03aKn94jtk3I5zvyDQ_V3AhHN0vDex-g3YC12uJtu36LO-iBcJ/s320/DSC_0312%5B1%5D.JPG" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQY5AVil2DF0emxKBvEXfvkt95CTZfVz3pYHYW4X_8I2D38xUbm_lQETSBkVuGEqcxsTGNyUw450IRTXBlRxkw-g8iRQfLoNWuGmb5dj_GeKMJztHkFziTK0r56x6JT-6wIikK9cYcErHL/s1600/DSC_0313%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQY5AVil2DF0emxKBvEXfvkt95CTZfVz3pYHYW4X_8I2D38xUbm_lQETSBkVuGEqcxsTGNyUw450IRTXBlRxkw-g8iRQfLoNWuGmb5dj_GeKMJztHkFziTK0r56x6JT-6wIikK9cYcErHL/s320/DSC_0313%5B1%5D.JPG" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcy8iMLHwa2vSWD-Hr9yBul8G-w0FDucjqu-UTUd9y2mC2NMomGv0nf7LVx8wSMIrc9drj4d-YeUZ8tSTrM5lC8JkDoF_IvwYLxZpmitPIJ-w-TMYTweEIX3VbCW_PCbfIN_7mA3LI86bw/s1600/DSC_0316%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcy8iMLHwa2vSWD-Hr9yBul8G-w0FDucjqu-UTUd9y2mC2NMomGv0nf7LVx8wSMIrc9drj4d-YeUZ8tSTrM5lC8JkDoF_IvwYLxZpmitPIJ-w-TMYTweEIX3VbCW_PCbfIN_7mA3LI86bw/s320/DSC_0316%5B1%5D.JPG" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzj3VoD1b3LP-ccotiNUcHJa-L270DLGC2Y38j5Mn3CRF_o1hwisYHsXCNF87OAqW3bBNZDt3uHtC6kAnsj4ro2ubNxE0MfsoGRlXN4BrMSbhrzZuXjhWAYqDL9kBnWxhFOm60XZwQvtJ1/s1600/DSC_0323%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzj3VoD1b3LP-ccotiNUcHJa-L270DLGC2Y38j5Mn3CRF_o1hwisYHsXCNF87OAqW3bBNZDt3uHtC6kAnsj4ro2ubNxE0MfsoGRlXN4BrMSbhrzZuXjhWAYqDL9kBnWxhFOm60XZwQvtJ1/s320/DSC_0323%5B1%5D.JPG" /></a><br />
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Spring is also a beautiful time of course. The large cherry blossom behind the house that is usually forgotten throughout the year is spectacular.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVv50ol0wVLUjVar1mRvPTFLa5GG1cASLRoywiyG7-9sxiztPT0uEUCKo8QoXy1g-RuUsRPJWVg1cBbZL0cCqvpCC0Vvg3h64zVpZcieROVcjXsHIOhsTURF76fmB3JcFv22LD3NdioeAA/s1600/DSC_1577%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVv50ol0wVLUjVar1mRvPTFLa5GG1cASLRoywiyG7-9sxiztPT0uEUCKo8QoXy1g-RuUsRPJWVg1cBbZL0cCqvpCC0Vvg3h64zVpZcieROVcjXsHIOhsTURF76fmB3JcFv22LD3NdioeAA/s320/DSC_1577%5B1%5D.JPG" /></a><br />
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In March of this year, we got our first livestock pet / animal given to us by a local breeder, who was introduced via one of the mothers in our daughter's kindergarten. <br />
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This is Hana with her mother on the day we met her. She was about 2 months old at the time. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ-ojAX5emJ3zPVIIqTyKWTkjaUVK76TBRkQk3qdxFwpOBn5mD9xj-VSsyfJ69frKkft0SxdYurEI7OnCfpmtDT9sjEJvrF7J_aJnHU7s4e0wMXkrq9z8sXyG_lQUPOU8hhDH8MFuFsh7F/s1600/DSC_1171%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ-ojAX5emJ3zPVIIqTyKWTkjaUVK76TBRkQk3qdxFwpOBn5mD9xj-VSsyfJ69frKkft0SxdYurEI7OnCfpmtDT9sjEJvrF7J_aJnHU7s4e0wMXkrq9z8sXyG_lQUPOU8hhDH8MFuFsh7F/s320/DSC_1171%5B1%5D.JPG" /></a><br />
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Very cute! But I was a bit concerned to be taking her away from her source of highly nutritious mother's milk.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKzy8ZWeu7CovVJ1qEy0w9h1tEfMd8RiFuI5UP6TS_7ZMb7YHagkGRBP7pCfDdoa6RxWvJS5MBqGr_0R2kL0MSqV2nur-36agjFTdZSIqILTqk9_p_BPiql5DnLfHssx-sDcLfsTsI_d8U/s1600/DSC_1173%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKzy8ZWeu7CovVJ1qEy0w9h1tEfMd8RiFuI5UP6TS_7ZMb7YHagkGRBP7pCfDdoa6RxWvJS5MBqGr_0R2kL0MSqV2nur-36agjFTdZSIqILTqk9_p_BPiql5DnLfHssx-sDcLfsTsI_d8U/s320/DSC_1173%5B1%5D.JPG" /></a><br />
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I built her a large but portable house, so she could have shelter in the rain. It's large because we hope to have more goats from Hana's offspring in future. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLnpu-F5C1UIs7tVm3grK2DwyWhcDNs2nSopdVWbhSIxMCHHD94bNW72kxPFuc3QWGewZI3beEcs-9lWI4UPngDYlxmaoBIB3c_4VjyrdoFrGLUZksd8dUugf9Yjw9Mb_B9a-NSV9LQSn6/s1600/Hana+House+(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLnpu-F5C1UIs7tVm3grK2DwyWhcDNs2nSopdVWbhSIxMCHHD94bNW72kxPFuc3QWGewZI3beEcs-9lWI4UPngDYlxmaoBIB3c_4VjyrdoFrGLUZksd8dUugf9Yjw9Mb_B9a-NSV9LQSn6/s320/Hana+House+(1).JPG" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiST7QwDLNjaQF4Y7DVuwyxqe7LGhCdOjxFH96h2tEtfrC9vNIltXH3abUNg7IwMZw88PV17Myc4k7deKivRlE1idqSuBkTXADs1ouaFvjD35qshAjKO8xmDq6necHpidoErc-J7zRucpzC/s1600/Hana+House+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiST7QwDLNjaQF4Y7DVuwyxqe7LGhCdOjxFH96h2tEtfrC9vNIltXH3abUNg7IwMZw88PV17Myc4k7deKivRlE1idqSuBkTXADs1ouaFvjD35qshAjKO8xmDq6necHpidoErc-J7zRucpzC/s320/Hana+House+(2).JPG" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZXZNDSqPGx1n0W23dRSTwQ6xdc2yOz1PR7wYmaRyZxc6ojUGgDLDtfuBaI64DZmzyQihduZTN8s3Bz0XsI4rPDqwUZyVZsOFL8215qN8NzROegYMMVwrTO4ur93-WpA_I7bunmTHYkkbM/s1600/Hana+House+(3).JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZXZNDSqPGx1n0W23dRSTwQ6xdc2yOz1PR7wYmaRyZxc6ojUGgDLDtfuBaI64DZmzyQihduZTN8s3Bz0XsI4rPDqwUZyVZsOFL8215qN8NzROegYMMVwrTO4ur93-WpA_I7bunmTHYkkbM/s320/Hana+House+(3).JPG" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Pl3to-p8USjiRDsOVVFe73UNTlur_Z5YS2CUV9ehQe3H2SWsd_PBMaOW_EQHYM4h-_L3nxTi3khFvhlvV2OQDePjc7DLdQrAYNjhrTv4SwDzGklvAPvDLXeOwlgG6NzO7OF44PsGeRLm/s1600/Hana+House+(4).JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Pl3to-p8USjiRDsOVVFe73UNTlur_Z5YS2CUV9ehQe3H2SWsd_PBMaOW_EQHYM4h-_L3nxTi3khFvhlvV2OQDePjc7DLdQrAYNjhrTv4SwDzGklvAPvDLXeOwlgG6NzO7OF44PsGeRLm/s320/Hana+House+(4).JPG" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU6hHv3hGghZlH96eGPD3ZHM4poIyG6_WTI9oTUN1ePnYvJvfihbbviAMJyuK9RzEGwyVyX9w4_mZDxaFI0LSDIV8j4-Al1dEPbKmLogKFq4kUoiWzCIhjwQj-HO3XUMqo0h4SKuJOj9oz/s1600/Hana+House+(5).JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU6hHv3hGghZlH96eGPD3ZHM4poIyG6_WTI9oTUN1ePnYvJvfihbbviAMJyuK9RzEGwyVyX9w4_mZDxaFI0LSDIV8j4-Al1dEPbKmLogKFq4kUoiWzCIhjwQj-HO3XUMqo0h4SKuJOj9oz/s320/Hana+House+(5).JPG" /></a><br />
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We were pleased to see she soon became accustomed to being with us. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_TPMuE4YT0v8m3Ca68K6hQoGxk5N22zKJN8FCvrKqAXF_5MsVU_uLUFZhVb-IyhyphenhyphenvDJkF1IL0H57M17gB6UZEDonMv1sTBb1ts6d9sUVhrFhsAjE0wnit4T_tCNj5IkwLA_I4bzgfdMUv/s1600/DSC_1416%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_TPMuE4YT0v8m3Ca68K6hQoGxk5N22zKJN8FCvrKqAXF_5MsVU_uLUFZhVb-IyhyphenhyphenvDJkF1IL0H57M17gB6UZEDonMv1sTBb1ts6d9sUVhrFhsAjE0wnit4T_tCNj5IkwLA_I4bzgfdMUv/s320/DSC_1416%5B1%5D.JPG" /></a><br />
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We bought her plenty of hay & oats, to help her grow. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPjdRjERQJCSyJ9FkDtxudVJZJqehJFWuESSEqf5f0eqPNQ-tu2WOS9VWbONI08p7EDdmpd6U92l2zyJzKmXyqEKugDTul6Ky1tIQllMysAY9wiWMnf51zEiTh3wWCRDuIMKlpvXT1smL-/s1600/DSC_1420%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPjdRjERQJCSyJ9FkDtxudVJZJqehJFWuESSEqf5f0eqPNQ-tu2WOS9VWbONI08p7EDdmpd6U92l2zyJzKmXyqEKugDTul6Ky1tIQllMysAY9wiWMnf51zEiTh3wWCRDuIMKlpvXT1smL-/s320/DSC_1420%5B1%5D.JPG" /></a><br />
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She became quite friendly at an early stage. There's been no problem at all with her and our children, to whom she comes now to be petted.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkNpDTRYvJkgFD1HrhwDHNzyd1dcVtfpM7u4K6Tj86oq9ioj89IgEevDPviqp2G1J-sZCZM8JxWhPeepC0Muck1NBXDfpR5KzkCEqbxAwZUdzdbZX69sfBebZQuXOKPJpDhqRPl5aq1dx3/s1600/DSC_1421%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkNpDTRYvJkgFD1HrhwDHNzyd1dcVtfpM7u4K6Tj86oq9ioj89IgEevDPviqp2G1J-sZCZM8JxWhPeepC0Muck1NBXDfpR5KzkCEqbxAwZUdzdbZX69sfBebZQuXOKPJpDhqRPl5aq1dx3/s320/DSC_1421%5B1%5D.JPG" /></a><br />
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The grass needs trimming in the early summer and maintained, which is one reason we got Hana, although she's not able to munch enough on her own. First we must let our her grow to full size before we introduce her to a mate, so she can have her own kids. The plan is to have several goats and keep the family growing, so eventually we have free-range goats in the forest behind the house, so they will naturally tend to the foliage that grows there. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSdVeVHWoJ-AuSAgmB1VKOUijRXMtrLPqdRllXGl3iM9hMcVjyTR0-gaYEzbKICFp0HLXvLqgmwnkF5hQ_dCIS74-_dlU2hkaIcOTZqd2LqE3hPfN3yUQkt1FrVHsKTduVFhA4UQRSDY8B/s1600/DSC_3162%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSdVeVHWoJ-AuSAgmB1VKOUijRXMtrLPqdRllXGl3iM9hMcVjyTR0-gaYEzbKICFp0HLXvLqgmwnkF5hQ_dCIS74-_dlU2hkaIcOTZqd2LqE3hPfN3yUQkt1FrVHsKTduVFhA4UQRSDY8B/s320/DSC_3162%5B1%5D.JPG" /></a><br />
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In this picture they're each on a dog-run leash system, but this was just a temporary measure. We recently begun using a portable electric fence with a solar powered energizer sourced from the US. It took Jenny & Hana about 20 minutes to learn never to touch the wires again and now they're free to roam within the confines of the chosen perimeter enclosed by the electric fencing, which is movable within 10-15 minutes and can enclose up to 100m of perimeter.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglfP5EzCbhrbQ1lADKYwlZTvATS_OrZWvIJuSZudEE7qT4yAjCvmb-uAA5HuE0Xc6UXhyphenhyphenfiuEFpT8xSNsnxWKNawDgoptEa6jG3o9TQGxOGSMPfnRtJV_M4GKizHVKncFgGP7oh3jvzIJt/s1600/DSC_3165%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglfP5EzCbhrbQ1lADKYwlZTvATS_OrZWvIJuSZudEE7qT4yAjCvmb-uAA5HuE0Xc6UXhyphenhyphenfiuEFpT8xSNsnxWKNawDgoptEa6jG3o9TQGxOGSMPfnRtJV_M4GKizHVKncFgGP7oh3jvzIJt/s320/DSC_3165%5B1%5D.JPG" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv5eINPA35FSkicSX9IQUvLG4Vc-NKREEHzH9b_wRYlhFHLfA3pN6KH2fV-RL7PljxynA31Kl1BjoHoUWQw5G5nh16kcyYTsYZqpcn9OsXfqgpquER0k8zejtFuZ62rDfmhGlWODwcORLQ/s1600/DSC_4652.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv5eINPA35FSkicSX9IQUvLG4Vc-NKREEHzH9b_wRYlhFHLfA3pN6KH2fV-RL7PljxynA31Kl1BjoHoUWQw5G5nh16kcyYTsYZqpcn9OsXfqgpquER0k8zejtFuZ62rDfmhGlWODwcORLQ/s320/DSC_4652.JPG" /></a><br />
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She's grown larger but is still not fully grown - at least she still doesn't look like her mother's size so we'll let her get larger before trying to find her a mate!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFWJs-alKDJISESKejpBzURbASwtTdPiwwOXzhQ2vV_GrkEQflCgHJcP_NRAOnjRTqF9O4hyphenhyphen_Ftrvp3v4cr0HFivGXg_4Y2z3Qh6TiOtTf1XqBw0z7tuZY54ldywOY4NOsP7wQ1IXstPNA/s1600/DSC_4654.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFWJs-alKDJISESKejpBzURbASwtTdPiwwOXzhQ2vV_GrkEQflCgHJcP_NRAOnjRTqF9O4hyphenhyphen_Ftrvp3v4cr0HFivGXg_4Y2z3Qh6TiOtTf1XqBw0z7tuZY54ldywOY4NOsP7wQ1IXstPNA/s320/DSC_4654.JPG" /></a><br />
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I'd hoped to have a chicken run completed & ready for use in the spring, but as usual - other projects & work have delayed our plans. <br />
It'll be built next to a greenhouse and we should have it completed before winter I hope... <br />
We're looking forward to having an abundance of fresh eggs all the time and later on, proper free range chickens that grow wild in the forest. <br />
We have pheasants and they survive with no predators we know of, except grass snakes that might try & eat their eggs, but chickens are pretty tough too. Especially cockrels, so I expect our free range chickens should be OK... <br />
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My wife wanted to save seeds from winter plants this spring, so we tried. <br />
We learnt that saving them is a messy & time consuming task which stops us from growing other foods effectively meantime. We're not even sure the seeds we saved will germinate next year, so I'm not too convinced I want to repeat the same next year...Maybe we should try the seeds out first and go from there.<br />
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In an effort to rotate where we grow crops, I planted pimpkins & mini tomatoes here this year. We also planted Soya beans, corguette, beetroot, popping corn, green peppers, eggplant, French beans and Okra. Most of it has worked OK. For some reason we didn't get many potatoes or lettuce in the summer. Funny, as we had lettuce each day in the winter. Always much to learn as we progress and we want to develop perennials too, such as Asparagus & Artichokes. <br />
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We also planted several fruit trees in early summer. They're mostly growing OK, but slowly. I'll keep feeding them with choicken manure bought cheaply for now...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWbeKRbM9TuzkY4DHzhs_Q_92Ev6to2LhKSVLow7lJ0kK2qUHKNkLJPhBq3fF2Vbe5uyTFL3_oAlpLvD2A7ZqbVGJURldK7Sa8CG6REKPYaT4sSTHim3Qs4sHVl8yJCCPwnQWTKuecvvJo/s1600/DSC_3166%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWbeKRbM9TuzkY4DHzhs_Q_92Ev6to2LhKSVLow7lJ0kK2qUHKNkLJPhBq3fF2Vbe5uyTFL3_oAlpLvD2A7ZqbVGJURldK7Sa8CG6REKPYaT4sSTHim3Qs4sHVl8yJCCPwnQWTKuecvvJo/s320/DSC_3166%5B1%5D.JPG" /></a><br />
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These pictures were taken early in the summer, but we're getting more tomatoes now than we can consume ourselves. Whilst we're away on holiday, Arnie our carpenter is helping himself to the produce now.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibqwBvH10qtXxg0M0CA_9cJoqBtKXyG1doswiWMUIGlL25snKFjhZTKm4V8sgPIXKom9J5Q7mquN-uN7r3A4fT8QYpq_kPs7LehsqDj1yrLN5OY83U00HtqjhsH073f82P3c3gn_-sUYvj/s1600/DSC_3174%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibqwBvH10qtXxg0M0CA_9cJoqBtKXyG1doswiWMUIGlL25snKFjhZTKm4V8sgPIXKom9J5Q7mquN-uN7r3A4fT8QYpq_kPs7LehsqDj1yrLN5OY83U00HtqjhsH073f82P3c3gn_-sUYvj/s320/DSC_3174%5B1%5D.JPG" /></a><br />
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These are some of the other raised garden beds where we grew winter veggies including broccoli, onions, chives, lettuce, cabbage, carrots and more. <br />
Much space was wasted when we tried saving seeds. This was only our first time growing winter crops. Over the next year I want to use these beds for growing intensively, together with our intended chickens preparing & fertilising the ground before... <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKocOkf4tu91mRGfD1_zLOAg7gVB2INphjmfKP-Kdp7HRg-x-1Dm4GU1Jj5N5FotuIodThX5t-w6_07x51CNj94hpb3xEA7wa9ohzkhlPy9e9_e3M21J07ZMoayYYr2VZOFE3vexEm2U1v/s1600/DSC_3177%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKocOkf4tu91mRGfD1_zLOAg7gVB2INphjmfKP-Kdp7HRg-x-1Dm4GU1Jj5N5FotuIodThX5t-w6_07x51CNj94hpb3xEA7wa9ohzkhlPy9e9_e3M21J07ZMoayYYr2VZOFE3vexEm2U1v/s320/DSC_3177%5B1%5D.JPG" /></a><br />
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This trellis is bare in the picture, but now in the height of summer it's half covered in vines for Kiwi and grapes. Unfortunately one of the grape vines inexplicably died, but the rest are doing OK. I'll need to plant a new one next spring. Too late to plant now as these shrubs will be turning dormant in just a couple of months and around spring should be the time to plant again. We've planted many fruit trees where the sun shines the longest on, hopefully within another year or two we'll begin to have fruits, but I've also been pruning them quite lot so they remain low enough for fruit to be reachable by an adult. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD-WBlJT_O36RRiKYZ92PJNmb8AjbUenll8csaRy6FSsFL4v8ZVoMmadJrYhb-VPy54xcKTJjfTxJxE25i8ATEYH2ahJYkVWb9Xb6SuCOlQMrZT7wJP4PcggeXdFwS75JG4oHm8nJ1CW4S/s1600/DSC_3178%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD-WBlJT_O36RRiKYZ92PJNmb8AjbUenll8csaRy6FSsFL4v8ZVoMmadJrYhb-VPy54xcKTJjfTxJxE25i8ATEYH2ahJYkVWb9Xb6SuCOlQMrZT7wJP4PcggeXdFwS75JG4oHm8nJ1CW4S/s320/DSC_3178%5B1%5D.JPG" /></a><br />
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This is how much the vines have grown - now being nearly the end of August. In the winter I'll prune them back again. Perhaps we'll begin to have grapes from next year, I hope. We've had lots of mini tomatoes, Okra, popcorn (for the kids!), soya beans, cucumbers, beetroot, peppers, aubergines and other veggies this summer, with quite minimal work. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXnrsjK0hatsXjP-GNaWThaTyBwqjgnv6a0K-lwBUpOkc6zh6-YeqlF0865Jj1nRqYNuClrasHrbPn7MtE5wH29Q1olQk4AfxXyyBCFLpIKy3pX0QKTXSCrP7snQ8VR8IRWx_3u-fWmAC0/s1600/DSC_4673.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXnrsjK0hatsXjP-GNaWThaTyBwqjgnv6a0K-lwBUpOkc6zh6-YeqlF0865Jj1nRqYNuClrasHrbPn7MtE5wH29Q1olQk4AfxXyyBCFLpIKy3pX0QKTXSCrP7snQ8VR8IRWx_3u-fWmAC0/s320/DSC_4673.JPG" /></a> <br />
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I'm hoping to find an older, perhaps retired good part-time gardener to help maintain our garden and hopefully teach us how to grow crops well from his / her experiences so we can fast-track our family's learning & grow foods more effectively in future ourselves too. <br />
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There have been many failures in growing our foods, but some surprising successes too. It's a learning process all the while. I really am looking forward to having chickens as soon as possible. <br />
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Finally, here's a couple of pictures of the rear of the house, just before the forest. In the spring, Jun dug a very deep ditch here. Starting at about a metre depth and ending about 3 metres deep when close to the drop into the ravine below, so water can travel downhill along it's length. <br />
The forest around the side & back of the house is at higher level than the house itself, so it follows that water & moisture seeps through the ground and makes the underside of the house damp. Although this isn't a huge problem (The house is built on stilts on top of large stones for each support), in the long term it's not good as it encourages damp, etc.<br />
So the plan is to first route grey water drainage from the shower room (Toilet has it's own routing to the self-contained sewage system)+ rain water from the back of the roof - into the ditch. This will be drained via a perforated pipe into the ravine below. <br />
The pipe being perforated, so it will be covered in gravel. The idea is that the water then has no way to come from the forest under the house, instead it will be channeled to the land below. It will be quite a lot of water, since the roof's area is large - so this water will go through a wetland section to purify it, before being fed into a large pond which I intend to create when time allows, using our mini digger, etc. Excess water from the pond will drain into the marshy area further down, which we don't use. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqd7H_HDkr_jwTLYjrGOwDirvWM0k4mRi3RQe9yLKa153t9d8bJighNqsJMaH4tNTqrUBW1DJ4SXzseO0zUa4pNB3Ns0JSVIrKsMceAPNcKJ2i-GeZwElWR9b0NWM8jrSaFSRfSsxfkAXl/s1600/DSC_4668.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqd7H_HDkr_jwTLYjrGOwDirvWM0k4mRi3RQe9yLKa153t9d8bJighNqsJMaH4tNTqrUBW1DJ4SXzseO0zUa4pNB3Ns0JSVIrKsMceAPNcKJ2i-GeZwElWR9b0NWM8jrSaFSRfSsxfkAXl/s320/DSC_4668.JPG" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH1vV4NpidGs5xwT0lII1nVJKP30SvCjAXLUzXK8hr1J5JaDBK3-LPf3s730UO3YTI0D8LTq1IU6su6narbo0k0qPlCcwqRnv2cXFuvAL1CyN-YBG6InvIaj4_sXeOQApOgBKpHWAdB1em/s1600/DSC_4670.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH1vV4NpidGs5xwT0lII1nVJKP30SvCjAXLUzXK8hr1J5JaDBK3-LPf3s730UO3YTI0D8LTq1IU6su6narbo0k0qPlCcwqRnv2cXFuvAL1CyN-YBG6InvIaj4_sXeOQApOgBKpHWAdB1em/s320/DSC_4670.JPG" /></a><br />
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Thus we'll be able to provide an environment with water that is renewed naturally for ducks to prosper and multiply on our land. <br />
Yet another source of good eggs, meat, plus help with the garden's slugs, etc. The more connections we can make between resolving problems and encouraging diversity of nature, the better!<br />
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I have left filling the ditch in, until it gets cooler as it's too hot & humid to be doing such work right now. I'd rather it were cool & dryer before doing such heavy work. <br />
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Miguel - Newerahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04970762111234680191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3857626156954484494.post-71736059488388171362014-08-08T04:15:00.000-07:002014-08-09T08:18:32.531-07:00Winter - Spring 2014 - Family Activities Continued....<br />
In early January, the annual Tokyo Auto Salon show was on (For tuned sports cars of Japan, but I won't bore readers with details here!).<br />
Matt & his friend Jimmy flew over to attend the show and spend a few days with us. The kids liked them.<br />
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Jimmy in Ginza on a Sunday morning.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc9tjJHQInnLZc30ZImz2u06XSrGSkD_V47O05SIvn4uLZ-jt2NF8S1Dg0datQWovfZjsnuvTQV7duA8H4Jq5k_Byvb_IuInthQvsyvSwjPEgPkxv8NIhwYC6mMA_ETl53IcgLxZK7EAtC/s1600/DSC_9515%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc9tjJHQInnLZc30ZImz2u06XSrGSkD_V47O05SIvn4uLZ-jt2NF8S1Dg0datQWovfZjsnuvTQV7duA8H4Jq5k_Byvb_IuInthQvsyvSwjPEgPkxv8NIhwYC6mMA_ETl53IcgLxZK7EAtC/s320/DSC_9515%5B1%5D.JPG" /></a><br />
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Matt with the little one.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2dIMETE_g-b0o7UIOjsk-8QkT2abKmRvFi3iW1ec7dUO7AJMe3usfBtWCgKwhLK-HZUwGafUlskcKMb2cLau2B0EBJm1eX3jctoP99tNhwPJwVTK0dTzixxrXSC6sceoJG5nYt9wSy3Xo/s1600/DSC_9516%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2dIMETE_g-b0o7UIOjsk-8QkT2abKmRvFi3iW1ec7dUO7AJMe3usfBtWCgKwhLK-HZUwGafUlskcKMb2cLau2B0EBJm1eX3jctoP99tNhwPJwVTK0dTzixxrXSC6sceoJG5nYt9wSy3Xo/s320/DSC_9516%5B1%5D.JPG" /></a><br />
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Jimmy being a Sherpa!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhemBCfx9w-6-pIpASwOxTFMZWbQuNd_M2m38-jr_txngTuXRmSIVt6qd-IU48liggvBpCBBg8sAg5VoWO9t210m7yPEn3eMqquytyaewWtc64bHCkPfWNZeGIHkgHzP-WoEgj6T8UDMhmM/s1600/DSC_9519%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhemBCfx9w-6-pIpASwOxTFMZWbQuNd_M2m38-jr_txngTuXRmSIVt6qd-IU48liggvBpCBBg8sAg5VoWO9t210m7yPEn3eMqquytyaewWtc64bHCkPfWNZeGIHkgHzP-WoEgj6T8UDMhmM/s320/DSC_9519%5B1%5D.JPG" /></a><br />
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My wife performed at a Belly Dance Show.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd3DbiCsdeo91CMwR23BlJy2PMRk9MUXOKe_dJlxnN01g7BQo1lCqkiojmWKkHuyGtSS7_t9CSRr38Z7FU7la_jxXPk0v3niyPAIWNIXF5ND3VCQFThHcWnrO2a9S2A-ze5ix6uDX5vC2i/s1600/DSC_9534%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd3DbiCsdeo91CMwR23BlJy2PMRk9MUXOKe_dJlxnN01g7BQo1lCqkiojmWKkHuyGtSS7_t9CSRr38Z7FU7la_jxXPk0v3niyPAIWNIXF5ND3VCQFThHcWnrO2a9S2A-ze5ix6uDX5vC2i/s320/DSC_9534%5B1%5D.JPG" /></a><br />
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The dancing girls.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE-CnQXURef4Prt10fqdZbrUzh8VtV-nUL21Fxt-Ptljy6YraI7KTluuVt-k-TQ00NErbKetS7uvRPUd1i7lFcF_6FSuh2P856zs2dlLAUwp2U7I2jRGcxUrZL34zQ7wKNybV3q2bcLra5/s1600/DSC_9553%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE-CnQXURef4Prt10fqdZbrUzh8VtV-nUL21Fxt-Ptljy6YraI7KTluuVt-k-TQ00NErbKetS7uvRPUd1i7lFcF_6FSuh2P856zs2dlLAUwp2U7I2jRGcxUrZL34zQ7wKNybV3q2bcLra5/s320/DSC_9553%5B1%5D.JPG" /></a><br />
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With the kids.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikh8zPnk4Tw813svPKMlg1KVqRMkWeGJ9kbQ6nNdOXnjDUjZ9IkYNcyhASFyqb4EtAbt3PAe4NJttnwLBNMOrr5EsoK8vSh0a5huYoOH7QoLjpmJ7SI5sIQL6CIH0vBP1diR1fhHDBpimn/s1600/DSC_9554%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikh8zPnk4Tw813svPKMlg1KVqRMkWeGJ9kbQ6nNdOXnjDUjZ9IkYNcyhASFyqb4EtAbt3PAe4NJttnwLBNMOrr5EsoK8vSh0a5huYoOH7QoLjpmJ7SI5sIQL6CIH0vBP1diR1fhHDBpimn/s320/DSC_9554%5B1%5D.JPG" /></a><br />
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Mama & the smallest one.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXafxv9VDwskE9SPQ2TkPi6KOFRyC6Eruy2d3oTPXRq3-29OrtnGdPBPqaOZEcXm28Z5atrwOZMuLXhCI_rZ41-EhFbt8ci9MkJKHRVZ6gwM4OyQExSf_ZHMMkyQFV6z9zYYF8sxcH-XKq/s1600/DSC_9556%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXafxv9VDwskE9SPQ2TkPi6KOFRyC6Eruy2d3oTPXRq3-29OrtnGdPBPqaOZEcXm28Z5atrwOZMuLXhCI_rZ41-EhFbt8ci9MkJKHRVZ6gwM4OyQExSf_ZHMMkyQFV6z9zYYF8sxcH-XKq/s320/DSC_9556%5B1%5D.JPG" /></a><br />
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The dancing girls. It was a great show! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRfm4mJIcjGp6DyyavR9q1qWIKqTiWX3G8CD-G1H-1XqlEzV6qh6ca43eox3_JENdvqG5k2Z7PwCmHfT7lLrRrgDnJcSn2Egwv0LrgYuaKUNvWegmObAqH6N0Wc2Y7MY5kb5vRy1QG_Euu/s1600/DSC_9558%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRfm4mJIcjGp6DyyavR9q1qWIKqTiWX3G8CD-G1H-1XqlEzV6qh6ca43eox3_JENdvqG5k2Z7PwCmHfT7lLrRrgDnJcSn2Egwv0LrgYuaKUNvWegmObAqH6N0Wc2Y7MY5kb5vRy1QG_Euu/s320/DSC_9558%5B1%5D.JPG" /></a><br />
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For our son's birthday in January, we naturally took him to see his favourite thing. Cars, at the largest Toyota showroom in the world.<br />
He got to climb into every different model his heart desired.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFkUmQ-OnLrlMwysD2Mcw_tnyH7z9QsdCMA6tvL_87YNAN_lnO1gJKBIG6Lp981sT6LyJ99-nDEiMZKQ-CNW8wkGRENh__3hNfykLpZh9AaUrZMTIICVo4mICWH_ykf1oO3pwHvp0V40Si/s1600/DSC_9582%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFkUmQ-OnLrlMwysD2Mcw_tnyH7z9QsdCMA6tvL_87YNAN_lnO1gJKBIG6Lp981sT6LyJ99-nDEiMZKQ-CNW8wkGRENh__3hNfykLpZh9AaUrZMTIICVo4mICWH_ykf1oO3pwHvp0V40Si/s320/DSC_9582%5B1%5D.JPG" /></a><br />
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Our daughter was old enough to experience the Bungee Trampoline! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghgbd58F2vWjhj3kX4B6uTbvpHaDwVu9GP9Uu68G4SdxJ3ee1A809n0xuMeQ3zPCWpGE7J-zhQ9v8OPTxJYjOWfNQV2SjKs44GaT1JylO9yWLmUUa0Igd3WU2VfwOOd-TXWBy3zQ_1cKUG/s1600/DSC_9586%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghgbd58F2vWjhj3kX4B6uTbvpHaDwVu9GP9Uu68G4SdxJ3ee1A809n0xuMeQ3zPCWpGE7J-zhQ9v8OPTxJYjOWfNQV2SjKs44GaT1JylO9yWLmUUa0Igd3WU2VfwOOd-TXWBy3zQ_1cKUG/s320/DSC_9586%5B1%5D.JPG" /></a><br />
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My mum's last day after 3 months with us, included enjoying our son's 2nd birthday together with the family.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg0fZTLiVxqq6wcrhzy1PmqCua2boxKuIo4GXiND9Rq3rbMgvWGMIcKQqYV1e8fdw8Ed5A5LpGwZpEkQZx6UA9Jbx7VlFjM0XjLPUHf33JCaZ_BPhXwqUcSmOtDN0XWPgsRtF9J38wfc8P/s1600/DSC_9595%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg0fZTLiVxqq6wcrhzy1PmqCua2boxKuIo4GXiND9Rq3rbMgvWGMIcKQqYV1e8fdw8Ed5A5LpGwZpEkQZx6UA9Jbx7VlFjM0XjLPUHf33JCaZ_BPhXwqUcSmOtDN0XWPgsRtF9J38wfc8P/s320/DSC_9595%5B1%5D.JPG" /></a><br />
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His first 2 years went very fast!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAM4nlts6D1m-CK8Ttcqpe6Bh1CER0gRNzgWvQvN7HBQ19wWZuvpg_m5rKVBjYmDImwy6nYH4dJGuJ_U3n6ll2-Y2rZWSvwwJ3XxzVC-Zv-4V7-nizK-iKBSQlSxgxVKhTcvH2Fyj0Id7-/s1600/DSC_9604%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAM4nlts6D1m-CK8Ttcqpe6Bh1CER0gRNzgWvQvN7HBQ19wWZuvpg_m5rKVBjYmDImwy6nYH4dJGuJ_U3n6ll2-Y2rZWSvwwJ3XxzVC-Zv-4V7-nizK-iKBSQlSxgxVKhTcvH2Fyj0Id7-/s320/DSC_9604%5B1%5D.JPG" /></a><br />
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He seems to have a natural affinity for things with handlebars, or perhaps this is his father's wish... in time we'll see!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkciWczolfEsHWz48nPHFIZnoY7tIHQRCLLOnE9yGVHbPWuqTB3cBtLGICm76n3-QuNviA6mVoPqFEljR3RTMCMa3GIrU1A459IuendCw0shleE1n8NdXgeXa7w0zZp9I9-8xmHZWkMXuW/s1600/DSC_9619%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkciWczolfEsHWz48nPHFIZnoY7tIHQRCLLOnE9yGVHbPWuqTB3cBtLGICm76n3-QuNviA6mVoPqFEljR3RTMCMa3GIrU1A459IuendCw0shleE1n8NdXgeXa7w0zZp9I9-8xmHZWkMXuW/s320/DSC_9619%5B1%5D.JPG" /></a><br />
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Mama made a birthday cake to enjoy at home.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizzfzjRXtckrffhePAHxEf0DynhpA5-dY3fCXZ26ZZgke8O-xuw8VyisGO632VmYBJ75KxzrjEOPWppFemz6T8ti5MpuNDF3jx5zFHynTZaoAb-A0fjCaJ4MFeNqVhsflhQvNQ3yX_YP3u/s1600/DSC_9636%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizzfzjRXtckrffhePAHxEf0DynhpA5-dY3fCXZ26ZZgke8O-xuw8VyisGO632VmYBJ75KxzrjEOPWppFemz6T8ti5MpuNDF3jx5zFHynTZaoAb-A0fjCaJ4MFeNqVhsflhQvNQ3yX_YP3u/s320/DSC_9636%5B1%5D.JPG" /></a><br />
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At 2 years old he got his first Skyline GT-R!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwNeSl-bDTs_LmIM6IdCbbKUEH4slZ0tcyn2OEaGhciMWHsXwQLKCfZO5LPLEjBfYBndg_j9dcrptTmOXPDYFqAuhCCpK0dNbva23aE9zhhEo3sWBfExTF4_lAwKBLGuiNKnqG4WHii-ZY/s1600/DSC_9646%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwNeSl-bDTs_LmIM6IdCbbKUEH4slZ0tcyn2OEaGhciMWHsXwQLKCfZO5LPLEjBfYBndg_j9dcrptTmOXPDYFqAuhCCpK0dNbva23aE9zhhEo3sWBfExTF4_lAwKBLGuiNKnqG4WHii-ZY/s320/DSC_9646%5B1%5D.JPG" /></a><br />
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Later in January, we returned to the children's park not far from home. I took the little one and Mama took our daughter.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnVPA8xAXkdy-sSTVnQxe6_oX9-cSuTtIj-37RnvlCo131r5yzkBaiOHrlcu42xRarfmEdEMZ_zkmNoX7rnzMup3S6LW4gcXZGF5YnW1wfJKMK2sSRUlOwwopaFI9FNAXVoxMCs6mmpdET/s1600/DSC_9722%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnVPA8xAXkdy-sSTVnQxe6_oX9-cSuTtIj-37RnvlCo131r5yzkBaiOHrlcu42xRarfmEdEMZ_zkmNoX7rnzMup3S6LW4gcXZGF5YnW1wfJKMK2sSRUlOwwopaFI9FNAXVoxMCs6mmpdET/s320/DSC_9722%5B1%5D.JPG" /></a><br />
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What can I say -women drivers! Hahaha!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWQAey9xAnIlPL6v5oBSR8mnkcEsO8ssXPbKf9lxsRfPocUy_3_1JlX3MpS_yS4DUvHeUKY5aKQo69eBMfjLDRIDZlII-iCXNT8VkkdpzOX14hYrMaPkXx4ZkXpcoDkY2iJ7ERCRCJYCDn/s1600/DSC_9726%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWQAey9xAnIlPL6v5oBSR8mnkcEsO8ssXPbKf9lxsRfPocUy_3_1JlX3MpS_yS4DUvHeUKY5aKQo69eBMfjLDRIDZlII-iCXNT8VkkdpzOX14hYrMaPkXx4ZkXpcoDkY2iJ7ERCRCJYCDn/s320/DSC_9726%5B1%5D.JPG" /></a><br />
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Mama and the kids, including Jenny our Border Collie whose (11th) birthday was on this day.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHtaG9TVCvuXFC2XGx31E9reDyDe3v_smY3hWOixCNUUnWQUuOeZIRstwqJ-tYwU25A3Jt-JCEd9MhFI_dcz9F6sNpFTXHPH4c9TZkglUA6T3oXcdytaLTyXBU2fexKy3A4oy0rmIqIu10/s1600/DSC_9745%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHtaG9TVCvuXFC2XGx31E9reDyDe3v_smY3hWOixCNUUnWQUuOeZIRstwqJ-tYwU25A3Jt-JCEd9MhFI_dcz9F6sNpFTXHPH4c9TZkglUA6T3oXcdytaLTyXBU2fexKy3A4oy0rmIqIu10/s320/DSC_9745%5B1%5D.JPG" /></a><br />
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Our little guy is always up to something funny. Here he's wearing my favourite snowboarding hat.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNQqj3A_ap0xxVgcuYhctMTG6XZyWXeICdZG4WwBLPLi40cE9PNw-njaNOc452AtRmeI24hlNhBjJa6wN_4wyCn7OErcijvi3nflftgfWa_1WtmpyHcfVdErVIP2V63pxjbSL-zpwCyDYx/s1600/DSC_0340%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNQqj3A_ap0xxVgcuYhctMTG6XZyWXeICdZG4WwBLPLi40cE9PNw-njaNOc452AtRmeI24hlNhBjJa6wN_4wyCn7OErcijvi3nflftgfWa_1WtmpyHcfVdErVIP2V63pxjbSL-zpwCyDYx/s320/DSC_0340%5B1%5D.JPG" /></a><br />
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Our daughter's kindergarten has a fair number of events throughout the year. Here she was dressed as a butterfly & enjoying the play.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyNBLuZ_zeXawwMtFm7ha7hWYAUrN6tAMWv-4TJelQB2JqKmIxxlO72YzCLhpc49rMv9E2FYZt3cnCQSzaiZWNp4v9hgZodItuLtzkuDRSjJKCiRrTHv3CqSmNW2y20C5eE4rPMePZHTAb/s1600/DSC_0398%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyNBLuZ_zeXawwMtFm7ha7hWYAUrN6tAMWv-4TJelQB2JqKmIxxlO72YzCLhpc49rMv9E2FYZt3cnCQSzaiZWNp4v9hgZodItuLtzkuDRSjJKCiRrTHv3CqSmNW2y20C5eE4rPMePZHTAb/s320/DSC_0398%5B1%5D.JPG" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeGaV_OvGewDuvzRW2vdZUaaSXf8Gd7N2ruSdBt00sY0cuX3WkstGtadPYzCX6omkWyJN1rUus8w8DKw39x292UYX3gEifbCmQRozrnQOk7WiaIj_dPDoRxBIW79MsOK3FJIqyytLnS6vU/s1600/DSC_0400%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeGaV_OvGewDuvzRW2vdZUaaSXf8Gd7N2ruSdBt00sY0cuX3WkstGtadPYzCX6omkWyJN1rUus8w8DKw39x292UYX3gEifbCmQRozrnQOk7WiaIj_dPDoRxBIW79MsOK3FJIqyytLnS6vU/s320/DSC_0400%5B1%5D.JPG" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkmeUU4wrGQZULYH_cORczrvAVlsuRwwco-Pk1NYSjwxO7ymejxjSykFc8Wm7liqVSqhccP_6iOmXATkPOfQK_65kVEAXClP_5KFGB7suGcy2xgFk7TYDKLavLZGhMUpt06y5z-i_TUI_-/s1600/DSC_0404%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkmeUU4wrGQZULYH_cORczrvAVlsuRwwco-Pk1NYSjwxO7ymejxjSykFc8Wm7liqVSqhccP_6iOmXATkPOfQK_65kVEAXClP_5KFGB7suGcy2xgFk7TYDKLavLZGhMUpt06y5z-i_TUI_-/s320/DSC_0404%5B1%5D.JPG" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-YG5oosllSnsPV82oKK2P1Wux9TFq26tEWQiEj2IKo_-M0r8Ipn_fz-rbcemevgpuLT8i9clAEsGRhyZ8ad1V32C7qghIMJ4UGVhFz2hXnrPPCYgnY0aVuKxMOeWu1iks1c_xC35ZbAbz/s1600/DSC_0408%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-YG5oosllSnsPV82oKK2P1Wux9TFq26tEWQiEj2IKo_-M0r8Ipn_fz-rbcemevgpuLT8i9clAEsGRhyZ8ad1V32C7qghIMJ4UGVhFz2hXnrPPCYgnY0aVuKxMOeWu1iks1c_xC35ZbAbz/s320/DSC_0408%5B1%5D.JPG" /></a><br />
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Mama & daughter performing a belly dance show together at our friend Ayumi's wedding (Who is also a belly dancer).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghPCEu2QldJfxsF44ZItakSq_Dd-PVxARmX48RzyRiIqzERiZ7t4NI2VTLzSciH3ZgsS3OZi85-1zjNGsKaJFOMkgTCuOs6rOh3yC0BsyzhD2P1NZ2_WRCQDHN3AXr05jy_etmS75gAbIm/s1600/DSC_1177%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghPCEu2QldJfxsF44ZItakSq_Dd-PVxARmX48RzyRiIqzERiZ7t4NI2VTLzSciH3ZgsS3OZi85-1zjNGsKaJFOMkgTCuOs6rOh3yC0BsyzhD2P1NZ2_WRCQDHN3AXr05jy_etmS75gAbIm/s320/DSC_1177%5B1%5D.JPG" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmMr0guL0dPFG9iYzlF-t3MfIOK-AmKvT9xicEAKW1fQMWkFjJS_col2LDMMDobb8w6590BGGk3khbHucSMsMaMHUPriKZ_Nmw_Paytj_IhOWnST9WApb6CdrLLUhZXkOY1X2pKeBJU2I6/s1600/DSC_1180%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmMr0guL0dPFG9iYzlF-t3MfIOK-AmKvT9xicEAKW1fQMWkFjJS_col2LDMMDobb8w6590BGGk3khbHucSMsMaMHUPriKZ_Nmw_Paytj_IhOWnST9WApb6CdrLLUhZXkOY1X2pKeBJU2I6/s320/DSC_1180%5B1%5D.JPG" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg17rc6hmYYhjW1JTE-k460-E4JSRfPUhrlKVGkyvlDHhgrBoBHo4SQunlqz34zXOUcIp5BT_jBvMcrIGSOF8lO3wN2z0Fr_d6ENqWsi2eDCqefKWgZ7QtPYDNv4WJowS2019dRX9FHOw6s/s1600/DSC_1186%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg17rc6hmYYhjW1JTE-k460-E4JSRfPUhrlKVGkyvlDHhgrBoBHo4SQunlqz34zXOUcIp5BT_jBvMcrIGSOF8lO3wN2z0Fr_d6ENqWsi2eDCqefKWgZ7QtPYDNv4WJowS2019dRX9FHOw6s/s320/DSC_1186%5B1%5D.JPG" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPJ089BHfUmX7LKxDSEpQuKvaaxxXebmRY6pe8Yd21tyObN45SaHyF53kEMdl_opQkphyCI-unY0ptKbaQQy3_lMhK9jxNo-00UWq4rYtIPfGBvUNjKhcvf8cxiGzNA-eKcsd2-ykWzKOY/s1600/DSC_1192%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPJ089BHfUmX7LKxDSEpQuKvaaxxXebmRY6pe8Yd21tyObN45SaHyF53kEMdl_opQkphyCI-unY0ptKbaQQy3_lMhK9jxNo-00UWq4rYtIPfGBvUNjKhcvf8cxiGzNA-eKcsd2-ykWzKOY/s320/DSC_1192%5B1%5D.JPG" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBfpBbYOLSft2iN1ITb4QcMtSbX9T7F65y0m0zbNr7_Qsp5PSQ4MzyjwcRuoqTOKrUY_gLNq2NQvsj__A-ckcpCAEX66aCkKUVcabK24cv3lS_WhUnrT2HTYN8yTtPdZ6yiFlFhd1NTlLW/s1600/DSC_1193%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBfpBbYOLSft2iN1ITb4QcMtSbX9T7F65y0m0zbNr7_Qsp5PSQ4MzyjwcRuoqTOKrUY_gLNq2NQvsj__A-ckcpCAEX66aCkKUVcabK24cv3lS_WhUnrT2HTYN8yTtPdZ6yiFlFhd1NTlLW/s320/DSC_1193%5B1%5D.JPG" /></a><br />
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I turned up with our son later on, for the reception, after fighting through about 4 hours of Tokyo traffic! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7xuOiTo0d3P5FnkO7ZHdvv0rAJjonwSKq5nOrE9eQZp5FEMfAoDkmV3WYN-LCL3eQYLiBPUdI0DZSCakJmxUKw5hOXcsnwWzkqmziY8ZGJQ0k8fFZNf18T9i0KcBGz7x57kl7HuHBI7DC/s1600/DSC_1199%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7xuOiTo0d3P5FnkO7ZHdvv0rAJjonwSKq5nOrE9eQZp5FEMfAoDkmV3WYN-LCL3eQYLiBPUdI0DZSCakJmxUKw5hOXcsnwWzkqmziY8ZGJQ0k8fFZNf18T9i0KcBGz7x57kl7HuHBI7DC/s320/DSC_1199%5B1%5D.JPG" /></a><br />
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The next wedding was in the height of spring, for Alex & Asuka. She is another of the belly dancers who got married this year.<br />
Alex is a very interesting guy with quite a history of life and wisdom that's come from it. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi88-xL0mOLDC3OBYMlaglCe8wiVb4n2DsxHdgcDkuH1CkkxXXzv61s24mojhHaNFHhZOvLbELqqGgCkMvwtWvZX9eLjlfpnjYA2fvh7N8fEiURS2lB3iCTDN2hV_22frTDOQvw-EQ1eUNe/s1600/DSC_1484%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi88-xL0mOLDC3OBYMlaglCe8wiVb4n2DsxHdgcDkuH1CkkxXXzv61s24mojhHaNFHhZOvLbELqqGgCkMvwtWvZX9eLjlfpnjYA2fvh7N8fEiURS2lB3iCTDN2hV_22frTDOQvw-EQ1eUNe/s320/DSC_1484%5B1%5D.JPG" /></a><br />
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The bride & groom.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5AZ3x2qjfAhHe5PmcFT-D04_SKWhMEljTgosRij5C3dDOYfknp9RAuyAkNsgwJhhh_01ELwfFdTDuEVTmbVUQyIssG5N6G84xKq3FByEDmLc9csWG0lbpl-LxFbfO9KZJfGFS1Iotc_JV/s1600/DSC_1495%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5AZ3x2qjfAhHe5PmcFT-D04_SKWhMEljTgosRij5C3dDOYfknp9RAuyAkNsgwJhhh_01ELwfFdTDuEVTmbVUQyIssG5N6G84xKq3FByEDmLc9csWG0lbpl-LxFbfO9KZJfGFS1Iotc_JV/s320/DSC_1495%5B1%5D.JPG" /></a><br />
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Our daughter at the wedding party.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8gf3bqUb1eLc7fsYxxTcDa2vyOtJnjqXaF_ijiWqedBs3rgDZ68gwNZmBEdjQAjpTNcNov7at-_2vzELqeBCrUrmTALn7Urp8f188DDwAeX2vUNbIRrk9HKxn8Io8yXYiywfqORkO9mcf/s1600/DSC_1507%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8gf3bqUb1eLc7fsYxxTcDa2vyOtJnjqXaF_ijiWqedBs3rgDZ68gwNZmBEdjQAjpTNcNov7at-_2vzELqeBCrUrmTALn7Urp8f188DDwAeX2vUNbIRrk9HKxn8Io8yXYiywfqORkO9mcf/s320/DSC_1507%5B1%5D.JPG" /></a><br />
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Our son often copies his elder sister's play.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi62Cf2UfOyhRj8siWxR0zOmDBbXXZWPqhstXbHomDIJcNjpG3K3EXWScPTh9e15sFEqzoWUT-yNL778pWUpNBksTlOIUfbPZvz9xT-SY7tujOhSwy7uGx1lv4c88g8XMl79pJowzfqF1IH/s1600/DSC_1513%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi62Cf2UfOyhRj8siWxR0zOmDBbXXZWPqhstXbHomDIJcNjpG3K3EXWScPTh9e15sFEqzoWUT-yNL778pWUpNBksTlOIUfbPZvz9xT-SY7tujOhSwy7uGx1lv4c88g8XMl79pJowzfqF1IH/s320/DSC_1513%5B1%5D.JPG" /></a><br />
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A picture with the newly weds.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3wkDz-5FZmZf9pBrD4flhEki-YVW9vaKJDX8pfIiOUhnga9f6G1VArrlOrCrqDbsGC_39XcoGzU5zY8i-d4lMta800PVzyrqm84paspUHNvsVGvRtBmwhFa3CFwXgnM7kxCTpvcc4sYhl/s1600/DSC_1532%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3wkDz-5FZmZf9pBrD4flhEki-YVW9vaKJDX8pfIiOUhnga9f6G1VArrlOrCrqDbsGC_39XcoGzU5zY8i-d4lMta800PVzyrqm84paspUHNvsVGvRtBmwhFa3CFwXgnM7kxCTpvcc4sYhl/s320/DSC_1532%5B1%5D.JPG" /></a><br />
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As spring came into the air, we took to the road to enjoy some time camping...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXl4JmgelavOURt7IgdlZkiV1bo2JIy_-k5GZXiRiwwdG_RZMDD7efIgkgR6l-d0_uTPfye5YHn-AU3400vzX-Mm_v0C8TvaqMkA1knwaqLaguMLYlw6OL_VHqXtzYFnn8PgfTPBc97w5Y/s1600/DSC_1779%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXl4JmgelavOURt7IgdlZkiV1bo2JIy_-k5GZXiRiwwdG_RZMDD7efIgkgR6l-d0_uTPfye5YHn-AU3400vzX-Mm_v0C8TvaqMkA1knwaqLaguMLYlw6OL_VHqXtzYFnn8PgfTPBc97w5Y/s320/DSC_1779%5B1%5D.JPG" /></a><br />
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We stopped at a fabulous viewpoint overlooking Fuji. Very cold & windy! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkB47L3Ea5BxxVJ5Nm1LeBDA_Fvzzal_L838R9_u6n_Nuy2bjKnLunhPgXSZ8WOnBEcXWb67Ti-pnFfhyphenhyphenMwzRzg3InR4Z3JEU96QbrNZXMRGcFkJpOBSE83suuGwyMg2YMsYIfUhyphenhyphenmyhwi/s1600/DSC_1788%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkB47L3Ea5BxxVJ5Nm1LeBDA_Fvzzal_L838R9_u6n_Nuy2bjKnLunhPgXSZ8WOnBEcXWb67Ti-pnFfhyphenhyphenMwzRzg3InR4Z3JEU96QbrNZXMRGcFkJpOBSE83suuGwyMg2YMsYIfUhyphenhyphenmyhwi/s320/DSC_1788%5B1%5D.JPG" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkPQQkqYwcPc7EsckY55WAJwKoF7WRifOOHG6OmboknzMjJDJ33u6SNJPUv0ny1isLh-u21CIpgmQnjw4AJA69BL5dUBpkwN3rH-u9_iQbp97Jv5SQSv-Ey6CIxmnAuNKcgq7IzJ_SfxNE/s1600/DSC_1794%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkPQQkqYwcPc7EsckY55WAJwKoF7WRifOOHG6OmboknzMjJDJ33u6SNJPUv0ny1isLh-u21CIpgmQnjw4AJA69BL5dUBpkwN3rH-u9_iQbp97Jv5SQSv-Ey6CIxmnAuNKcgq7IzJ_SfxNE/s320/DSC_1794%5B1%5D.JPG" /></a><br />
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Late last year we bought an old, but very sound Toyota Hiace 4 Berth camping vehicle for use on weekends. It's been great to be able to go wherever we want and never have to book (expensive in Japan!) accommodation any more.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvZ7xj-uQLgQukNqKrq7Ut-jydZll0cINf3eQNmz4UDKpGtxxIcsCnZukt7EQGDHOsEJJR9NdNw9vGIWpnGiDsiDkC2EEFBI3MoBdy1PGVMboGjToQtcBmC6EDOTJ92HNeVjenjnnteyrL/s1600/DSC_1793%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvZ7xj-uQLgQukNqKrq7Ut-jydZll0cINf3eQNmz4UDKpGtxxIcsCnZukt7EQGDHOsEJJR9NdNw9vGIWpnGiDsiDkC2EEFBI3MoBdy1PGVMboGjToQtcBmC6EDOTJ92HNeVjenjnnteyrL/s320/DSC_1793%5B1%5D.JPG" /></a><br />
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On our way to camp by one of Fuji's lakes, we stopped off to visit a temple we'd gone to pray at when my wife was pregnant with our daughter.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdC8JzNUvcUDfOn-kKenAisR5aUrp7hDfeJGlyLx_8UYLA0F3hJSAzDSQHbcKSzp6hEFd6uV54U93vxY4Ib6kbgIt5Y3cgZBQgD3bnmU4-fmd3zNlIQoJ09UT_1cYw1oXhh61zg7DcahrK/s1600/DSC_1800%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdC8JzNUvcUDfOn-kKenAisR5aUrp7hDfeJGlyLx_8UYLA0F3hJSAzDSQHbcKSzp6hEFd6uV54U93vxY4Ib6kbgIt5Y3cgZBQgD3bnmU4-fmd3zNlIQoJ09UT_1cYw1oXhh61zg7DcahrK/s320/DSC_1800%5B1%5D.JPG" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm6zn2V4ig8cd-Ba0HWFY78yMF_kaB8jcrsB9caY3j9f1z55N5UZWUjkFYICdUNNdP-ER8Mzp39n4eNlkup_Jf-Q82-XMlz0ZOWjMJ3ozchX34mL5QHb6zNm9uLklVbiDgnkBBwXkIIu0A/s1600/DSC_1803%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm6zn2V4ig8cd-Ba0HWFY78yMF_kaB8jcrsB9caY3j9f1z55N5UZWUjkFYICdUNNdP-ER8Mzp39n4eNlkup_Jf-Q82-XMlz0ZOWjMJ3ozchX34mL5QHb6zNm9uLklVbiDgnkBBwXkIIu0A/s320/DSC_1803%5B1%5D.JPG" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGFrhyphenhyphenV_p-EwJVNMenaNq90U6gMcKU07emdPncV8ePSFOVrKVBx5i31OLcaGe2R-qZ2z9t-Unm_Z-BKKL5wLTLlcHlR0EiOb64DFr2ppEjwIAMQKkmtB-8VGnhS6LJSFXHXjiqeVFxMrya/s1600/DSC_1809%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGFrhyphenhyphenV_p-EwJVNMenaNq90U6gMcKU07emdPncV8ePSFOVrKVBx5i31OLcaGe2R-qZ2z9t-Unm_Z-BKKL5wLTLlcHlR0EiOb64DFr2ppEjwIAMQKkmtB-8VGnhS6LJSFXHXjiqeVFxMrya/s320/DSC_1809%5B1%5D.JPG" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLrjOKHPcwvqSgdR1vjYbi_OF8xbTzfhnCXMORA-oL-CnRzQozVFq0S3sRbN2hyphenhyphena21dLVIY1QLhBg8Doi7ZlbA4c68gTG2qdYGAJURo0qJcbSqeyMABvb5aG9bcnYW8GkrqE4GnU8pY8zV/s1600/DSC_1823%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLrjOKHPcwvqSgdR1vjYbi_OF8xbTzfhnCXMORA-oL-CnRzQozVFq0S3sRbN2hyphenhyphena21dLVIY1QLhBg8Doi7ZlbA4c68gTG2qdYGAJURo0qJcbSqeyMABvb5aG9bcnYW8GkrqE4GnU8pY8zV/s320/DSC_1823%5B1%5D.JPG" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUjoFFpDtnIG69iOXk1hYnaX0IAL2byarwZDa9nDj6TAoPvzojMMuJMCUBl3SwlICbGZA0hHaku780T3nftU_mJcZh2h0m1gSk31YRr3WACb95UJQSDhaoIqW0yelPnTfhqn7CEjCpsTbp/s1600/DSC_1844%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUjoFFpDtnIG69iOXk1hYnaX0IAL2byarwZDa9nDj6TAoPvzojMMuJMCUBl3SwlICbGZA0hHaku780T3nftU_mJcZh2h0m1gSk31YRr3WACb95UJQSDhaoIqW0yelPnTfhqn7CEjCpsTbp/s320/DSC_1844%5B1%5D.JPG" /></a><br />
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This sweet picture was taken just before the littlest one pushed with his feet & caused both of them to lose balance and fall off!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic1sTTlBwcFfE-SeNcAv7BGko2J8RNRHbrZSW7XCDzcfFah-8CCV20COqZPRqnq1Vo09yJQv0_-cu0NLZLXRKgpaUVi4BZFRnUuM3g5BihWTzKwrJ24xQUdA5E02NP1OyMq4NXKldNpPLS/s1600/DSC_1859%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic1sTTlBwcFfE-SeNcAv7BGko2J8RNRHbrZSW7XCDzcfFah-8CCV20COqZPRqnq1Vo09yJQv0_-cu0NLZLXRKgpaUVi4BZFRnUuM3g5BihWTzKwrJ24xQUdA5E02NP1OyMq4NXKldNpPLS/s320/DSC_1859%5B1%5D.JPG" /></a><br />
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A view the following morning, camping by Lake Saiko.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuXGkFr-q-pIIOSaT4xwrrdgWCUoudLeEzGUVaTpTgbQUyWOQxo-0bglQiG_QQ4cRkipqXQCg2u0eeKGHustznyN75eVbpyNxD6yfFhL8lvaKjbMyxP6ITuvC23UcdpGk_oRDkK0KjFGjO/s1600/DSC_1868%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuXGkFr-q-pIIOSaT4xwrrdgWCUoudLeEzGUVaTpTgbQUyWOQxo-0bglQiG_QQ4cRkipqXQCg2u0eeKGHustznyN75eVbpyNxD6yfFhL8lvaKjbMyxP6ITuvC23UcdpGk_oRDkK0KjFGjO/s320/DSC_1868%5B1%5D.JPG" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtK0xi650qs7n76uLAnFh01qW3aThqQQJgWwT3petxsFhq-CxXPt6rcUCqSL4K_OmI7rgDkzzgJeyFOXUxRXd8DFe886txcZwE3SUyKwJf-VtMNRnSUlACPLZdl1wdumm4mGMxFiP02NZk/s1600/DSC_1862%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtK0xi650qs7n76uLAnFh01qW3aThqQQJgWwT3petxsFhq-CxXPt6rcUCqSL4K_OmI7rgDkzzgJeyFOXUxRXd8DFe886txcZwE3SUyKwJf-VtMNRnSUlACPLZdl1wdumm4mGMxFiP02NZk/s320/DSC_1862%5B1%5D.JPG" /></a><br />
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Morning milky mostache!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjKdW62MrNZLhnteuhrjqos1bpKkJiWZauHVlHpXkwSnM6vuRv34oLuzuPsTcKODI_yFwK4lU5Y6DgUpZcpK21uhNZRXpsl-MYKnr0c3S1c5sF2c3gecWSwZrjLaXKs_sag_md3S_3R33I/s1600/DSC_1865%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjKdW62MrNZLhnteuhrjqos1bpKkJiWZauHVlHpXkwSnM6vuRv34oLuzuPsTcKODI_yFwK4lU5Y6DgUpZcpK21uhNZRXpsl-MYKnr0c3S1c5sF2c3gecWSwZrjLaXKs_sag_md3S_3R33I/s320/DSC_1865%5B1%5D.JPG" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUCR1pn79lOOWqXxLtUBx10pKW-AG9lonwd86m814u4pmwVtu3-iJkeUA9deUE12o5kc86yImkkHsuCzIkUACun_WiUXFCVfsseMJNo3s_ot1uMeS2eo7bZ2HDf2f5NfBw8BmgeIbVHGjE/s1600/DSC_1894%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUCR1pn79lOOWqXxLtUBx10pKW-AG9lonwd86m814u4pmwVtu3-iJkeUA9deUE12o5kc86yImkkHsuCzIkUACun_WiUXFCVfsseMJNo3s_ot1uMeS2eo7bZ2HDf2f5NfBw8BmgeIbVHGjE/s320/DSC_1894%5B1%5D.JPG" /></a><br />
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The next night we camped in the forest. Turned out to be a perfect location for enjoying a bonfire after the kids had gone to bed and keeping warm over a bottle of wine shared by the fire.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJjvxJZxLNMQR-P53bu7FLoh7qJDu8dNfWgDv_vmX3DepVjWGEzHjT8FFbWDhEv5cETbDlqhGh9aRk1qVpS0DiisijnbMjJt5tkMxlqweee1uAh6cpcPKFcZtG_AhGdHN8RPVkho2qgLRO/s1600/DSC_1921%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJjvxJZxLNMQR-P53bu7FLoh7qJDu8dNfWgDv_vmX3DepVjWGEzHjT8FFbWDhEv5cETbDlqhGh9aRk1qVpS0DiisijnbMjJt5tkMxlqweee1uAh6cpcPKFcZtG_AhGdHN8RPVkho2qgLRO/s320/DSC_1921%5B1%5D.JPG" /></a><br />
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As the weather warmed up a little, we took the opportunity to go camping in Southern Chiba, by the beach and stopped off to see Phil's fabulous permaculture project.<br />
He came and joined us on the beach on Sundat morning with his kids too, so a fun time was had by all.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCA028rIPrucarDpycTJT-rWfhvZiSBMlffNW7ws2GjMzT0vO1Uo2PxGxESl8iCEGFo0WjCg5HPbmkEqll8lNSU37frHQwjQNLxbbtV3-1ksBwlNstqMkAIWD6OI70p3CfUMcxPt7ZzIvN/s1600/image+(1).jpeg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCA028rIPrucarDpycTJT-rWfhvZiSBMlffNW7ws2GjMzT0vO1Uo2PxGxESl8iCEGFo0WjCg5HPbmkEqll8lNSU37frHQwjQNLxbbtV3-1ksBwlNstqMkAIWD6OI70p3CfUMcxPt7ZzIvN/s320/image+(1).jpeg" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3eV-cYWGEaMX6mCl7jHj4TLgi3XGzbbD7nUb3-Ywge3mE153JuXU7lPe3gWIVfg9ZdU9SPt38knB0xaxN1TCDry7ZeZY0Gil3OvZsiLAT9hHOqug1CaK8yAkzyhOGIWxOWyHAcptTBasy/s1600/image+(3).jpeg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3eV-cYWGEaMX6mCl7jHj4TLgi3XGzbbD7nUb3-Ywge3mE153JuXU7lPe3gWIVfg9ZdU9SPt38knB0xaxN1TCDry7ZeZY0Gil3OvZsiLAT9hHOqug1CaK8yAkzyhOGIWxOWyHAcptTBasy/s320/image+(3).jpeg" /></a><br />
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Whilst our daughter collected edible seaweed, our son spent much of the morning eating sand. He seemed to like it and we figured the minerals would do him good. <br />
Before he used to eat soil, so who are we to say no. When natural, these things can be better for the body than we think! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGHU9h5oNXhvrFWgC_GCDrHPUeRK1kUI9OxNJWE7Y2STiscDirhtalm_vLQXqM782JYCO1PNV2SRX2FjMywZWiMhmRSXBNDiEfiw04P_YCzrbE80umfPqxsIFBMNnREHuB_fX2JJ01iM36/s1600/image+(4).jpeg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGHU9h5oNXhvrFWgC_GCDrHPUeRK1kUI9OxNJWE7Y2STiscDirhtalm_vLQXqM782JYCO1PNV2SRX2FjMywZWiMhmRSXBNDiEfiw04P_YCzrbE80umfPqxsIFBMNnREHuB_fX2JJ01iM36/s320/image+(4).jpeg" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL9fAuyDglXLfWY1Bv7JUPg6VnE0vEtj_DHjqHbQdeNrAN2JnDlaYZ14WBDj6oYd1uOq_tFWPH5UVE3Zo2KTaRRehF3tjPs9D9wHVIMGdJ31CBoCSbFfURVlTHz-WjTr2fOd_E7EbdPXzw/s1600/image+(5).jpeg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL9fAuyDglXLfWY1Bv7JUPg6VnE0vEtj_DHjqHbQdeNrAN2JnDlaYZ14WBDj6oYd1uOq_tFWPH5UVE3Zo2KTaRRehF3tjPs9D9wHVIMGdJ31CBoCSbFfURVlTHz-WjTr2fOd_E7EbdPXzw/s320/image+(5).jpeg" /></a><br />
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The kids also enjoyed catching little fish, hermit crabs and other crustaceans. It was lovely to take a dip too. We even briefly saw a young moray eel swimming near our ankles.<br />
Harmless fun. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQF563cVUibCO2MaO3cxoVJRPlEwrihZVJCy-GCj8VKm0OsC8oI-yO1ZVxPbepjVNM5Wda1gjKLWmZYHVPqRYit2Bh7KA4Sxoa0sBhKuKiR_SyOZvwaJkptSGTsFnQ934rWe1oYn9E9DFu/s1600/image+(6).jpeg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQF563cVUibCO2MaO3cxoVJRPlEwrihZVJCy-GCj8VKm0OsC8oI-yO1ZVxPbepjVNM5Wda1gjKLWmZYHVPqRYit2Bh7KA4Sxoa0sBhKuKiR_SyOZvwaJkptSGTsFnQ934rWe1oYn9E9DFu/s320/image+(6).jpeg" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRcwvMbey4fqYsxGcKQZfVW5ccZfygfCpjrk8l6aovR6C1BPb_fvKA2-zpoGv6kedfm_MoAG_hI_uT8FZ96gSTa69gnQg7IUkavf_qStEOCn3WcMcsDo11GPbAkjvpqACfFP9DdQ_1M5Tg/s1600/image+(8).jpeg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRcwvMbey4fqYsxGcKQZfVW5ccZfygfCpjrk8l6aovR6C1BPb_fvKA2-zpoGv6kedfm_MoAG_hI_uT8FZ96gSTa69gnQg7IUkavf_qStEOCn3WcMcsDo11GPbAkjvpqACfFP9DdQ_1M5Tg/s320/image+(8).jpeg" /></a><br />
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Our little one seems to enjoy being a naturalist too. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLm-Lq0333-0RrCuj6YwBKQ8hMFk6L-D8eTtV0i657VOlcUZ-4jHtYB_HI826sXKB5cRHvbUobZZmjuEHFr_DF6qIT8FvPbOW8xFSeussI4Bkt81-Sjuld812RWXrZRqzLlIqN75iofOVa/s1600/image+(9).jpeg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLm-Lq0333-0RrCuj6YwBKQ8hMFk6L-D8eTtV0i657VOlcUZ-4jHtYB_HI826sXKB5cRHvbUobZZmjuEHFr_DF6qIT8FvPbOW8xFSeussI4Bkt81-Sjuld812RWXrZRqzLlIqN75iofOVa/s320/image+(9).jpeg" /></a><br />
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Miguel - Newerahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04970762111234680191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3857626156954484494.post-24065479524110078192014-08-08T02:12:00.001-07:002014-08-08T22:04:46.224-07:00Some memories from Summer to end of 2013.... How time flies! As I came to update the blog today, I've realised it's been almost exactly one year since my last entry. Apologies to those who follow the blog. <br />
Life has a habit of keeping us busy, with family, friends, home, work and everything else that comes with each day - there's rarely time to sit down and write.<br />
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We've just begun a 2 week holiday in Shodoshima and as it'll be raining for the next couple of days, this is a good opportunity to catch up here.<br />
Below I'll post some pictures of the kids and ourselves with a little about what we've been up to for fun over the last year. Afterwards I'll add other posts about the various projects we've been working on too. <br />
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Last year here in Shodoshima Grandma made a boat for the kids to launch for the Hanabi festival. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTUGerDesICXe0fEgcbZgV7tD8p00rHgKO2b32uPPwSfvNr6y0-YFcnQ0ZouckUnISxuIWaOnLrjPls7wqMyVw_SBEN8Jvdh0wUsrsxXaPqk3F95rg95VYSZltbkYWingwJM7oxMU6q8IZ/s1600/DSC_5287%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTUGerDesICXe0fEgcbZgV7tD8p00rHgKO2b32uPPwSfvNr6y0-YFcnQ0ZouckUnISxuIWaOnLrjPls7wqMyVw_SBEN8Jvdh0wUsrsxXaPqk3F95rg95VYSZltbkYWingwJM7oxMU6q8IZ/s320/DSC_5287%5B1%5D.JPG" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfxAnW57LYFIvA_rfyOdMzTf9CeNwPgWoFEfqrCwp1YUuXVZSW6UC716Jy46KoWfjHNw29x9AXGR0zbydwdpHpLa0MzdCNqFAQHn87g5bEgoCgpst_OAJ__LQBfTdkYVCHC59tsc8zdn7u/s1600/DSC_5286%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfxAnW57LYFIvA_rfyOdMzTf9CeNwPgWoFEfqrCwp1YUuXVZSW6UC716Jy46KoWfjHNw29x9AXGR0zbydwdpHpLa0MzdCNqFAQHn87g5bEgoCgpst_OAJ__LQBfTdkYVCHC59tsc8zdn7u/s320/DSC_5286%5B1%5D.JPG" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnDAnojWDRFzsOzt6RQKVqmPoj4hcPVt791LfhlxIBndRgDibnzrfC09Eyp4bmyBvCVw5HsjGmAhiJLnzfS9EkGa9M_JgDYTAD_v1yOji8majOA_OL9tgkItIyNEO2KN4z2o11nPGMPj6_/s1600/DSC_5292%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnDAnojWDRFzsOzt6RQKVqmPoj4hcPVt791LfhlxIBndRgDibnzrfC09Eyp4bmyBvCVw5HsjGmAhiJLnzfS9EkGa9M_JgDYTAD_v1yOji8majOA_OL9tgkItIyNEO2KN4z2o11nPGMPj6_/s320/DSC_5292%5B1%5D.JPG" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj779vz5ls1YAuq3V_gL6VEkFvNkSVsIgg0jZjLGGTKfiOdpUmw828tNZyVtszWpggANPPEdh1XsHLcvg99KnUdzKoNOvBAa4vN95SEdf6YM8CMWDBIQHIrgy18Seq-x8UBqQhfGbqwJiWv/s1600/DSC_5303%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj779vz5ls1YAuq3V_gL6VEkFvNkSVsIgg0jZjLGGTKfiOdpUmw828tNZyVtszWpggANPPEdh1XsHLcvg99KnUdzKoNOvBAa4vN95SEdf6YM8CMWDBIQHIrgy18Seq-x8UBqQhfGbqwJiWv/s320/DSC_5303%5B1%5D.JPG" /></a><br />
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The kids have of course grown a little larger and our little one is especially active & inquisitive now. <br />
In September it was my birthday, so our daughter insisted I wear a crown she'd made with Mama for me. This may become a family tradition hence fourth.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6nWGAtcH1IEqssmOlPVclKx1pwTsAvdW3gMdSseRxPGACCN962_sxzIfhoVJxJsBQqelM35pGtNO7M2oUzLRVgPEOge_9c0Mt19NcDI1zF-fJYI_lNDV2GSzc7aGRA9t-KRdw8XCbXz5G/s1600/DSC_5471%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6nWGAtcH1IEqssmOlPVclKx1pwTsAvdW3gMdSseRxPGACCN962_sxzIfhoVJxJsBQqelM35pGtNO7M2oUzLRVgPEOge_9c0Mt19NcDI1zF-fJYI_lNDV2GSzc7aGRA9t-KRdw8XCbXz5G/s320/DSC_5471%5B1%5D.JPG" /></a><br />
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These were taken during lunch with friends in September last year. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd9J4_lOzXxQ9zYhCxgwlmMWqTKmZKiN7hEsahzvUXHgOtkqYA9OevUAU3V6sB2vWMt-IFHj4om5Jcvz_dCixewkCYpIKRn2Oq77yK23j1lTwBW0QgONjPAFWdk-P8y9lS0HdvfNL0-I8C/s1600/DSC_5499%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd9J4_lOzXxQ9zYhCxgwlmMWqTKmZKiN7hEsahzvUXHgOtkqYA9OevUAU3V6sB2vWMt-IFHj4om5Jcvz_dCixewkCYpIKRn2Oq77yK23j1lTwBW0QgONjPAFWdk-P8y9lS0HdvfNL0-I8C/s320/DSC_5499%5B1%5D.JPG" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSCc8dymGSupTNaacH0wUXIJmsSL6Cl_tzLodFvX1UzTIgpqIS_KuNJXAHo6cbFt2MtUrAD7LduoP-gGTa6CYqYMvG3CyCsg9mfM1XsLHi28rwDa-nXyLFDx5Ujj7qpqQfOUYTaeffW2ww/s1600/DSC_5500%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSCc8dymGSupTNaacH0wUXIJmsSL6Cl_tzLodFvX1UzTIgpqIS_KuNJXAHo6cbFt2MtUrAD7LduoP-gGTa6CYqYMvG3CyCsg9mfM1XsLHi28rwDa-nXyLFDx5Ujj7qpqQfOUYTaeffW2ww/s320/DSC_5500%5B1%5D.JPG" /></a><br />
<br />
At the end of October my mum came to visit for 3 months & in early November we had a BBQ whilst some friends came to stay for the weekend. The weather gets cooler around the beginning of October as the seasons go into winter and so the colours of the garden change as plants become dormant.<br />
<br />
Friends made new friends. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDrR-02HMNzC_TElUzitcYLBeiSl60VozmxZZFi8SEK4Y4KvLrKQv9XHrQX15UycWiL1GnwzO0_WOsCa_VcvL33zT_QBUSzneU8TWGH8P0rcjE09MjPcFQlTBO-ipZv0HqwpuY0XCWOMlx/s1600/DSC_8427%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDrR-02HMNzC_TElUzitcYLBeiSl60VozmxZZFi8SEK4Y4KvLrKQv9XHrQX15UycWiL1GnwzO0_WOsCa_VcvL33zT_QBUSzneU8TWGH8P0rcjE09MjPcFQlTBO-ipZv0HqwpuY0XCWOMlx/s320/DSC_8427%5B1%5D.JPG" /></a><br />
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Enjoying the BBQ<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF0ZbpocRKvv4aRtrzcFsYxa0t6LAAAIXZjXA3VijdT7cZBjh8t0_vu_ponBw8voMFAUKp0sTdw1rakTUFo_1nBYfUK7SN2nJu2ysmzmIT9TKGg0btlrDSnfmxwumxIFqiIPLgpcQgf9ty/s1600/DSC_8428%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF0ZbpocRKvv4aRtrzcFsYxa0t6LAAAIXZjXA3VijdT7cZBjh8t0_vu_ponBw8voMFAUKp0sTdw1rakTUFo_1nBYfUK7SN2nJu2ysmzmIT9TKGg0btlrDSnfmxwumxIFqiIPLgpcQgf9ty/s320/DSC_8428%5B1%5D.JPG" /></a><br />
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Belly Dance Friends - both who had their weddings this year!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggBTOvLNbl7eJHBX-MSG1n3p1tIps1pYQuT4ieitDS4B-MXAPPMvWfZoC0KRWtEDjuR4EhD3QJRiOGVq0jF6jE0Zv1s5jNFEeXuDRZs_Otnw-dsGyz89RB9bY5_Jt6i4lLVI35XKMC2h-k/s1600/DSC_8429%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggBTOvLNbl7eJHBX-MSG1n3p1tIps1pYQuT4ieitDS4B-MXAPPMvWfZoC0KRWtEDjuR4EhD3QJRiOGVq0jF6jE0Zv1s5jNFEeXuDRZs_Otnw-dsGyz89RB9bY5_Jt6i4lLVI35XKMC2h-k/s320/DSC_8429%5B1%5D.JPG" /></a><br />
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Our daughter & her young friend enjoyed dressing up. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinQ1WGKerh-sNnxc_jNrlXxnn1G6z8HCdUW-cZnce3Ja6sS4RclVnjbjNAc-cmcK1c2aYWq0WG_Jzh-VjkkpCiHNjwgPG9yENCd9UadYWpTfCSpao5_tvTenWdwcqxP5OmjiVg1vL5hdK2/s1600/DSC_8433%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinQ1WGKerh-sNnxc_jNrlXxnn1G6z8HCdUW-cZnce3Ja6sS4RclVnjbjNAc-cmcK1c2aYWq0WG_Jzh-VjkkpCiHNjwgPG9yENCd9UadYWpTfCSpao5_tvTenWdwcqxP5OmjiVg1vL5hdK2/s320/DSC_8433%5B1%5D.JPG" /></a><br />
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Group Pic!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEL9ikf63GUClnJerr1X76_BKEX4mxELYqsyP6s3Sc7E-3H1EIg6ZM2Yimn3R9W6iDl-bRAXITnnZ_K_ibbEhXnVMA2VZWPdo_NuwfvkgPh5OUwPM9ioLiVqnIc5gIq2l2hrkQr9_L0Xvo/s1600/DSC_8445%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEL9ikf63GUClnJerr1X76_BKEX4mxELYqsyP6s3Sc7E-3H1EIg6ZM2Yimn3R9W6iDl-bRAXITnnZ_K_ibbEhXnVMA2VZWPdo_NuwfvkgPh5OUwPM9ioLiVqnIc5gIq2l2hrkQr9_L0Xvo/s320/DSC_8445%5B1%5D.JPG" /></a><br />
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Off on 2/4 wheels!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-qqDhyDXD0_wS4rmqiqbuTAnJP630w9Xk1c0JA-gOckB7EvvNBX_4k_tVZtOdGwrktI2rGoO_2HeNdc0v8MmLrQuoz1IQGEaVpk4OzglWD7AIJNY7Q_KUGJzlnVUMXXDqDyrQHL5d2511/s1600/DSC_8450%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-qqDhyDXD0_wS4rmqiqbuTAnJP630w9Xk1c0JA-gOckB7EvvNBX_4k_tVZtOdGwrktI2rGoO_2HeNdc0v8MmLrQuoz1IQGEaVpk4OzglWD7AIJNY7Q_KUGJzlnVUMXXDqDyrQHL5d2511/s320/DSC_8450%5B1%5D.JPG" /></a><br />
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Our daughter had a joint birthday party with a boy from her school. Girls always like to dress up, ha!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5FjExtnngCQxS-fpwAeHN8EsJI93xobMynmbbHjuwE4w5GKjIHyCO7BUMQtEsNpGypdO02tTBsRzKGKYVlDcgrf0Es5DH6pJKU8T1imDCMl1Q59JFBW-fHOzhtQ-JwstnMoJMSDK7ZjIz/s1600/DSC_8566%5B2%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5FjExtnngCQxS-fpwAeHN8EsJI93xobMynmbbHjuwE4w5GKjIHyCO7BUMQtEsNpGypdO02tTBsRzKGKYVlDcgrf0Es5DH6pJKU8T1imDCMl1Q59JFBW-fHOzhtQ-JwstnMoJMSDK7ZjIz/s320/DSC_8566%5B2%5D.JPG" /></a><br />
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Fun was had by all.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbtrJNGgH-YY-PaLY7cO5TP2Bq9YPU3pmyudhjInI9J8zxYEX0fneowLmovdBP8DtzED5hk_KjfbV_4XxLdqu9wE98ayMr5f_UU7GOEUQzJNIitqwrEPhjwCf9sfJIoOHlgDC_jHZBZ9-z/s1600/DSC_8573%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbtrJNGgH-YY-PaLY7cO5TP2Bq9YPU3pmyudhjInI9J8zxYEX0fneowLmovdBP8DtzED5hk_KjfbV_4XxLdqu9wE98ayMr5f_UU7GOEUQzJNIitqwrEPhjwCf9sfJIoOHlgDC_jHZBZ9-z/s320/DSC_8573%5B1%5D.JPG" /></a><br />
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Ready to sing...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAHk_wNQvNyx4HQ_3_oL8YE-F3nGSmoMJ3nSjSwbfnaNt159dN4H9CcLrBjtx5FeqpjUgg7-rlfGZ2OzwOYPZcsWuOqcJb8Xlsg3MKALbxIfUCWG4rPbyz_7i215ekWOK8cEICQMES6xHp/s1600/DSC_8577%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAHk_wNQvNyx4HQ_3_oL8YE-F3nGSmoMJ3nSjSwbfnaNt159dN4H9CcLrBjtx5FeqpjUgg7-rlfGZ2OzwOYPZcsWuOqcJb8Xlsg3MKALbxIfUCWG4rPbyz_7i215ekWOK8cEICQMES6xHp/s320/DSC_8577%5B1%5D.JPG" /></a><br />
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Blowing out candles!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSsY12dxaz4H-P3OMAUeh93saJJrkrK4jyghbtjVZFTrKOvTR-rhbpwCbDgJsZFdT0oa8qU8qKUDehKtdNWkOjlL_pNvsRczCmpkQk1TyAkDXLZWyo1F1dwRY1a__7IUl6QOaieGoA_zog/s1600/DSC_8588%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSsY12dxaz4H-P3OMAUeh93saJJrkrK4jyghbtjVZFTrKOvTR-rhbpwCbDgJsZFdT0oa8qU8qKUDehKtdNWkOjlL_pNvsRczCmpkQk1TyAkDXLZWyo1F1dwRY1a__7IUl6QOaieGoA_zog/s320/DSC_8588%5B1%5D.JPG" /></a><br />
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Shortly after, in November her kindergarten had a festival. Most of the parents performed in some way. Here some mothers play traditional Taikyu Drums.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuYnWh2BfFi-7D1pk6Vkj0zodTNQRBI6jcTBfUtptL0RG5JVkj4rrT27bojzmLgJpbDb3RQ1PpUHpdHidiSOv1PWyFXztRIPx9_MFCGo3hAwTiDXYStxlvH_DnC3Y3MN_1rbgumJGu-5ox/s1600/DSC_8608%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuYnWh2BfFi-7D1pk6Vkj0zodTNQRBI6jcTBfUtptL0RG5JVkj4rrT27bojzmLgJpbDb3RQ1PpUHpdHidiSOv1PWyFXztRIPx9_MFCGo3hAwTiDXYStxlvH_DnC3Y3MN_1rbgumJGu-5ox/s320/DSC_8608%5B1%5D.JPG" /></a><br />
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A group picture.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQT3gNMbeO34cT-2uOKH3ahTFqPWzmaFGcps5K5MtJImBijca6o8PslnmfaMSxgNawLW0aDDFXrIbFAa4sCqK9VkqWwQ6g4LAB5ER3oXgiFb2WlV5Cdr-o1nF-PnuzP1uO_JvBQQfbwDq4/s1600/DSC_8612%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQT3gNMbeO34cT-2uOKH3ahTFqPWzmaFGcps5K5MtJImBijca6o8PslnmfaMSxgNawLW0aDDFXrIbFAa4sCqK9VkqWwQ6g4LAB5ER3oXgiFb2WlV5Cdr-o1nF-PnuzP1uO_JvBQQfbwDq4/s320/DSC_8612%5B1%5D.JPG" /></a><br />
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Belly dancing is a speciality by my wife. The young boys giggled at seeing some cleavage. I think that's healthy. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7NALqVkiv42mkn9RWoHB-zT_cOhyF70H0Xi3K80PvTelnQgSpixSruBc6iJXiAgrGfcRHPfEZJoWEYz_puelXFcdxGMFp0qy2sVQzFNiQYsBADDCWyn7d0Vw_wHv49B5zmShD-drT5wyz/s1600/DSC_8622%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7NALqVkiv42mkn9RWoHB-zT_cOhyF70H0Xi3K80PvTelnQgSpixSruBc6iJXiAgrGfcRHPfEZJoWEYz_puelXFcdxGMFp0qy2sVQzFNiQYsBADDCWyn7d0Vw_wHv49B5zmShD-drT5wyz/s320/DSC_8622%5B1%5D.JPG" /></a><br />
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Our daughter also likes ballet. She started at around 3 years old.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLva42VLo9lcSZkYvVoTu2ZXTZ6VLHzjIbEawQC55KmORbiXCqEh_dm6fYDfAsV6WXmI5cvxIEYENH8D1QohPZIzYZd_Ddzdn876slFk7Uz8E2OErVTte2p01_AAYHs38otJeMgij1i4fI/s1600/DSC_8784%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLva42VLo9lcSZkYvVoTu2ZXTZ6VLHzjIbEawQC55KmORbiXCqEh_dm6fYDfAsV6WXmI5cvxIEYENH8D1QohPZIzYZd_Ddzdn876slFk7Uz8E2OErVTte2p01_AAYHs38otJeMgij1i4fI/s320/DSC_8784%5B1%5D.JPG" /></a><br />
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Practicing for a show...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-ElINJ9Gsn1ARl5yRuitzuQpAyUbX9FDZVyy19BhwMOVUIR6DT_Is-D4DjcQfdyKCOmEX3bS0UfoqcwMgdMHBzA38HzvbmYFYUht5Gld72LiZfP4mAfaJ6Zo7qGPVLUdFAC4pbbrQGyFB/s1600/DSC_8791%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-ElINJ9Gsn1ARl5yRuitzuQpAyUbX9FDZVyy19BhwMOVUIR6DT_Is-D4DjcQfdyKCOmEX3bS0UfoqcwMgdMHBzA38HzvbmYFYUht5Gld72LiZfP4mAfaJ6Zo7qGPVLUdFAC4pbbrQGyFB/s320/DSC_8791%5B1%5D.JPG" /></a><br />
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We took the kids to a children's park in December. The weather in Japan is usually crisp, bright & pleasant in winter.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoUdW2Uqy6XjKraXECFoT-HmFIT2hX43hkMMrts6T2CTy3UJSpN-OJuisZImUEqYRms-ucMNLcAZC7vxLcS_XzRxgFHJavgkefdyANOwVchf6XzvV6o5SWJjsv0lgzyhSOHHBNTw4-aJkd/s1600/DSC_9013%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoUdW2Uqy6XjKraXECFoT-HmFIT2hX43hkMMrts6T2CTy3UJSpN-OJuisZImUEqYRms-ucMNLcAZC7vxLcS_XzRxgFHJavgkefdyANOwVchf6XzvV6o5SWJjsv0lgzyhSOHHBNTw4-aJkd/s320/DSC_9013%5B1%5D.JPG" /></a><br />
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The little guy still less than 2 years old still needed help to get up there... and down.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGf8ifDZM7_c6qSPx50TKWg_xPLQk0Uwm-8hVwEHwfZZtkfeJ4gkiBCEc6WbfPb_bwkD57_crZqDVYdaXCDaGBlaMxdnGHaMIaDtsfWweJ8Or6Sl3f2ejs-mdTbrp8aUDJ9_uExrIjM8Zx/s1600/DSC_9021%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGf8ifDZM7_c6qSPx50TKWg_xPLQk0Uwm-8hVwEHwfZZtkfeJ4gkiBCEc6WbfPb_bwkD57_crZqDVYdaXCDaGBlaMxdnGHaMIaDtsfWweJ8Or6Sl3f2ejs-mdTbrp8aUDJ9_uExrIjM8Zx/s320/DSC_9021%5B1%5D.JPG" /></a><br />
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But he could already drive. There is already no doubt he likes cars & anything that can carry him! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOEbuKeIVhazsEIVZk__JWCjMTEJuBnHwgrRqJhAeeHDnJkyAigPvcrHp1MhTbfbArPxzlkL4xrsCul-wmGwlzUylKoiIrEykbu4TH0gqmFgjxRbbJC66ycLrFXzepZ8FeSX0C0yt9iQIh/s1600/DSC_9053%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOEbuKeIVhazsEIVZk__JWCjMTEJuBnHwgrRqJhAeeHDnJkyAigPvcrHp1MhTbfbArPxzlkL4xrsCul-wmGwlzUylKoiIrEykbu4TH0gqmFgjxRbbJC66ycLrFXzepZ8FeSX0C0yt9iQIh/s320/DSC_9053%5B1%5D.JPG" /></a><br />
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We took a train ride together. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1NZqJTvXKIHReZjhnBgbSDsaAqPju-ogyTLxWFd_ZFB2XQlUnwyQ97z7RpWq9HuY-_2o0K0B3gi9hjkaGZGR-_5xfyx82iM3YAM4X9o_9uT29B_fOMeXG4yFvEVDQ1swkVOkwQ6lWLBI9/s1600/DSC_9067%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1NZqJTvXKIHReZjhnBgbSDsaAqPju-ogyTLxWFd_ZFB2XQlUnwyQ97z7RpWq9HuY-_2o0K0B3gi9hjkaGZGR-_5xfyx82iM3YAM4X9o_9uT29B_fOMeXG4yFvEVDQ1swkVOkwQ6lWLBI9/s320/DSC_9067%5B1%5D.JPG" /></a><br />
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Bye Bye Mama!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaqwYeo5zpWuBb5K3J4eVuUAxk_OmINzyK2H8zdZsR9rFuQPWtU_diLNKn8mPS6xFwg8iH4zVMArZELqiPWq2agN5VihYA3KVysFvImd7vuho8avkREtOD_9sNiM1luW2ZmpyjCGsx2FLw/s1600/DSC_9073%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaqwYeo5zpWuBb5K3J4eVuUAxk_OmINzyK2H8zdZsR9rFuQPWtU_diLNKn8mPS6xFwg8iH4zVMArZELqiPWq2agN5VihYA3KVysFvImd7vuho8avkREtOD_9sNiM1luW2ZmpyjCGsx2FLw/s320/DSC_9073%5B1%5D.JPG" /></a><br />
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We visited a nearby temple on the same afternoon, whose monk is the father of one of the children at our daughter's kindergarten.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXNtwP1cHftnmT71CoREfQIWKiAqVD0kvZKvLoIhH0gD2oKcFDfAeGR1BJXUVG4T3xiAV09vjLO8VpdHRQib-Bee3oPMH-khgSd-xC-zOso6QjKG9BE9DFgfs3342BMHxozV1hlhllhyaj/s1600/DSC_9384%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXNtwP1cHftnmT71CoREfQIWKiAqVD0kvZKvLoIhH0gD2oKcFDfAeGR1BJXUVG4T3xiAV09vjLO8VpdHRQib-Bee3oPMH-khgSd-xC-zOso6QjKG9BE9DFgfs3342BMHxozV1hlhllhyaj/s320/DSC_9384%5B1%5D.JPG" /></a><br />
Miguel - Newerahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04970762111234680191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3857626156954484494.post-3937735084749105422013-08-17T18:43:00.001-07:002013-08-17T19:11:05.003-07:00The Dangers of Modern Farming Practices to Our Future Generations.Life is absolutely not sustainable as we are living it in these so called modern times. It's clear to me that modern life has little thought for the damage it is causing for our future. <br />
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Peak oil has arrived and will make food all the time more expensive, since we are dependent on oil for it's production. <br />
Water sources are being polluted & privatised and our crops are being systematically & irreversibly patented whilst being genetically modified.<br />
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As our bodies are living tissue with bacteria as an integral part of them, foods grown in dead soil with use of toxic chemicals, pesticides & herbicides are constantly making us weaker & more disease prone as we consume them during our lifetimes. <br />
If we care enough to leave this earth in a good way for future generations I believe the best way forward is to share knowledge and aim to plant seeds of true sustainability in each of us. To help one another and inspire change through knowledge is important.<br />
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If we can each successfully introduce Permaculture principles & what these represent to 10 people in our lifetimes & they go on to do the same & so on... Only then there is a chance that our grandchildren's grandchildren will be healthy and happy young people. <br />
Without keeping this possibility as a focus, I for one would feel I've failed my children & their future generations in sharing what I have learnt through creating sustainable examples they can continue.<br />
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Like most parents I dearly love my children more than anything in this world and want to provide not just the best for them, but share important knowledge and wisdom gained through experiences of life. <br />
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I'd like to share these two thought provoking videos which I feel are very worthwhile watching to anybody that cares. <br />
Because without knowledge, we're powerless to make changes for the better.<br />
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<b>The Silence of the bees.</b> A documentary study of colony collapse disorder - a food problem facing each and every one of us, as a result of modern farming & chemical agriculture practices:<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/tiOeaa44a-Y" width="480"></iframe> <br />
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<b>Seeds of Death.</b> This is quite a shocking film, but contains a lot of information to explain what is in GMO foods.<br />
GMO in Japan is likely to increase in future, as it appears Prime Minister Abe is moving forward with having Japan be a part of TPP. <br />
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There will be NO GMO for our family & those we can persuade to be vigilant of what they eat - if we can help it:<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/eUd9rRSLY4A" width="480"></iframe>Miguel - Newerahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04970762111234680191noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3857626156954484494.post-70934164409602121242013-08-17T07:55:00.000-07:002013-08-17T19:45:05.355-07:00Permaculture Inspiration & Plans For Autumn 2013 to Spring 2014.Since completing the PDC course at <a href="http://www.livinginpeace.com">www.livinginpeace.com</a>, my interest and inspiration for creating a permaculture solution, as a way forward has strengthened remarkably. I can see the reasons so much more clearly for why I want to make progress, but it's also developing into a bit of a passion. Not least because I learnt so much in the space of two weeks with Tim & Dave as our tutors. <br />
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One other person I've known of for a long time, but whose work I could understand much less of before the PDC is Phil Cashman, who has recently set up <a href="http://permaculture-awa.wix.com/permaculture-awa">permaculture-awa</a><br />
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Since our return to Japan & before it got too blazing hot to be working outside in the sun during the middle of the day, I have spent a couple of days at his workshops. From doing things from weeding, to observing his projects in Hayama (Kominka Home) & Wada (Permaculture Dojo) & participating in workshops, it's been an inspiration to see what he's achieved and the projects he's working on.<br />
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<b>Below are some pictures from the last workshop which took place towards the end of July.</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVd18jPxB1jTfVVwnH3-74f6ept9QQ4y_5gqSDFpF5VeksS3V3TUWdlXhS4AWjFvxmh_ERfSN6oYlKTCl6dSWDPnbuq1iWpgH-3ykYcGGaItNGXMWKeB5AA0wK9wVDQxQZCFqjOaNqXTSu/s1600/DSC_4715.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVd18jPxB1jTfVVwnH3-74f6ept9QQ4y_5gqSDFpF5VeksS3V3TUWdlXhS4AWjFvxmh_ERfSN6oYlKTCl6dSWDPnbuq1iWpgH-3ykYcGGaItNGXMWKeB5AA0wK9wVDQxQZCFqjOaNqXTSu/s320/DSC_4715.JPG" /></a><br />
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Above: Phil explains how to cook up a mean worm juice, ready to bring life to soil & plant growth!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTWwaZF8gZEoJAeAoqbZzsKInXzrqcAyy4V-jM0iMXnMHmyw-NVGDBEvW2xnc5d8IbvZIcnT8o0QZPr6k88VfzYDfIjelq37vHyL8PD3A52Ca6kwHauTAdyRTzOhVvJbvSq59hAAgyVdNE/s1600/DSC_4725.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTWwaZF8gZEoJAeAoqbZzsKInXzrqcAyy4V-jM0iMXnMHmyw-NVGDBEvW2xnc5d8IbvZIcnT8o0QZPr6k88VfzYDfIjelq37vHyL8PD3A52Ca6kwHauTAdyRTzOhVvJbvSq59hAAgyVdNE/s320/DSC_4725.JPG" /></a><br />
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Above: Here he shows the workshop participants how a worm farm works.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMULKLOgXKdpSprtZmjsv7tu2ztDaNQM3v_7aFs0RmcYX_T-9iUz-R_h8AoMgQaRWxkEEAYF4VFc3fb3WOrVP_RsEbCdoSj7XqyiiQHFrS4Am4cIPgLXQJmrfiMw2CE8kYDUNBTcY0mzLX/s1600/DSC_4728.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMULKLOgXKdpSprtZmjsv7tu2ztDaNQM3v_7aFs0RmcYX_T-9iUz-R_h8AoMgQaRWxkEEAYF4VFc3fb3WOrVP_RsEbCdoSj7XqyiiQHFrS4Am4cIPgLXQJmrfiMw2CE8kYDUNBTcY0mzLX/s320/DSC_4728.JPG" /></a><br />
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Above: Growing vegetables in a weed free bed of rice husks - a waste product / perfect mulch material from rice farmers!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-rfH5lxCeugl3o8srTRujsJs9Ew-6seQ7jYLARIPDLuvCorWgCaKFkjcd6DLLP22xKY5jCEx2nBgPv1Xy44DKLlUgNCzdJgoOSbYSJ_lhytwyJ5yiZf0Ub3I3F-xiiZyaX_P3tu7mGkJx/s1600/DSC_4744.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-rfH5lxCeugl3o8srTRujsJs9Ew-6seQ7jYLARIPDLuvCorWgCaKFkjcd6DLLP22xKY5jCEx2nBgPv1Xy44DKLlUgNCzdJgoOSbYSJ_lhytwyJ5yiZf0Ub3I3F-xiiZyaX_P3tu7mGkJx/s320/DSC_4744.JPG" /></a><br />
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Above: The workshop makes a brick pizza oven!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBQzvejiaf7JKliBtcu2BTmNcuyrUQq_TVBxNYBwEqAxfTMLvhPm4biVp7Ww4rsYk6koMjybIZsLQVwUQSlrZiK9h8BPeP53rhmLYNEf3j7rMLsVoxPalm-WdiMlrzNKzKlbdVH69ezydu/s1600/DSC_4749.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBQzvejiaf7JKliBtcu2BTmNcuyrUQq_TVBxNYBwEqAxfTMLvhPm4biVp7Ww4rsYk6koMjybIZsLQVwUQSlrZiK9h8BPeP53rhmLYNEf3j7rMLsVoxPalm-WdiMlrzNKzKlbdVH69ezydu/s320/DSC_4749.JPG" /></a><br />
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Above: Phil inspects the finished arch for imperfections & weaknesses. <br />
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<b>And so this brings us to my plans for when the weather cools down from the end of September - till May next year.</b> <br />
Some of the winter season will be too cold to work outside, but I intend to do as much as I can.<br />
It may be considered ambitious to try and complete it all, but I know if I don't I'll only wish I had next summer - so here's what I have in mind:<br />
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<b>(1).</b> At the North side of the house I will build a chicken run. This is intended to provide not just organic, proper free range eggs & chickens - but as chickens have a body temperature of 46 Deg C, my intention is to build a greenhouse which will include the chicken coup as part of it's structure so their body heat will keep plants warmer during the night. The chickens will be used to eat seeds, grubs, scratch out weeds and fertilise our vegetable beds, using chicken tractors too.<br />
In addition as part of the greenhouse I'd ideally like to include an aquaponics system, where lettuce & other vegetables could be grown during colder months. With aquaponics, it should be part of the design to include breeding & keeping of fish (Or - preferably freshwater crayfish - which are apparently delicious on the BBQ!), whose faeces is used to provide all the required nutrient for the plants being grown (In turn these plant's roots will help clean & filter the water as a continuous cycle. Small pumps will oxygenate the water, possibly backed up by solar power - haven't decided on this yet). <br />
The greenhouse is also intended to be used for sprouting seedlings, but will also be designed to be self-watering, using rain water collected from part of the house's roof. Some considerable thinking and design will need to go into all of this, but it'll be a very worthwhile project to enhance our other food growing projects. <br />
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<b>(2).</b> It looks as if I'll need to invest in a cheap 4WD K-Truck and be-friend some local farmers who might give us their waste rice husks, straw & bran which I can use to make compost. In addition I'll need to either get donated horse manure, or buy it by the bag-full. Hopefully the former. I'd like to also collect seaweed for adding to the compost. This soil production & enhancement is intended for use in our raised beds. Compost may take up to 3 months to produce & require turning over a few times, so again - this needs to be done at an early stage as autumn sets in. I'll need to find a suitable K-truck soon. I'd wanted to avoid getting yet another vehicle, but it's a necessity for this project I think! <br />
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<b>(3).</b> I feel I've learnt a lot about growing food these last two years, combined with what I learnt in the PDC course and I can see quite obvious mistakes in how we've been growing foods so far, not least lack of mulch and management of foods growing. Whilst away in NZ many of our crops were lost to weeds, which was a shame - although I'd half expected this to happen without being there to care for them. Still, it was a worthwhile sacrifice...By contrast we had tomato plants sprout from seeds of dropped tomatoes last year, which has been interesting. By far - our crops this year have been tomatoes and pumpkin! Fortunately we have been able to give much away without going to waste, consuming ourselves and exchanging for other things with local friends who grow their own foods too.<br />
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Our garden beds will be raised and built with the intention of using chicken tractors to clear & fertilise the soil, ready to planting. So our existing garden beds will be changed considerably for next year. In addition I want to make some raised beds in the section of the garden to the right of the lounge's view. Here would be ideal for growing pumpkins - as this year they've taken over almost an entire vegetable bed! This development means the chicken run & greenhouse should be one of the first projects to be tackled.<br />
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<b>(4).</b> By the SE corner of the garden is an old corrugated animal shed currently used for storage.<br />
It's roof will be useful for collecting rainwater. This in turn will fill a duck pond, whose overflow will be piped to various fruit tree saplings, since duck effluent is very high in valuable nutrient. <br />
I'm hoping the ducks will be comfortable living in the garden, taking care of eating grubs and slugs & so naturally contributing to pest control. They too will lay eggs and also act as guards of sorts for our property. Ducks also eat grass, so they will hopefully help to relieve the need to cut the grass so much in future. Ducks also fertilise the ground well. Trees should also have plenty of comfrey to provide nitrogen & mulch for their healthy growth.<br />
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<b>(5).</b> Phil Cashman has made some excellent solutions for worm farms & for producing worm juice, so this is something I'll be shamelessly copying. It'll be placed near the chicken coup, so that some food scraps will go to the birds and others will go to the worms, who in turn will make excellent worm juice & compost, ready for giving life to plans in our newly raised vegetable beds.<br />
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<b>(6).</b> During the Permaculture course we learnt that bee hives don't need regular maintenance at all. There are hives such as the Perone design which can be left for as much as a year without any interference. Both my wife & I noticed a lot more more bees in the garden this year than last, possibly due to the clover flowers all over the ground as well as the flowers on our established shrubs and newly planted flowers. These are of course important - as bees pollinate the entire garden and we've noticed the difference too. So this is one reason why I'd like to have bees. Hives would probably be in quiet area(s) of our forest. Not least, it would be amazing to have native Japanese bees & their honey if we can. It just so happens that Phil Cashman trained with the best known natural Japanese honey bee keeper some years ago. Another reason to pick his brains!!<br />
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<b>(7). </b> We need to ask some nearby neighbours - who have a large stash of rocks of varying sizes - if we can use these for improving the driveway entrance to our home, and as wall materials for ponds, or to replace the rocks around our existing garden firepit (Which disintegrate with heat!) yet another reason for needing a K-Truck, I think...<br />
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<b>(8).</b> I have heard there are locals who lend out goats to people with land that can feed them. Currently I'm using a petrol powered strimmer, which does a fast job of clearing grasses and clover, but I'd far rather the grasses were neatly cut by more natural means. Would require protection of tree saplings & other plants we wouldn't want eaten - but a much better solution than working to clear gardens. Their manure is also valuable nutrient for the ground.<br />
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<b>(9).</b> There will be a lot of pruning to do for not just existing flowering & fruiting shrubs but also long established trees that had been neglected by the house's previous elderly owners. Also I need to figure out why some of our young trees have died. A fig which was doing so well before has recently died. Also we've had little success with citrus trees. Have replaced those that failed with others placed in warmer locations, so we'll see how they go. Perhaps I need to care for these better. More watering, worm juice & mulching methinks...? Must also do some PH testing. I have the kit but haven't got around to this.<br />
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<b>(10).</b> And finally (for the garden at least!), as pure luxury - I'd really like to make a swimming pool for our family on the South Side of the house, where we had a kid's paddling pool this summer. I have fond memories of having a pool at home in the UK (Which I restored with very little financial expense from a horrid slushy bog that had been abandoned for years!). It's amazing to dive into a cold pool on a cool morning bleary eyed. By the time I would reach the other side in my old pool in England, I'd be wide awake and ready for the day ahead!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNwAWRk44QYVnk4e0P-x-hO-Y1M7HPPr23Kv98AX0n7QKZRNsWwa5JzSv-oATicb3m51ZKhjn3bGy9rKOzdYPglndL1yuzbBZQW2IhP13Cq6F6vvnXIkvaWavK9xeFOTA5JbpzMLuc6D7R/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNwAWRk44QYVnk4e0P-x-hO-Y1M7HPPr23Kv98AX0n7QKZRNsWwa5JzSv-oATicb3m51ZKhjn3bGy9rKOzdYPglndL1yuzbBZQW2IhP13Cq6F6vvnXIkvaWavK9xeFOTA5JbpzMLuc6D7R/s320/photo+3.JPG" /></a><br />
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It wouldn't be a chemical pool which requires much cleaning, maintenance and expense, but a re-circulating pool whose pure well-water is purified by a well oxygenated pond (of equal volume) with plenty of purifiction plants and pond-life to cleanse the water before it's passed through a sand filter and re-introduced into the pool. <br />
Provided it's well oxygenated, it should remain algae free, I think. This needs careful consideration, so perhaps I might build a pond (Which the ducks cannot get into, or they'll make a mess of it!) first & see about using it to purify a children's paddling pool we put out this year - and if that works, then we can dig the ground and make a proper pool for 2015, complete with roof & sliding door glass enclosure, so insects and mosquitoes can be kept out - for night-time dips!<br />
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Sometimes it's a struggle to continue working, but I do feel a renewed energy for making progress. Vision, if you will. <br />
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As long as I can keep it up, in around 5 years we should have a fantastic place that looks after us with more & more as the years go on whilst teaching our children the essentials to the healthiest ways to live... The more we do, the better it'll look after us and hopefully a small community of like minded people we share with locally. <br />
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<b>With regard to the house, we also have a few projects in the pipeline that I'd like to complete before spring of next year - time & funds allowing:</b><br />
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<b>(1)</b> The Wardrobe for the children's bedroom / audio cabinet for dining room is nearing completion from Arnie and should be ready very shortly. This will allow us to finally complete the children's bedroom and begin to use it. During the Obon break this week I did a trip to bring the last 5 tonnes or so of traditional roof tiles from Shodoshima and with it I brought my wife's Piano, which we anticipate will also be housed in the children's bedroom. Till now these two rooms have been used for storing bedding. I recently completed some shelving in the wardrobe upstairs so the bedding can go there. Everything needs to have it's place so we can keep a well organised household. The easier it is to keep tidy, the more organised it will stay.<br />
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Two beautiful large rectangular tables made from reclaimed wood were completed by James Renyolds, a carpenter friend based near Tateyama - earlier this year. The plan is to have them both form a square and provide enough seating for up to 14 people in the dining room. For now only one table will be in there, as the other is in use in the kitchen (Until Arnie builds the island we intend for the middle there). We still need to find some suitable chairs to accompany these tables and I'm occasionally visiting <a href="http://www.tenpos.com">www.tenpos.com</a> in my continuing search for the right ones.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguYy0jslxMF4v6JNTSzsGsz5RJiub4Wd0EP2WhV8vB2wnhNW_jf6uLyMBywyYD7ZA_0yIsiPmprNaE3cDK99Fn53wHRSmRj0VUjEqIKy6y2qkF0syVnKEO-8koVbzP288qEiRxkvvsYYd2/s1600/Garden(2).jpeg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguYy0jslxMF4v6JNTSzsGsz5RJiub4Wd0EP2WhV8vB2wnhNW_jf6uLyMBywyYD7ZA_0yIsiPmprNaE3cDK99Fn53wHRSmRj0VUjEqIKy6y2qkF0syVnKEO-8koVbzP288qEiRxkvvsYYd2/s320/Garden(2).jpeg" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMN3SiBC20ThjdIwGcTmj3_9Ah8Ue8hQ82ENcKOtJLUVQTV_QRRJgTuT0xLtbTD7BhyMaYMJoOwSHd9JTF9JADcvLPC-IAsOyYx5H1jeiO-zBlGgC13iGzyiNEB4hJitlK8gRwov97RahU/s1600/Garden(3).jpeg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMN3SiBC20ThjdIwGcTmj3_9Ah8Ue8hQ82ENcKOtJLUVQTV_QRRJgTuT0xLtbTD7BhyMaYMJoOwSHd9JTF9JADcvLPC-IAsOyYx5H1jeiO-zBlGgC13iGzyiNEB4hJitlK8gRwov97RahU/s320/Garden(3).jpeg" /></a><br />
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I'm also in the process of finishing painting a beautiful replica of a Skygarden pendant light to be hung in the centre of the room. Soon the dining room & children's bedroom will be finally in use as intended.<br />
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<b>(2).</b> I must clean the chimney flue before winter comes - We have the equipment to do this, so it shouldn't take too long!<br />
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<b>(3).</b> Our little boy who is still not two years old - has made a great job of demonstrating how weak the paper is on the shoji doors. <br />
My wife needs to find suitably strengthened / plasticised paper to replace this with before the winter sets in!<br />
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<b>(4).</b> The entrance doors are currently wooden ones which are draughty and let in insects during warmer months. The mosquito netting is almost a joke as these are so ill-fitting with rubber seals broken off the sides. I'd like to replace all of these doors with good quality aluminium doors & frame - complete with decent security locks. Arnie would be our man to fit these. We won't be having the same company do the job as before! In addition I also need to finish the colouring on the wood they installed in our lounge. That doesn't take long at all. <br />
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<b>(5).</b> The earth floor in the entrance area is a source of dirt & musty smells and it's perimeter allows the entry of insects from under the house during the warmer months. This perimeter will all be sealed off and cement poured, to make a level floor. From there we'll either make a cobbled flooring with white & black cobble finish in an attractive pattern (Not very traditional, but it'll look beautiful in a sort of Portuguese / Spanish style) or if slipperyness with wet shoes is a concern, we'll do a more traditionally Japanese graveled concrete surface. I'd far prefer the cobble stones though. Longer lasting too... The house isn't about keeping to traditional Japanese design, it's about modification to our needs & tastes. <br />
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<b>(6).</b> The exterior earth wall white covering has still not been repaired and is unsightly. I'll repair these during the colder months when mosquitoes aren't biting any more & probably repaint the white parts. May also creosote some of the wood, for added aesthetics. I have also bought fittings for hanging a hammock outside, which I'll do soon. Neither my wife nor I have much time to relax these days, but our daughter will like it! <br />
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<b>(7).</b> Both Engawa walkways around the South & West sides of the house need light cosmetic restoration work & improved lighting (Which we already have stored away). Not least I want to plaster the walls on the west run (We stripped off some nasty synthetic fibre wallpaper and now it's just bare concrete) so we can put down carpet tiles, which will be cleaner and warmer during the winter too. <br />
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<b>(8).</b> I'd promised my wife to make a pretty letter box (Rather than have her buy a ready made one!) to put in the front entrance. Will do this too!<br />
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There are always many projects to complete. These are just some of those I hope to complete before summer comes around again. There will be late night and weekends spent working, but progress won't happen without the necessary hard labour. <br />
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One grand idea is to replace the rear South West corner of the house with a new modern large bathroom & utilities room, together with a better garden tools shed. This is a large project though - which will incur considerable expense for Arnie to do properly. The idea is that each room we complete will provide a great atmosphere and well thought out space for it's intended use. <br />
There's a plan in progress to raise the funds for this project - which I'll reveal when it comes to fruition. <br />
It's a somewhat spiritual business story success I'm enjoying watching slowly develop in the UK. More on this later though - as the story will be best told in full, rather than in parts.<br />
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With each improvement we make, I see my wife working a little less hard on keeping the house clean & tidy - a measure of success, perhaps. Once the house is finished I can finally get onto making buildings outside and I have big plans for this, the 15 tons of traditional tile sitting outside around my workshop area are part of the glint in my eye. There are lots of dreams yet to be fulfilled but that's half the fun of a home project like this, I guess. Miguel - Newerahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04970762111234680191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3857626156954484494.post-67027762304098657022013-08-17T07:33:00.000-07:002013-08-17T19:10:51.463-07:00Roof Repairs & Improvements to Our Cherished Classic Benz.I'd forgotten to upload these pictures, which were taken earlier in April - before we left for NZ. Whilst the scaffolding was still up from having fitted the chimney we took the opportunity to replace the summit ridge with new 0.8mm copper sheet, suitably rolled into shape, before being sealed with heat-proof silicone & secured with self-drilling screws. The roof should now last a long time before needing any further maintenance, although I took the precaution of rigging a pulley system so that I could hoist a lightweight aluminium ladder up should the need ever arise to go back up there. Heights and slippery slopes aren't something I enjoy being mixed with though, it has to be said!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm27GH4Yw_7UPp2hDgwrlJBmyNN91JOacoQUy1b0JNuLJLiAFGbsYiSDMplnknvA2plG3T10PEQwHxK4CJIwy2UYyvYCVkLBNijW2iaImU1cjmQ7QeyGJghTTlNwCJVH1lM1aOI2_p7lof/s1600/Garden(6).jpeg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm27GH4Yw_7UPp2hDgwrlJBmyNN91JOacoQUy1b0JNuLJLiAFGbsYiSDMplnknvA2plG3T10PEQwHxK4CJIwy2UYyvYCVkLBNijW2iaImU1cjmQ7QeyGJghTTlNwCJVH1lM1aOI2_p7lof/s320/Garden(6).jpeg" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQe5qUIAhTjoShF5llTzKUDhHkaYh5nAeSDSJeX9NA2fWZWbKry26zhUcGCxbiJGiWuYAhORnp3ryfFFNkwR7kIHDqvTfEAfNtKHEJOsC5zRC2g5lmCLO9DREJh6JrSRy_CZQ8bDElQGF9/s1600/Garden(1).jpeg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQe5qUIAhTjoShF5llTzKUDhHkaYh5nAeSDSJeX9NA2fWZWbKry26zhUcGCxbiJGiWuYAhORnp3ryfFFNkwR7kIHDqvTfEAfNtKHEJOsC5zRC2g5lmCLO9DREJh6JrSRy_CZQ8bDElQGF9/s320/Garden(1).jpeg" /></a><br />
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Meanwhile, our cherished old Mercedes continues to get better. The lower plastics have been replaced and I found a set of used Evo II wheels from an E500 Limited model, which grace the car well.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXwhOyHMontXE-TSh9D5xqUGcrVDpDi_lRMQiMRPRAsrGQI9Ge9DQv79fBtajIu0IwBbGeh-zChfOf4NAg-fGFB6gXZwKz7TfT8qudgft0nmDN0ls58p9k5UEWpiNFktr2eskPzazIuVsU/s1600/DSC_5341.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXwhOyHMontXE-TSh9D5xqUGcrVDpDi_lRMQiMRPRAsrGQI9Ge9DQv79fBtajIu0IwBbGeh-zChfOf4NAg-fGFB6gXZwKz7TfT8qudgft0nmDN0ls58p9k5UEWpiNFktr2eskPzazIuVsU/s320/DSC_5341.JPG" /></a><br />
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Recently after our return from New Zealand, during a long weekend I finally got around to fitting the sound system I'd been planning for a long time, with specially imported professional sound insulation materials and high level audio components I had squirelled away for when I'd get 3 days or so to fit them. It took this long because I wanted to make this is the best installation I'd ever completed. Every connection was as strongly attached as possible (In most cases soldered & shrink wrap was used where appropriate) and speakers installed where they wouldn't be seen. To most people it's not even apparent there's a sound system installed except for a head unit in the dashboard. I like discretion! <br />
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Now, at last there's no rattles from the interior (except squeaks from the old but comfortable leather chairs) & the sound quality is the best I've had from any car since I begun driving 25 years ago. Road noise is well insulated and I can use my i-phone by voice control, or tell the Parrot (Hifi) what music to choose from my phone whilst keeping both hands on the wheel. It's not without the occasional error in selection, but it's not too bad either. The Garmin Navi is a simple but effective solution and as a result I've developed a pet dislike for Japanese navi systems and their un-necessarily complicated installation requirements.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnM_XM_Wot2WEP6YBEQIF0YUo3F3_U6tblOYIby-nzk3nbReHjUSFUDFDAGh4_N1nHmBsq9pUj3wkRJf6bg47wImfglPiiaz7GC7CCk5yvFxO9t7gGhqBys7xWZCckTeV2Uuf90lLFDL4d/s1600/DSC_5250.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnM_XM_Wot2WEP6YBEQIF0YUo3F3_U6tblOYIby-nzk3nbReHjUSFUDFDAGh4_N1nHmBsq9pUj3wkRJf6bg47wImfglPiiaz7GC7CCk5yvFxO9t7gGhqBys7xWZCckTeV2Uuf90lLFDL4d/s320/DSC_5250.JPG" /></a><br />
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In addition, during the Obon break (Which is coming to an end as I write this) I fitted some new gauge faces, to bring the instrumentation up to date with Electro-Luminescent lighting.<br />
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It wafted us to Shodoshima on a single tank (700km!) of Diesel at an easy 120km/h most of the way and despite this having taken 8 hours of driving, we arrived with no aches or pains from having spent a night inside.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLqfbMJXWBzU54FffCZFEIJsev6ivEN-EYBmLlMjFYKS8kdcQW_Z67-CCVMDrXT5FerJfuBgYk8yY9kBlpbQXKndW2oRV1qW-il5ZdJSdAiHcCcBgbzNKzVkKX_DNQWPjJkpiJaUN5cDxh/s1600/DSC_5346.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLqfbMJXWBzU54FffCZFEIJsev6ivEN-EYBmLlMjFYKS8kdcQW_Z67-CCVMDrXT5FerJfuBgYk8yY9kBlpbQXKndW2oRV1qW-il5ZdJSdAiHcCcBgbzNKzVkKX_DNQWPjJkpiJaUN5cDxh/s320/DSC_5346.JPG" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2-SL4rpa2HY4YIIr8SGeLXIma9nnyDjCax2MN9_HgIFK-nyvV5PiMjukFnZ4MYGpalPcu-cQzfuooq6Q6N2GN_mW2MUi7Rnv4HDdl9z4pUzms9TecB9qU-tLgmXTguu9Qb1ZHDqJNsHyK/s1600/DSC_5356.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2-SL4rpa2HY4YIIr8SGeLXIma9nnyDjCax2MN9_HgIFK-nyvV5PiMjukFnZ4MYGpalPcu-cQzfuooq6Q6N2GN_mW2MUi7Rnv4HDdl9z4pUzms9TecB9qU-tLgmXTguu9Qb1ZHDqJNsHyK/s320/DSC_5356.JPG" /></a><br />
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...Where we've been spending time relaxing with relatives.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNbnglDT-4W_BEhIP51o_z12N28yK2I4uuSwwrimJ8khRt7E1GEgiSnGYSGRrd96pyJcNbYZ6LrX-I95ywx_YsWP_FQ6Od5qxsTK4vh69QRn5UgnA7n1ygbPi2iReKOJOHDiEMx38KDYcD/s1600/DSC_5289.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNbnglDT-4W_BEhIP51o_z12N28yK2I4uuSwwrimJ8khRt7E1GEgiSnGYSGRrd96pyJcNbYZ6LrX-I95ywx_YsWP_FQ6Od5qxsTK4vh69QRn5UgnA7n1ygbPi2iReKOJOHDiEMx38KDYcD/s320/DSC_5289.JPG" /></a><br />
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This old piece of German engineering at it's best - strikes me as a more ecological solution to have a car that can cover large mileages, last 4 decades & if necessity were to arise in future - run on old cooking oil, than drive a Hybrid car that uses electricity made at distant power stations. With inefficient losses of energy along the way at best, never mind the difficulties associated with discarding hybrid batteries when a car like that is scrapped - I'm not sold on Hybrids really. Not even on electric cars, unless they're charged using solar power! <br />
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But really, I have to admit it. I just love this old classically engineered Benz! All being well, it should gracefully last another 20+ years. There are few cars one could expect to last that long, but this is one of the last Mercedes they built like a bank-vault, before their bean counters realised it was more profitable to build cars that would have an expected lifespan of 5-10 years - and that it would be beneficial to make them so complicated and electronically unreliable, few would want to keep them beyond their warranty covered lives!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgekFzyXffiW5TlLtqGd9ucmdpdmeki0_3uzlCuLmufm_W_3amrIyfG05LT-By8WgoBZVEz6SdlEdF_Dtht2xtIrQGywFLxJw183sHYNYxbQsY6bUbyneAksoPy0-HufrvnDyKOulYjh1I/s1600/DSC_5345.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgekFzyXffiW5TlLtqGd9ucmdpdmeki0_3uzlCuLmufm_W_3amrIyfG05LT-By8WgoBZVEz6SdlEdF_Dtht2xtIrQGywFLxJw183sHYNYxbQsY6bUbyneAksoPy0-HufrvnDyKOulYjh1I/s320/DSC_5345.JPG" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBYtfeLfXBgNnbCP0K4KBhdmN5ZeyK3g7wGsai4mL1ZdbjqhAjmS6XT4YN5lWYoxVS9Nd1Ut5XJSA-824MjgPmtLnNRBklhw88wtNdNpAMED2H5-HTZ0uyBUICrorABg4mrvftzoRF0mut/s1600/DSC_5365.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBYtfeLfXBgNnbCP0K4KBhdmN5ZeyK3g7wGsai4mL1ZdbjqhAjmS6XT4YN5lWYoxVS9Nd1Ut5XJSA-824MjgPmtLnNRBklhw88wtNdNpAMED2H5-HTZ0uyBUICrorABg4mrvftzoRF0mut/s320/DSC_5365.JPG" /></a>Miguel - Newerahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04970762111234680191noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3857626156954484494.post-46780449609637398142013-08-17T06:12:00.000-07:002013-08-17T07:41:20.330-07:00A Visit to New Zealand for an Amazing Permaculture Design Course & More.At the beginning of May, just as the growing season for our garden was beginning, we packed our bags, left our Border Collie with a local friend and headed off to New Zealand for a month. The intention was that I'd complete a Permaculture Research Institute course in Permaculture Design - whilst staying at <a href="http://www.livinginpeace.com">www.livinginpeace.com</a> & <a href="http://www.rongobackpackers.com">www.rongobackpackers.com</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEginZ-zaxfR9mxjE19llbZ1TiN35Cw-Hnl3ZKOOyEQtX1D9VVEl4V0P6_OP8Lv2W-EZhbJuWufx_yUwW8TprgAZY73ypGGpbWE4JENYq3TEShgbYDV0jWbbpWH1pM4BglaOQUlG8zlEzMqL/s1600/DSC_3414.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEginZ-zaxfR9mxjE19llbZ1TiN35Cw-Hnl3ZKOOyEQtX1D9VVEl4V0P6_OP8Lv2W-EZhbJuWufx_yUwW8TprgAZY73ypGGpbWE4JENYq3TEShgbYDV0jWbbpWH1pM4BglaOQUlG8zlEzMqL/s320/DSC_3414.JPG" /></a><br />
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My wife & a friend who traveled with us from Japan for the 1st 2 weeks of the trip + 3 small kids took off soon after we reached Karamea (One of the most remote North Western villages of the South Island) to visit the North Island together, whilst I begun my course in Permaculture design. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTOhJ8DX8NCLDHBWr61Pmgkae-j4yihnv1qP-SfF5gmcQRkbqWuRelhmtH3sDzfnh7lzz-YEhJgsr04KnkHiyZ4pAXHfNX5bozmFWo8ek9CB8Aa9wQppGhT6DlsQHCdPVg3oZVkQugfYUv/s1600/DSC_2935.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTOhJ8DX8NCLDHBWr61Pmgkae-j4yihnv1qP-SfF5gmcQRkbqWuRelhmtH3sDzfnh7lzz-YEhJgsr04KnkHiyZ4pAXHfNX5bozmFWo8ek9CB8Aa9wQppGhT6DlsQHCdPVg3oZVkQugfYUv/s320/DSC_2935.JPG" /></a><br />
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The course was very well taught and I was surprised at the quality of content & interesting variety of subjects. Tim Barker the teacher had been an intern at the Australian Permaculture research institute for some years (The most advanced of Permaculture organisations worldwide) and the curriculum was from PRI too. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHbehXzFN_ME_Ey6fyvNWSyzjS3krs5Jy66vVvlr3QrM6B0R9sFCp76Fru6mzBhmCAXfu1EBaa5ofY_A0YDKhs81N8Al83chyphenhyphen9upZKAJqNuLofkSVLrGrWJIgwx9L6WS2zJbDgmczdRnWk/s1600/DSC_2917.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHbehXzFN_ME_Ey6fyvNWSyzjS3krs5Jy66vVvlr3QrM6B0R9sFCp76Fru6mzBhmCAXfu1EBaa5ofY_A0YDKhs81N8Al83chyphenhyphen9upZKAJqNuLofkSVLrGrWJIgwx9L6WS2zJbDgmczdRnWk/s320/DSC_2917.JPG" /></a><br />
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A total of 6 of us took the course & got to learn many things from how to design a very effective self-sustainable food garden, to methods of making buildings from naturally available local materials. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6PXvjKvZBL1hwNzYQfA-wN1SItoiajXqsGB-eqjMGi-IAd9WlZPKOMIXOzte_QMk6Tpm-Sya4HM1tC2F8VSjPdT2r9WvmZteE1g-vQMDemNzA1j-uueuGjfBqMaE_fIxfKaPImSDXd54N/s1600/DSC_2925.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6PXvjKvZBL1hwNzYQfA-wN1SItoiajXqsGB-eqjMGi-IAd9WlZPKOMIXOzte_QMk6Tpm-Sya4HM1tC2F8VSjPdT2r9WvmZteE1g-vQMDemNzA1j-uueuGjfBqMaE_fIxfKaPImSDXd54N/s320/DSC_2925.JPG" /></a><br />
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We even learnt how to make a self-sustainable building which would collect & supply it's own water, very efficient heating and how to put together solar panel systems (DIY these are cheap to install nowadays) & we got to do & see several practical examples locally including things like hydro-electricity from a spring using the innards of a washing machine!<br />
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As part of the course we also built a rocket stove which we promptly connected to an old electric oven and burnt a loaf of bread as it cooked. Rocket stoves burn at up to 1,000 Deg C but can be used for efficiently heating a house!<br />
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With the knowledge learnt & things we saw - I feel so much more fired up now, ready to continue our eco-home project here in Japan with more direction and vision of what's possible & how to go about it. <br />
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Vision is important I think... Don't be surprised to see a duck pond irrigated from the roof of our old animal shed and a large greenhouse in the future, plus much more! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcmqak-Ps74sUOlHW3_z-UXqWVj9OmvKNgq62lONxRqkzjzkYmwJcA8l4BMuhHtVVgfB27md6SkUKu7X9VHpqV1MKw_8lkVz2m_I9aSX8TwJwLSJRaKZP0jKjg8SQHnzMlpNYCokdrzIle/s1600/DSC_3270.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcmqak-Ps74sUOlHW3_z-UXqWVj9OmvKNgq62lONxRqkzjzkYmwJcA8l4BMuhHtVVgfB27md6SkUKu7X9VHpqV1MKw_8lkVz2m_I9aSX8TwJwLSJRaKZP0jKjg8SQHnzMlpNYCokdrzIle/s320/DSC_3270.JPG" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8JHMwAaFsXDaHacazZW17ps74mAPmyNEfxRwm1ZK3R-VPax6NuwuvYew2z4wUnP2JRpM6pZl_Nz5JCxlBtcT5i588oujaAo4N9BnQvwpHnDeFYrvnyFNRCDJ-cOYGFDgqpPP_SuuzaVVU/s1600/DSC_2903.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8JHMwAaFsXDaHacazZW17ps74mAPmyNEfxRwm1ZK3R-VPax6NuwuvYew2z4wUnP2JRpM6pZl_Nz5JCxlBtcT5i588oujaAo4N9BnQvwpHnDeFYrvnyFNRCDJ-cOYGFDgqpPP_SuuzaVVU/s320/DSC_2903.JPG" /></a><br />
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It was wonderful to see all that my old friend Paul Murray had achieved with the help of woofers over the last 8 years, having started out with just a dream of creating the <a href="http://www.livinginpeace.com"></a> project. We of course met his family there too - they're actually in Japan as well now (Seeing Sanae's parents) and we'd be seeing them again later in Japan too.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Oa260yKIoeJ9GpXq0fxFrzSz8wPaHGY6rsxVGiqtsZl9Fv8ziH0ddoGgJb0_6vdh8jUBBHYPAxpRluk7AbKmR9W5sY_Gko84lCOQ57TPhMmZvt0_0Bl9JdA_vS16XZ6f46WlkJ7cGt35/s1600/DSC_3328.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Oa260yKIoeJ9GpXq0fxFrzSz8wPaHGY6rsxVGiqtsZl9Fv8ziH0ddoGgJb0_6vdh8jUBBHYPAxpRluk7AbKmR9W5sY_Gko84lCOQ57TPhMmZvt0_0Bl9JdA_vS16XZ6f46WlkJ7cGt35/s320/DSC_3328.JPG" /></a><br />
(Above picture taken in Rongo's lounge during the presentation of the permaculture projects we'd designed during our course).<br />
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<a href="http://rongobackpackers.com/"></a> - their backpackers hostel is a very special place including lots of art from people of the corners of the world who travelled to NZ & stayed there including 1,000 paper cranes hung from the ceiling made by a French girl!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCIGPVC7RPwXjUWcU2US4dhJlcMNmkKZi9DGXl1MB0JA_a-Id5A2xjcf2-evqx2Mj-jGKdyzaZQWo_2SShKzNlhjGTs2OvDDzRO6Js474hI9FlDDyP7QQ7RJcXwguPkraZUc98P6XMfYt1/s1600/DSC_2932.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCIGPVC7RPwXjUWcU2US4dhJlcMNmkKZi9DGXl1MB0JA_a-Id5A2xjcf2-evqx2Mj-jGKdyzaZQWo_2SShKzNlhjGTs2OvDDzRO6Js474hI9FlDDyP7QQ7RJcXwguPkraZUc98P6XMfYt1/s320/DSC_2932.JPG" /></a><br />
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Paul has been largely detached from how it would turn out (As long as the artists could convince him they knew what they were doing!) but the result is tasteful. It's by far the nicest of all the backpackers we stayed in during our onward travels. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR8V1qK_qCTh3COq6Q8b-VPm-JLEHbosxIlz2_0Fsz7PPxbNhilqcmAllCGTIhXY2cdhrWcL5CAvWvL7qqbabMygmZJokXWno0E-XcVBEmjP8kib89BdTA54JXKu6Z1RKIuOJUuPxi7sZT/s1600/DSC_3151.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR8V1qK_qCTh3COq6Q8b-VPm-JLEHbosxIlz2_0Fsz7PPxbNhilqcmAllCGTIhXY2cdhrWcL5CAvWvL7qqbabMygmZJokXWno0E-XcVBEmjP8kib89BdTA54JXKu6Z1RKIuOJUuPxi7sZT/s320/DSC_3151.JPG" /></a><br />
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People are very comfortable to be themselves there and often stay much longer than they intended to begin with. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIpruxxJNXY1tb-FDR7MAApoFCy0P4bjixS7HOKTnHHABdN7OWgcW1e_oeOqObE93fHqHGG0QSwjr1uf3xVfY6163GWDpshlH47kNZemJFsacJ3MGgflOv0as3IWZYfVyk51Twn4f0Bvat/s1600/DSC_2911.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIpruxxJNXY1tb-FDR7MAApoFCy0P4bjixS7HOKTnHHABdN7OWgcW1e_oeOqObE93fHqHGG0QSwjr1uf3xVfY6163GWDpshlH47kNZemJFsacJ3MGgflOv0as3IWZYfVyk51Twn4f0Bvat/s320/DSC_2911.JPG" /></a><br />
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Apparently over the years it's been a place people have rested and found a healing comfort from being accepted by the other occupants without judgment, etc. Hence the space for people to be artistic.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDM3C3NQ6Iw8QWhgI6JdTA_exWbn5EOrwdSVKBFhpOntSWRu67aZOYafFVnOSfpCQc4qBZRmEcqpBHIExLo476kjHBA8iUnKwI5NStTtPM4oxBJJkAUBiCgwLSJJIInXVsTw6LV98gVBN_/s1600/DSC_3397.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDM3C3NQ6Iw8QWhgI6JdTA_exWbn5EOrwdSVKBFhpOntSWRu67aZOYafFVnOSfpCQc4qBZRmEcqpBHIExLo476kjHBA8iUnKwI5NStTtPM4oxBJJkAUBiCgwLSJJIInXVsTw6LV98gVBN_/s320/DSC_3397.JPG" /></a><br />
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Anyway, I could see why Paul & Sanae have so much passion for their project & of course met some sweet people there during the few weeks we were there... They have Karamea's radio station there and a small cinema too. And there's always pretty girls staying too, which never fails to be a nice thing.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLTkf2eXEaRjT1uplEgkZT0EGdhgarEfVMLN6YNeaibwX_kRy5UGe_Xzt_gZXl5mdrxm77VwK1xpdvUACrhJYpuRRhRRHtr6B65OzYRGnWVXIbegTl6nS_HZTl6pOXZ-eLEi2HhnEFrC4n/s1600/DSC_3403.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLTkf2eXEaRjT1uplEgkZT0EGdhgarEfVMLN6YNeaibwX_kRy5UGe_Xzt_gZXl5mdrxm77VwK1xpdvUACrhJYpuRRhRRHtr6B65OzYRGnWVXIbegTl6nS_HZTl6pOXZ-eLEi2HhnEFrC4n/s320/DSC_3403.JPG" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0MF-cX2IN7pwkf4Im_KRu_BUqWCTXd5pQ8E8H26TteI-_qPNcMnkoRDT4BoQRPpeGH27ty0Uy6DK7kKu5390WwOmgWcMhwVlT9Ukj4GBFQbQqYPrSP5yar4dMqPdTvRXa5Ifwj5u_UL5r/s1600/DSC_3396.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0MF-cX2IN7pwkf4Im_KRu_BUqWCTXd5pQ8E8H26TteI-_qPNcMnkoRDT4BoQRPpeGH27ty0Uy6DK7kKu5390WwOmgWcMhwVlT9Ukj4GBFQbQqYPrSP5yar4dMqPdTvRXa5Ifwj5u_UL5r/s320/DSC_3396.JPG" /></a><br />
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Dinner conversations with around 20 of us around a long table made from drift wood found at the nearby estuary was always interesting and the NZ wines were usually good too. The veggies were usually picked from their garden within hours of being on the table and on one night we had the best lamb I'd ever tasted - slaughtered from their paddock by Paul the same day to feed all of us that evening! <br />
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Paul kindly insisted I shouldn't pay for the course, nor for the stay in our own self-contained 2 bedroom holiday motel - with very 1970's styled décor! <a href="http://www.karameafarmbaches.co.nz">www.karameafarmbaches.co.nz</a><br />
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He said I'd already paid 10 years ago when I gave him $10,000 NZ as a shareholder in his project, which was very kind. So I insisted on at least giving a gift of money for food & electricity so I wasn't a drain on their resources.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha6oQ1yfRAdMwBX5LAGxjjBV0hT1B-x3gpffEsAF7h-ObOSW-QO-60QCV1JBHISHyh4qBQ6eCYOF0BOMCfWFXSB6Dmp3ER1bqZ9sSwx5mh2-cE5T6KZzKgyCsIxEjZdYXgRAzq6ar7P4AI/s1600/DSC_3066.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha6oQ1yfRAdMwBX5LAGxjjBV0hT1B-x3gpffEsAF7h-ObOSW-QO-60QCV1JBHISHyh4qBQ6eCYOF0BOMCfWFXSB6Dmp3ER1bqZ9sSwx5mh2-cE5T6KZzKgyCsIxEjZdYXgRAzq6ar7P4AI/s320/DSC_3066.JPG" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHKvkw7kHWLvXAHuKK-hLp833pRMCRXcWoTEv0Zy3tLu9iepU_-Xg4fxl1a4XgSCKLvs2MrzWcVsdut5e7rQNo_ndemSE5GBD2MP8Exn2ouc1GheWf04vo1-pPkq4uk90aJSbw5M5hMhhF/s1600/DSC_3075.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHKvkw7kHWLvXAHuKK-hLp833pRMCRXcWoTEv0Zy3tLu9iepU_-Xg4fxl1a4XgSCKLvs2MrzWcVsdut5e7rQNo_ndemSE5GBD2MP8Exn2ouc1GheWf04vo1-pPkq4uk90aJSbw5M5hMhhF/s320/DSC_3075.JPG" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij_tq-OO9l5IIFo7qaGvhj1JvfTU7D8hUHZ8qYY_wtpZ5RGsIi9woDpWha0JoZLP324EJZs8R2qdxpw97fhXqTDeEzc98J9hlyv7RKXHW74jgIHRk69r1JwFPMAkx7QNt2rEnpy1EN18wY/s1600/DSC_3149.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij_tq-OO9l5IIFo7qaGvhj1JvfTU7D8hUHZ8qYY_wtpZ5RGsIi9woDpWha0JoZLP324EJZs8R2qdxpw97fhXqTDeEzc98J9hlyv7RKXHW74jgIHRk69r1JwFPMAkx7QNt2rEnpy1EN18wY/s320/DSC_3149.JPG" /></a><br />
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Some beautiful walks there through some old growth forests with very interesting trees covered in mosses. On our day off from the course I walked a 25km hike through the Oparara Valley on my own. <br />
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After the course Yuko returned driving by herself with both kids from the North Island having covered a total of around 3,000km over 2 weeks (They'd gone to see some of the North Island - which is apparently much more developed & less beautiful than the South). <br />
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We spent a few days relaxing together, continuing to make new friends & playing with the kids.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgohYFRr4sFGegH4hk0XeieaVI6Wo9fWwgX7nceyhBeh8XWUI4mA0JSNYcq8pv8vN8ZWm6dDC-FawrBRr3fvBOReRCfYiOQmwo0VasdnNOpCHSYxPW5C0YnrPL9PW2Ujan6X1ijHwyOAjc2/s1600/DSC_3475.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgohYFRr4sFGegH4hk0XeieaVI6Wo9fWwgX7nceyhBeh8XWUI4mA0JSNYcq8pv8vN8ZWm6dDC-FawrBRr3fvBOReRCfYiOQmwo0VasdnNOpCHSYxPW5C0YnrPL9PW2Ujan6X1ijHwyOAjc2/s320/DSC_3475.JPG" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpZJESmj87xWZdjzOheQ3qTvmQsUw3vKevY86tWHCeQJhwsIOrIWomROnLFZVzDpIWZf71jKQl3Zc8s2V74EU47QntjTY_656FDnJ09GbsgcnRy9HabdR17mpJtnsyudYIrtVFimNewLTz/s1600/DSC_3455.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpZJESmj87xWZdjzOheQ3qTvmQsUw3vKevY86tWHCeQJhwsIOrIWomROnLFZVzDpIWZf71jKQl3Zc8s2V74EU47QntjTY_656FDnJ09GbsgcnRy9HabdR17mpJtnsyudYIrtVFimNewLTz/s320/DSC_3455.JPG" /></a><br />
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Together we re-visited Pete, a local naturopath (who has an amazing permaculture project himself) who shared some very interesting things about food health (& the health giving benefits of eating mostly raw foods!). <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpIeuGgZugfqGtgFRR1OiPanaXvqcwRpfwNVS7T-T-Un3Bi8FunHCqcF91Fu_5k_Y3E3YLcFBgqVaH1-W07e-dnBJ1lISf4nkpBKnhJaDc4ZhRPP0bc656jxDAu0GvnR3BDHbmanB6gSH8/s1600/DSC_2961.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpIeuGgZugfqGtgFRR1OiPanaXvqcwRpfwNVS7T-T-Un3Bi8FunHCqcF91Fu_5k_Y3E3YLcFBgqVaH1-W07e-dnBJ1lISf4nkpBKnhJaDc4ZhRPP0bc656jxDAu0GvnR3BDHbmanB6gSH8/s320/DSC_2961.JPG" /></a><br />
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Apparently he's not been sick for 38 years, not even a cold... Assuming this is true, it's quite amazing if not inspiring!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgluNoMSG095zilTsvLXM2fNetlqrZD8Wji1QzMkF1IMK_NJwV2OXFySwuzn_WHPjwT7rLqSXIgXWxCla_NGjMszqLUgCR7-G_s20thvZ68vSgzVXs6wDG8Y87TQFrqirvfHfGCE4xAS3Z2/s1600/DSC_2993.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgluNoMSG095zilTsvLXM2fNetlqrZD8Wji1QzMkF1IMK_NJwV2OXFySwuzn_WHPjwT7rLqSXIgXWxCla_NGjMszqLUgCR7-G_s20thvZ68vSgzVXs6wDG8Y87TQFrqirvfHfGCE4xAS3Z2/s320/DSC_2993.JPG" /></a><br />
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We also went to visit some of the beauty of Karamea, something not to be missed!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkTumDZAJoSIp50Jln_dInZdOHRBUSHSCcH5vXbUzLaibRqRJocl-2JeURf0aw6imHG3ay54LdOhkIpKNUcovwLq0aDx_7K8K6rj_GPil5DvJt9GljcJgdgDR1GaEo08Li9JIpMObq88lM/s1600/DSC_3050.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkTumDZAJoSIp50Jln_dInZdOHRBUSHSCcH5vXbUzLaibRqRJocl-2JeURf0aw6imHG3ay54LdOhkIpKNUcovwLq0aDx_7K8K6rj_GPil5DvJt9GljcJgdgDR1GaEo08Li9JIpMObq88lM/s320/DSC_3050.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ9m2ZzTGQvvwyIQ1ZWbqExH2VxeKvRX_2eNfOsDKcUVpAj0MhI3WIx-ZTh1IaquQhSxXFS9aFvr037I8DiKhnwVKG2KMKB3V5wVdmeqzX-lUMEnOx0VJiGumjl0H_ONpCEx94WDFwiFog/s1600/DSC_3430.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ9m2ZzTGQvvwyIQ1ZWbqExH2VxeKvRX_2eNfOsDKcUVpAj0MhI3WIx-ZTh1IaquQhSxXFS9aFvr037I8DiKhnwVKG2KMKB3V5wVdmeqzX-lUMEnOx0VJiGumjl0H_ONpCEx94WDFwiFog/s320/DSC_3430.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO4c88EFwwti9KKbWk3Ui6aq7RDKaiVeooGWWzOyN9KDSKpUp4XP4zDexjDf4y-PSU8ivROBHI948Nomrz499g-yyyeJXYmC1yZ50g4n2TI9T8Ku7aRrbdMqEFswHiUEVmJIpl6n1Kc7_T/s1600/DSC_3432.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO4c88EFwwti9KKbWk3Ui6aq7RDKaiVeooGWWzOyN9KDSKpUp4XP4zDexjDf4y-PSU8ivROBHI948Nomrz499g-yyyeJXYmC1yZ50g4n2TI9T8Ku7aRrbdMqEFswHiUEVmJIpl6n1Kc7_T/s320/DSC_3432.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0zGPOKha0H9vEKZM9HSdfbjIJerRHBBGHxFAHyrCXMyUmw1WZdTNjEPtl_tjKdb35LBCr_fYczlOmWGLNSVsq6JDJDVMGRsdQ8ANJsOwVi0ObNruocugBuhD1oi0Sx82Y79qv6FxbloKW/s1600/DSC_3487.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0zGPOKha0H9vEKZM9HSdfbjIJerRHBBGHxFAHyrCXMyUmw1WZdTNjEPtl_tjKdb35LBCr_fYczlOmWGLNSVsq6JDJDVMGRsdQ8ANJsOwVi0ObNruocugBuhD1oi0Sx82Y79qv6FxbloKW/s320/DSC_3487.jpg" /></a><br />
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Then, as people begun to leave to continue their trips we continued on our travels too, to tour some of the Island and see the natural beauty.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHgrvvopGFTtMuIanKED4zbg_JcdnTZDGIliE3ZspajjYCxf15Dqm5DaA4gfOwxt-4B-V0LeF1qGlx1RU1ag99zo_5LbTFg7K1qcTljNZ-KIt-akuIPLEw2gfh4y59xJd6Hwzlk4ap3eCu/s1600/DSC_3600.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHgrvvopGFTtMuIanKED4zbg_JcdnTZDGIliE3ZspajjYCxf15Dqm5DaA4gfOwxt-4B-V0LeF1qGlx1RU1ag99zo_5LbTFg7K1qcTljNZ-KIt-akuIPLEw2gfh4y59xJd6Hwzlk4ap3eCu/s320/DSC_3600.jpg" /></a><br />
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As the weather was due to be poor, we avoided taking the road crossing from the West to East side over Arthur's pass - since there would be low clouds & we wouldn't be able to see the views (Apparently it's rated as one of the 10 most scenic roads in the world - so we'll save that for another trip!). Instead we drove down the West coast heading South. Stopping in Hokitika we visited the amazing pancake rocks before continuing on. Nobody knows how they were formed like that.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDbEkMgv22ierKtjJ74I6ZZUM3Lw5FD4l3bREt-HUnyQLh7zD9zln49CmFhPY3I-eyJLRNcFkkpixL4j3Co_CF0fOM_nZ_TVna5aQa0cVMrcX0T85zZ1rTbWz7CzH4FIta4AHCQh-VJDbR/s1600/DSC_3578.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDbEkMgv22ierKtjJ74I6ZZUM3Lw5FD4l3bREt-HUnyQLh7zD9zln49CmFhPY3I-eyJLRNcFkkpixL4j3Co_CF0fOM_nZ_TVna5aQa0cVMrcX0T85zZ1rTbWz7CzH4FIta4AHCQh-VJDbR/s320/DSC_3578.jpg" /></a> <br />
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The following evening we arrived in Wanaka, a small and trendy Winter sports resort town. The drive down had been stunning (Our progress was usually slow because we stopped so many times to take in the views & shoot pictures!). <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6QBDy2ThGbYrRHO97ZMBQng7w77kySqVNFG6HTBd8rydtctBDiE9uQYxtwUupro33ThQ3WpMCPjVGjtpNfT_VTUVMLrut_aH1RUKMQa8CX-KPTiIv7PbAKwhDN_HND7vAzJh1qYUwkqzX/s1600/DSC_3606.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6QBDy2ThGbYrRHO97ZMBQng7w77kySqVNFG6HTBd8rydtctBDiE9uQYxtwUupro33ThQ3WpMCPjVGjtpNfT_VTUVMLrut_aH1RUKMQa8CX-KPTiIv7PbAKwhDN_HND7vAzJh1qYUwkqzX/s320/DSC_3606.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtPcZ_iT0qhQLLDHn7EHhBbUI0QMR1NmPpL8aDflg8zg8t9VQT1-jYxo3cgqPOs6xSiPCaDTBNvPWqPbF9jr_A_4-2GIAHNKz2cko-at_ceKJJ95or_TyLcl1nDaeXC4Qy-l_VnCy7hcbH/s1600/DSC_3734.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtPcZ_iT0qhQLLDHn7EHhBbUI0QMR1NmPpL8aDflg8zg8t9VQT1-jYxo3cgqPOs6xSiPCaDTBNvPWqPbF9jr_A_4-2GIAHNKz2cko-at_ceKJJ95or_TyLcl1nDaeXC4Qy-l_VnCy7hcbH/s320/DSC_3734.jpg" /></a><br />
The next day we passed through Queenstown, which had the most charming town built beside a large lake with surrounding snow-caped mountains. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0ZchNgNkuBiYpqHsqBh2ifvTstwmjWBZYjcdNAcCQ0gW-4v4z-oi6BH6iOhK3wXM2hqwEX0i9BkSfze-qwueKFh1cD5cY3sC2hNq2degH8DvaNey2F8UTikxqqlrEVqx5LzQQMn60aRei/s1600/DSC_3704.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0ZchNgNkuBiYpqHsqBh2ifvTstwmjWBZYjcdNAcCQ0gW-4v4z-oi6BH6iOhK3wXM2hqwEX0i9BkSfze-qwueKFh1cD5cY3sC2hNq2degH8DvaNey2F8UTikxqqlrEVqx5LzQQMn60aRei/s320/DSC_3704.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgudZwEeSvdM_KRzqqIA0lFVKSBY_F8llGfpGa41BbmAEkKqYenYJr9WuOyj_otrTBr3ja9uTIhFMRePfQTUkLbCWigR6RD6d2hMSeFcEwTuusNSOYyQ-27bRwsx4lSvWNrNqhfOZFvYQor/s1600/DSC_3724.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgudZwEeSvdM_KRzqqIA0lFVKSBY_F8llGfpGa41BbmAEkKqYenYJr9WuOyj_otrTBr3ja9uTIhFMRePfQTUkLbCWigR6RD6d2hMSeFcEwTuusNSOYyQ-27bRwsx4lSvWNrNqhfOZFvYQor/s320/DSC_3724.jpg" /></a><br />
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That was one of our favourite places this far but needing to continue on, we headed South to Te Anau, which we believed would be one of the most beautiful areas, being a Fiordland. <br />
We discovered as we arrived that due to a partial rock wall collapse at the end of the road that the main tourist attraction, Milford sounds wasn't accessible! Being low season there was only one company still running day trips to see the other alternative - Doubtful Sounds (Sounds are mountain ranges with channels that were carved out by glaciers leading out to the sea. It's named Doubtful because apparently Captain Cook had doubted he'd be able to sail back out if he explored it).<br />
Upon inquiring we were told there were only 3 seats left so we promptly booked! <br />
Leaving early the following day, we opted to find a backpackers near Manapuri, which was where the catamaran vessel would be docked. Here we stayed in a simple wooden hut with a small pot-bellied wood burning stove. The stars that night were even more visible than elsewhere.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOq_ZcBeHwgA3Gs8BYrErShmaEonG5DqhwYOj2XaGjOuPyNwYPTzbnEMeFveu7fu1i5XZKhtdjAsdoaG79Huo_Zdi9JM73n01YUXBgvSv3m62ibLXw2uuv_tZeaKdhbsQWezh3m7dQlMmg/s1600/DSC_3719.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOq_ZcBeHwgA3Gs8BYrErShmaEonG5DqhwYOj2XaGjOuPyNwYPTzbnEMeFveu7fu1i5XZKhtdjAsdoaG79Huo_Zdi9JM73n01YUXBgvSv3m62ibLXw2uuv_tZeaKdhbsQWezh3m7dQlMmg/s320/DSC_3719.JPG" /></a><br />
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Doubtful Sounds didn't disappoint. The first boat took us to a land locked area of the Fiordlands where there's apparently 7m of annual rainfall per year. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2WewF63_2r6DHj10mm3ysw5RztojsyFeTB6iADX4YqVGuIm5IjcwmG1MktmpgwfmqQDLeTlOXg6cNavvu2JWRgdFkkfTfX72Q0qQI7q0Utf-zFAcL02npSsRCbZTvI_OVm_bHOh4zw896/s1600/DSC_3767.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2WewF63_2r6DHj10mm3ysw5RztojsyFeTB6iADX4YqVGuIm5IjcwmG1MktmpgwfmqQDLeTlOXg6cNavvu2JWRgdFkkfTfX72Q0qQI7q0Utf-zFAcL02npSsRCbZTvI_OVm_bHOh4zw896/s320/DSC_3767.JPG" /></a><br />
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Here they have a huge hydroelectric power plant (Which we didn't get to see unfortunately). <br />
A bus with a chatty tour driver took us to a 2nd boat ride which was spectacular.<br />
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We saw lots of small waterfalls cascading down mountainsides, Albatross, Penguins and Bottle nose Dolphins too. The vessel went all the way to the sea before turning around to return with exploration of some of the Fiordlands on the way. Turning some corners it was amazing how from the lack of sun's exposure the temperatures at the front deck would instantly drop some 10 degrees C!<br />
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The following day we headed to Lake Tekapo and along the way saw more beautiful vistas.<br />
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Tekapo to us turned out to be the most beautiful town of all (With a population of only 350). There's a stunning emerald blue lake whose surrounding mountain range had received it's first snowfall of the season just 2 days before we arrived! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBsgniO-j3XQNu254diB8fMLRURIJZjcn2Pu4aT6kOjSRwW5O4YKLH43HAoIoaf_ilV7QbJFJ0u3CC4_bFwuF9DZ2G2qD_NiLsr2fp2e4i8xLnwH3vvaHObQjDC-d7EiyeD9Ba7kfA0_Sd/s1600/DSC_4395.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBsgniO-j3XQNu254diB8fMLRURIJZjcn2Pu4aT6kOjSRwW5O4YKLH43HAoIoaf_ilV7QbJFJ0u3CC4_bFwuF9DZ2G2qD_NiLsr2fp2e4i8xLnwH3vvaHObQjDC-d7EiyeD9Ba7kfA0_Sd/s320/DSC_4395.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAmRPe48jj9Ep0Ot1JB_2bQYOjPoyAleJlgkHiHZKaO8lWHKYsq9LnmcmNbLdGWZchxZMjBLob4XXZQmqK5_opeJ_XZGbb39XFyH1_y-Kl7T-X7P0DQ8TfhVpFljCwBrnZ3f36xnz6L0Gb/s1600/DSC_4497.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAmRPe48jj9Ep0Ot1JB_2bQYOjPoyAleJlgkHiHZKaO8lWHKYsq9LnmcmNbLdGWZchxZMjBLob4XXZQmqK5_opeJ_XZGbb39XFyH1_y-Kl7T-X7P0DQ8TfhVpFljCwBrnZ3f36xnz6L0Gb/s320/DSC_4497.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxSTAJNbqA6BLMnQ4NPO0OnZtJtThpfcQB3DqNk4sMpsNA_Gl4b0S3Ia_y9MWpjjmyfKgPx_QKPncRLvZAn2qzkd-_g_gZd2Wkyf88WNL9ELTfIcfh_X2BRxKvAsweWDDdeJfj6yFrXpUu/s1600/DSC_4503.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxSTAJNbqA6BLMnQ4NPO0OnZtJtThpfcQB3DqNk4sMpsNA_Gl4b0S3Ia_y9MWpjjmyfKgPx_QKPncRLvZAn2qzkd-_g_gZd2Wkyf88WNL9ELTfIcfh_X2BRxKvAsweWDDdeJfj6yFrXpUu/s320/DSC_4503.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyecC2JDPKzFuBWs9bu1vzmDAiS4qGxGQjB-o7lBVH3eG2ecWRMtjO_A6iQOaW7DDJEOUxu41E2kxnweSW1LmO3lz50wmBuDVqEuJ3-gCevNPyjZYlNvqug8Rmycf_WEt1Ocnshnjp4tNu/s1600/DSC_4516.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyecC2JDPKzFuBWs9bu1vzmDAiS4qGxGQjB-o7lBVH3eG2ecWRMtjO_A6iQOaW7DDJEOUxu41E2kxnweSW1LmO3lz50wmBuDVqEuJ3-gCevNPyjZYlNvqug8Rmycf_WEt1Ocnshnjp4tNu/s320/DSC_4516.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC1FnNxX3zNTxRkA7CcgtvdtMs7t2AnoUknuRNnAwDYs8mMs6aDW2w0qcB-0HNdOS0T0uB-uFQ9mQQ3WWGQIW49VyT4-IvN1RrmRE-C3EMNybA7vlKrlD7qIcW69PRCikNapohqyfU72ZN/s1600/DSC_4551.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC1FnNxX3zNTxRkA7CcgtvdtMs7t2AnoUknuRNnAwDYs8mMs6aDW2w0qcB-0HNdOS0T0uB-uFQ9mQQ3WWGQIW49VyT4-IvN1RrmRE-C3EMNybA7vlKrlD7qIcW69PRCikNapohqyfU72ZN/s320/DSC_4551.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
This being our last day I'd hoped to travel to Christchurch in time to see <a href="http://www.britten.co.nz">http://www.britten.co.nz</a> - a homemade & very uniquely designed bike built by John Britten (Who died some years ago from cancer) which had challenged Ducati's top racing bikes in the late 80's. Unfortunately the building they'd been stored in had been destroyed in the earthquake and the bikes partly damaged - so when I called that morning to check - I was told there was no display at this time. <br />
<br />
So as our flight was at 5am the following day we had another full day and night to see more.<br />
After a walk at the front of the lightly frosted lake (With amazing looking snow - see picture) we took a small road to the top of one of the mountains to the café there & to take in the stunning views. Truly beautiful. <br />
Here we met two nice NZ ladies who had hiked all the way up icy paths early that morning and also a young chap from Hong Kong.<br />
Offering them a lift down, they invited us to their luxury B&B for coffee which had a stunning view of the lake too (& great coffee!). <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj35pBJx9LvrS-DZTzmjkK2QbPTbm3R_600xmnBlvsGpgCqqwqGv1B32WXeCvsznEgobecX7u78rC8xfpKKLXD-TLNlIxoQvrf4dM86zpneq2c72UjvMW8jvF5cLtHXeCw4iHKiMXFaXHbX/s1600/DSC_4557.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj35pBJx9LvrS-DZTzmjkK2QbPTbm3R_600xmnBlvsGpgCqqwqGv1B32WXeCvsznEgobecX7u78rC8xfpKKLXD-TLNlIxoQvrf4dM86zpneq2c72UjvMW8jvF5cLtHXeCw4iHKiMXFaXHbX/s320/DSC_4557.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicoV3I8njBKJTj8almYAYObMBqkdXNmI08_9wRM2kkpqXFI3GuVVHagVX3zNBe0FqwjEdnbHDvYRpMuQJyaEtoTNCjaKymXoyrd7j4zeE_QQ5ZBE5BPpvxj2TlBqT2PGRhPKqbbxrdL7rC/s1600/DSC_4570.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicoV3I8njBKJTj8almYAYObMBqkdXNmI08_9wRM2kkpqXFI3GuVVHagVX3zNBe0FqwjEdnbHDvYRpMuQJyaEtoTNCjaKymXoyrd7j4zeE_QQ5ZBE5BPpvxj2TlBqT2PGRhPKqbbxrdL7rC/s320/DSC_4570.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
Asking if there were any other great things to see in the area & being a beautiful clear day - Stephanie suggested a drive to Mount Cook. <br />
We saw beautiful snow-capped mountains with glaciers and eventually arrived at a glacier lake, with small icebergs floating in it! Met some South American Christian missionaries there who kindly took some family pictures before bidding us farewell and continuing on their travels.<br />
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<br />
We drove on into the sunset and stopped to take pictures of daylight with beautiful colours in the twilight, before returning to Tekapo for dinner at a Japanese restaurant which had been warmly recommended by Stephanie. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha0fDoep9WiaCbb52zyZFdY70RyhoSjw7MlHW3DOLeT-dWe3OaDrTsBupBn8h5da38qYiZ2HlUDeNXFbWlTHnsOxXI6h1Cy71IPRKXbIVc_QjkUQkAWeJkyWYoQNnnGvJm-yGBd_JmiKK4/s1600/DSC_4662.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha0fDoep9WiaCbb52zyZFdY70RyhoSjw7MlHW3DOLeT-dWe3OaDrTsBupBn8h5da38qYiZ2HlUDeNXFbWlTHnsOxXI6h1Cy71IPRKXbIVc_QjkUQkAWeJkyWYoQNnnGvJm-yGBd_JmiKK4/s320/DSC_4662.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieCLCm2OZeSqfcisEUwCm1WdP1HjkvIVYxc1_SwGHIqH_omWAzAeLQb-A6Gs9FkIfyAGTpKaI64Rt0FecrcXWAXmIkvtGHlSC4c-6agDIgcX4J4HUoMLi2PbLHGQMpqsILRsC_ESW1EFrZ/s1600/DSC_4672.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieCLCm2OZeSqfcisEUwCm1WdP1HjkvIVYxc1_SwGHIqH_omWAzAeLQb-A6Gs9FkIfyAGTpKaI64Rt0FecrcXWAXmIkvtGHlSC4c-6agDIgcX4J4HUoMLi2PbLHGQMpqsILRsC_ESW1EFrZ/s320/DSC_4672.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
Very authentic and the Sashimi was very fresh too. Yuko had by coincidence met one of the waitresses during their travels in the North Island too!<br />
<br />
We had about 3 hour's drive and 6 hours + to kill before checking in, so the family slept whilst I drove slowly, stopping to look at the clear night sky on the way. As we'd heard of the damage still remaining from the 2011 quake in Christchurch, I drove into the centre to see by night. There were still buildings waiting to be demolished, twisted metal frames of previous offices, abandoned library and many vacant plots of land. Progress with rebuilding is slow. <br />
<br />
We'll probably return to NZ to see more, as we really enjoyed the whole trip. Next time we'll probably rent a camper truck, as these are a relatively inexpensive way to travel there as a family. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq0gSZu_DDfqtV0-rOrNiz64jJMDZ_DAyi_6k1KVjEuTGvDmG8KVf_6D8rKRcrxq9Gk31eOrkHid7sPeQvva8oEx3Z9yHf0npp1ROUYmmlcjOnk0ren3wp4yvvY4AtCJf3YbQNDla36g4L/s1600/DSC_3554.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq0gSZu_DDfqtV0-rOrNiz64jJMDZ_DAyi_6k1KVjEuTGvDmG8KVf_6D8rKRcrxq9Gk31eOrkHid7sPeQvva8oEx3Z9yHf0npp1ROUYmmlcjOnk0ren3wp4yvvY4AtCJf3YbQNDla36g4L/s320/DSC_3554.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYdHB0xowWuvNuZyIfoL4dQiJStr0LvSVKs4nyRu13rw-PjDmdCrEPmvFjC3twUKOx8l-qUoWdh-P1KfBZA-WBrWlXG5XawPmCMhJcv0UTO00X803v3dQA1dBrUdPCpM4nQCul3chDfgY7/s1600/DSC_3587.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYdHB0xowWuvNuZyIfoL4dQiJStr0LvSVKs4nyRu13rw-PjDmdCrEPmvFjC3twUKOx8l-qUoWdh-P1KfBZA-WBrWlXG5XawPmCMhJcv0UTO00X803v3dQA1dBrUdPCpM4nQCul3chDfgY7/s320/DSC_3587.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAGFBkupvLgdBrds1J-PeA_g6O7FCvgrp3b8C0xm84qghoQ_z6821PxIuTY0mJDdP5WOtbN0SmHNdVmMPsqiCx-ODMAwdbENi3uuLj88hUXRL5-7CMS3MJ_XTMvZPFFaGOM0pqnc5GNCqp/s1600/DSC_3615.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAGFBkupvLgdBrds1J-PeA_g6O7FCvgrp3b8C0xm84qghoQ_z6821PxIuTY0mJDdP5WOtbN0SmHNdVmMPsqiCx-ODMAwdbENi3uuLj88hUXRL5-7CMS3MJ_XTMvZPFFaGOM0pqnc5GNCqp/s320/DSC_3615.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5zGdpn6LQxcjpcjJWUxNh5NcOvH5-25EhwJ-Fw-ctBWvaOCCnsBaOBGZewga-Xk4-ya0ZX4JIX04LX2SvTgS4VP8Ys_EjzOpdd8m1800FO3aJdO1LEndztcxmoJlNiUve9KVBxrxvOLFM/s1600/DSC_3631.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5zGdpn6LQxcjpcjJWUxNh5NcOvH5-25EhwJ-Fw-ctBWvaOCCnsBaOBGZewga-Xk4-ya0ZX4JIX04LX2SvTgS4VP8Ys_EjzOpdd8m1800FO3aJdO1LEndztcxmoJlNiUve9KVBxrxvOLFM/s320/DSC_3631.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCKRo8SM3vhbzPhwd_aEdpeU8vKM230HLxvNAFO-IoWoH2Wp0mZxJ7TS4A83fXwdx1RuI2PTo5OqKdaynqkgtQTgw0XXHkEH792ITLO8rs2OjhasTLRVkZmivFhUz0enUk1GvsZbEUG82M/s1600/DSC_3744.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCKRo8SM3vhbzPhwd_aEdpeU8vKM230HLxvNAFO-IoWoH2Wp0mZxJ7TS4A83fXwdx1RuI2PTo5OqKdaynqkgtQTgw0XXHkEH792ITLO8rs2OjhasTLRVkZmivFhUz0enUk1GvsZbEUG82M/s320/DSC_3744.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG6tQTBicSDuKEdU_GPXZMGhWYz35AFRbdAy3EQTTsg9i4Dk3zJW_eh07KXrBGzlG4Z0GTYEAmUNRFXo3E1sU_a1_0wghiSTQ-_rWf7GB66lw4pr-GykdsNu4VJ42W_u7cPomntuMvHeVn/s1600/DSC_3960.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG6tQTBicSDuKEdU_GPXZMGhWYz35AFRbdAy3EQTTsg9i4Dk3zJW_eh07KXrBGzlG4Z0GTYEAmUNRFXo3E1sU_a1_0wghiSTQ-_rWf7GB66lw4pr-GykdsNu4VJ42W_u7cPomntuMvHeVn/s320/DSC_3960.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQlSo8IHzQEtBri-5Oct2Xh_nXWqqmq6UKEBd2zuUTDFuCLOcqgZFcvgwH-bMPSGJmGgsVouX0bmBYuAIc4lKRBA5DwpzgDn0qnIPerg3pZ3KwW0CmUb126TJgg5Iqs95Y0h-vxKxoTZkO/s1600/DSC_4105.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQlSo8IHzQEtBri-5Oct2Xh_nXWqqmq6UKEBd2zuUTDFuCLOcqgZFcvgwH-bMPSGJmGgsVouX0bmBYuAIc4lKRBA5DwpzgDn0qnIPerg3pZ3KwW0CmUb126TJgg5Iqs95Y0h-vxKxoTZkO/s320/DSC_4105.JPG" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjwCL8X4g4Sm43KjRfETNmjl00iTTf1f1n8CkV97oLFR2YNPmFtZjgKP30xX_Qnue29W5QBHhBqbx2FkZ8Kx5Gbg2Pqfvoa2_jei8GSjz7RzxtpomnXigwNm3nMT8rnavWSWO-h8BYg7W-/s1600/DSC_4135.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjwCL8X4g4Sm43KjRfETNmjl00iTTf1f1n8CkV97oLFR2YNPmFtZjgKP30xX_Qnue29W5QBHhBqbx2FkZ8Kx5Gbg2Pqfvoa2_jei8GSjz7RzxtpomnXigwNm3nMT8rnavWSWO-h8BYg7W-/s320/DSC_4135.JPG" /></a><br />
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It's a stunning country to drive in. Lots of changes of scenery around mountain corners & over into new valleys. Perhaps next time (When Akira's a bit older) we'll go during the summer, but going at the beginning of the winter wasn’t so bad as we got to see the mountain peaks with snow on, which is perhaps prettier. Someday I'd really like to tour NZ on a motorcycle. That would be an amazing trip indeed and I know bikes are available for rent too!Miguel - Newerahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04970762111234680191noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3857626156954484494.post-60323106266198901952013-08-17T05:12:00.000-07:002013-08-17T19:49:55.155-07:00Spring Gardening & Making A Large Arbor for FruitsDuring March & April we planted seeds in trays and my wife & 4 year old daughter spent time in the garden making a small flower garden. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZiKotFSV8R7XWcpnLfn1_4u4cocKla-JHytohHOvHra9Tt_GAPcTJy6nY6vvgVO6TrKv14mGCKOsYgwtfhl8E5AHy2EDvliwlmOOsmFPoYpUu9XxuJsv-e3tTa4UrRfXxB12oIpGsmsE0/s1600/Garden(10).jpeg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZiKotFSV8R7XWcpnLfn1_4u4cocKla-JHytohHOvHra9Tt_GAPcTJy6nY6vvgVO6TrKv14mGCKOsYgwtfhl8E5AHy2EDvliwlmOOsmFPoYpUu9XxuJsv-e3tTa4UrRfXxB12oIpGsmsE0/s320/Garden(10).jpeg" /></a><br />
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Our young & inquisitive girl often draws flowers when playing with pens & paper so I was keen for her to experience planting seeds and watching them blossom into beautiful flowers she could see the development of on her way to & from kindergarten each day. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVnBc9wpzAXQ9Z2aQG2xTQjPVsihL49tIibrU-AWi1otZ4Bv4ISr-PUKMKYlouEFax4cOUKoAIBWCPuzkct2VKmbjNkNHBDNmw2ZjmN9xaM-nPd61Hm9tyqrxAZiYHTKt0iPKvXb83sxRq/s1600/Garden(9).jpeg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVnBc9wpzAXQ9Z2aQG2xTQjPVsihL49tIibrU-AWi1otZ4Bv4ISr-PUKMKYlouEFax4cOUKoAIBWCPuzkct2VKmbjNkNHBDNmw2ZjmN9xaM-nPd61Hm9tyqrxAZiYHTKt0iPKvXb83sxRq/s320/Garden(9).jpeg" /></a><br />
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Within a few weeks each time she walked by she was enjoying seeing the colours developing each day & I could see her interest developing.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXJGjoH0plJlVOvFbtuyN6oe7R7G8Naq5GmIK5AN5tZ2o8ldWJFF9occqaPg625_gnEx0u_dyjc3XslQBWS1P7HcbAokjOnyP7O02RgA34fE5rR6FfT1N-Eeai4vLlkL4MW0Bgm1FEuUvb/s1600/DSC_2078.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXJGjoH0plJlVOvFbtuyN6oe7R7G8Naq5GmIK5AN5tZ2o8ldWJFF9occqaPg625_gnEx0u_dyjc3XslQBWS1P7HcbAokjOnyP7O02RgA34fE5rR6FfT1N-Eeai4vLlkL4MW0Bgm1FEuUvb/s320/DSC_2078.JPG" /></a><br />
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The garden always looks it's best in the spring & we were pleased to see clover sprouting again to make the garden green once more.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLCCfacHVyMRKE3YiyNh-4N0SIw7XNoTVaVxUfL8eyYXltgL6AvetUiirera57EQfUzMc2xrnAlvwxaTdyWh2QcWTyAD-UlHvI_Vw7yleYhZWjSMh_lYUOTXSViti_lr4B9K3JQ1eRFE1l/s1600/DSC_2074.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLCCfacHVyMRKE3YiyNh-4N0SIw7XNoTVaVxUfL8eyYXltgL6AvetUiirera57EQfUzMc2xrnAlvwxaTdyWh2QcWTyAD-UlHvI_Vw7yleYhZWjSMh_lYUOTXSViti_lr4B9K3JQ1eRFE1l/s320/DSC_2074.JPG" /></a><br />
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I came to realise as summer begun that clover and all the flowers we'd introduced made a big difference to having more bees, which in turn meant greater amounts of vegetables produced and probably, as the seasons continue - more fruits too.<br />
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These are flowering plants in the front drive area - which are particularly pretty in the spring. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkH85nQMeK7y9MI19zVk05YZ0IsfS_DRqRjV-xBbYRKMtMl2RH-HT0aObSUPP0UhCsB9IZ6ZEd3VWEGY9YhD6PYJOZh4694n_1ZjEwZ3qI1xRdKm_XRYXI0EQySRTooJzg6VknrZnpxh_e/s1600/DSC_2082.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkH85nQMeK7y9MI19zVk05YZ0IsfS_DRqRjV-xBbYRKMtMl2RH-HT0aObSUPP0UhCsB9IZ6ZEd3VWEGY9YhD6PYJOZh4694n_1ZjEwZ3qI1xRdKm_XRYXI0EQySRTooJzg6VknrZnpxh_e/s320/DSC_2082.JPG" /></a><br />
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There will be lots of pruning to be done over winter & early spring.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuCi1LLo48qGg7cXHw1SNlQYQqvyT3FGBK5ysNXsv2A-5WWkoSultzajKHeZ57JYTPekm6Eh0JzpqjxqGJp9TRqs1Obj6IjR0HJnbbBhSnrINoI9Y8VVVr3unhVLFwDdpGKNHEN9PwhCO5/s1600/DSC_2085.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuCi1LLo48qGg7cXHw1SNlQYQqvyT3FGBK5ysNXsv2A-5WWkoSultzajKHeZ57JYTPekm6Eh0JzpqjxqGJp9TRqs1Obj6IjR0HJnbbBhSnrINoI9Y8VVVr3unhVLFwDdpGKNHEN9PwhCO5/s320/DSC_2085.JPG" /></a><br />
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Using thinner pieces of tree trunk from trees we'd brought down during the winter, with Jun's help we made a large arbor. As it's located in an area with plenty of sun, the intention is to grow kiwi and grapes on this structure. The pictures below don't show the roof, which was built shortly after these were taken, but perhaps that's for the best as next year we can show how the rose, grape & kiwi vines will have developed over the course of a year. Within a few years we hope to be able to harvest such fruits as we sit beneath them sheltered from the summer sun.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlc8e31Vt4KTZTOM-_MlPWFmNcYFFLmYzVQxGqBSy2x-oeim4bQGmsvRksVpL5oDNwtmh1zio5TC3VXK41bUJ7jBlE5YKKma_8bUyTrLdJEL8BDwnooyKGTm5XnUdkaBqVnDBC_sz4g2hy/s1600/DSC_2294.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlc8e31Vt4KTZTOM-_MlPWFmNcYFFLmYzVQxGqBSy2x-oeim4bQGmsvRksVpL5oDNwtmh1zio5TC3VXK41bUJ7jBlE5YKKma_8bUyTrLdJEL8BDwnooyKGTm5XnUdkaBqVnDBC_sz4g2hy/s320/DSC_2294.JPG" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitOnyzlEw2GdDb-CLZvj44lwZsBSrDGj2CPPwURFhqG5IE8dm8T9YPbsQYUIVjWiMNYGBro684bAcBXynq2U_9td8u4qXUKwF38l3MSpQSWKqEiOiIXArVKZcrCE1bzgNPDH84u9dXdVTy/s1600/DSC_2303.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitOnyzlEw2GdDb-CLZvj44lwZsBSrDGj2CPPwURFhqG5IE8dm8T9YPbsQYUIVjWiMNYGBro684bAcBXynq2U_9td8u4qXUKwF38l3MSpQSWKqEiOiIXArVKZcrCE1bzgNPDH84u9dXdVTy/s320/DSC_2303.JPG" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-SAX1Xm1KKkPb-72P5OIJGx3Zq0QKliWsiMWrJJUb8sDDHUz8aMkIWW7GueElcgERGc8yTzQtHJFuIVtzhGdBXVc1LLerKpj6SbDcj6xZ1OQ3Qr8ZkdsXNk4gte4hE3VfMyYk7hhYllo4/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-SAX1Xm1KKkPb-72P5OIJGx3Zq0QKliWsiMWrJJUb8sDDHUz8aMkIWW7GueElcgERGc8yTzQtHJFuIVtzhGdBXVc1LLerKpj6SbDcj6xZ1OQ3Qr8ZkdsXNk4gte4hE3VfMyYk7hhYllo4/s320/photo+1.JPG" /></a><br />
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This spring I too learnt something elementary but important: Seeds don't keep unless they're kept very cold! Most of the seeds we had bought last year and kept in cool, dark but room temperature storage had failed to sprout! Still, we often learn from making mistakes, so we resigned to visiting the local home / garden centres and bought small plants of the things available we wanted to grow. Most of them were planted a day or two before we packed our things and headed off to New Zealand for the beginning of May where we'd spend a month... As a last resort I went out and threw most of the seeds into the garden, but only the Arugola really took. A great lesson learnt. Next year we'll be ready with fresh seeds and lots of different varieties, including some perenneal vegetables too such as artichoke & asparagus!Miguel - Newerahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04970762111234680191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3857626156954484494.post-12607669122185303772013-08-17T00:42:00.000-07:002013-08-17T19:56:21.519-07:00East Side Tree felling in February 2013.The front of our home faces East and especially as during the winter when the sun doesn't get very high, we were finding it very cold inside the house.<br />
To the left of our entrance drive there's a 250 square metre piece of land (As part of a much larger plot) which isn't our's - but had been all but forgotten by it's owners who live in Tokyo. Japanese Cedar were growing tall and thin with some of these trees looking quite unhealthy too. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqwR-Fh-CRVJFLDfEQUNR6S-wqfKzCRzrbOfn5GMr21o8PYiCZkNH5jheSN0pigDAwlzy5BPV4SIFYgrC8irBjILXbr71Yxmm2gj90BXyBvZShC_6wPv174D6gzaRgk-2zZ-iFjd7N38uB/s1600/Forest(3).jpeg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqwR-Fh-CRVJFLDfEQUNR6S-wqfKzCRzrbOfn5GMr21o8PYiCZkNH5jheSN0pigDAwlzy5BPV4SIFYgrC8irBjILXbr71Yxmm2gj90BXyBvZShC_6wPv174D6gzaRgk-2zZ-iFjd7N38uB/s320/Forest(3).jpeg" /></a><br />
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From the beginning we'd heard local rumours that the land next door to our's was mafia owned, but I figured that to contact the owners and offer to look after their land wouldn't be met with disdain or bring trouble. So after summoning a little courage my wife & I found the registered owner's contact number, called and made an arrangement to meet them.<br />
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A few weeks later a sweet old couple turned up.... I smiled to myself. These weren't YAKUZA!!!<br />
We sat in our lounge having coffee & light refreshments and the conversation turned to the local rumour. They laughed and explained that although they're the legal owners, about 20 years ago a local relative had wanted to borrow some money and asked them to put their land up as collateral. They did so and the relative had been conned by someone in the Japanese mafia and lost all the money, so in the end the loan had gone unpaid & the property into legal limbo. Just one of the many strange deals that turn sour and render a property useless and abandoned. In any case, we could see we were under no threat of having Yakuza troubles, which was a welcome development of the truth. We've also learnt that local rumours can be a little unreliable...<br />
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The owners walked with us to inspect their land and after gaining an understanding of the problems that were being caused by their trees, offered to pay to have them taken down provided the cost was reasonable. They also gave us permission to look after their land & use it for whatever we'd like!<br />
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So we contacted the tree surgeons we'd used before and negotiated a good deal. About 18 trees would be taken down - for the sum of only 120,000 Yen for our neighbour's trees with another 15,000 Yen payable by us for a couple of large trees of our own - which we also wanted taken down. The fees were low as they'd get to take some of the wood from the land which wasn't ours - and wouldn't need to do any further clearing of wood (Nor chopping for firewood), which is of course the hardest work of all!<br />
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The costs were agreed and in the meantime, Jun dug up & moved Azalea bushes from the front of our house..<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdVAhZONHoVrHSM1tAHpDm0E8pTFEQjBfFJ6EbsPhnXAXtxHodLZtMF1PvvfI4ZKrIvIj2r09z755zimDz79bFQ4VCluLJeWHJazkw3vPyIS9aGWbpeEqAAUAkehK8PwxKKuDbXwOhPZi7/s1600/Forest(2).jpeg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdVAhZONHoVrHSM1tAHpDm0E8pTFEQjBfFJ6EbsPhnXAXtxHodLZtMF1PvvfI4ZKrIvIj2r09z755zimDz79bFQ4VCluLJeWHJazkw3vPyIS9aGWbpeEqAAUAkehK8PwxKKuDbXwOhPZi7/s320/Forest(2).jpeg" /></a><br />
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...to make a hedge around the perimeter of their land. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc1_p4LPnU8c4JXJ9ds-m3EiqAXJwAu01DFLXf__vUH46yiR38tEE6BciGVDKoT4UDfGxSdyOtlrzGa4B-o92At2UMQMr7t93nQ3zaB7xpdMT3VI8S-_WNYQScNUSwnCwPhMBnWaWUySRU/s1600/DSC_0591.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc1_p4LPnU8c4JXJ9ds-m3EiqAXJwAu01DFLXf__vUH46yiR38tEE6BciGVDKoT4UDfGxSdyOtlrzGa4B-o92At2UMQMr7t93nQ3zaB7xpdMT3VI8S-_WNYQScNUSwnCwPhMBnWaWUySRU/s320/DSC_0591.JPG" /></a><br />
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The tree surgeons came a few weeks into March & started with the trees furthest from the main area where they were to come down. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEeJIDf22gz05FdP2Ijlc2NjMXDRlcTGdRX9uXMQoHxKBxK3EzRYqTvvWG7yoDrlPzL8gWaUMpkA1l3h1qJGvnDZdDBS1HWCPdC1TNfujKHUXlnYnQZOAnIS6cdhzz0gxUYKIGXsbSZXby/s1600/DSC_0471.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEeJIDf22gz05FdP2Ijlc2NjMXDRlcTGdRX9uXMQoHxKBxK3EzRYqTvvWG7yoDrlPzL8gWaUMpkA1l3h1qJGvnDZdDBS1HWCPdC1TNfujKHUXlnYnQZOAnIS6cdhzz0gxUYKIGXsbSZXby/s320/DSC_0471.JPG" /></a><br />
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It's always fascinating to watch how these jobs are done. I actually have the equipment to do most of the work - just not the skills, knowledge or confidence to bring down huge trees! These guys have decades of experience and so are confident & relaxed, despite the hugh crashes they cause as trees are seemingly effortlessly brought crashing to the ground.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh13SkqsaTm27cnGGKWMZFiSZvTv59R4pUvFI9g241Ruyqa1DBs35BWgo8JELi7hFIhCRSnfkiIfZGGR9lP3lT7FvEijVHbiKJCh-XMw7iFDwsboLCK4d6b4Q8daY70AHj_ARWcwwXS1j-U/s1600/DSC_0477.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh13SkqsaTm27cnGGKWMZFiSZvTv59R4pUvFI9g241Ruyqa1DBs35BWgo8JELi7hFIhCRSnfkiIfZGGR9lP3lT7FvEijVHbiKJCh-XMw7iFDwsboLCK4d6b4Q8daY70AHj_ARWcwwXS1j-U/s320/DSC_0477.JPG" /></a><br />
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It's not always apparent how large trees are till they have crashed down!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGmc-kEyxhrpsw1SCx2WzEbekikz07fQZftLIdQk5d13RgbHBDjPbnT7OBZzi_VKPFYqqKcYZVDT-YVbGsq3N4MUfJg3HLq5NonXsrcvtvepaPhFvMU85YToW-V0tyFEOOSct-nNqNmv48/s1600/DSC_0587.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGmc-kEyxhrpsw1SCx2WzEbekikz07fQZftLIdQk5d13RgbHBDjPbnT7OBZzi_VKPFYqqKcYZVDT-YVbGsq3N4MUfJg3HLq5NonXsrcvtvepaPhFvMU85YToW-V0tyFEOOSct-nNqNmv48/s320/DSC_0587.JPG" /></a><br />
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Some of the wood from the neighbour's land was taken away.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcSMt6F9fbb2Ddw-Vy0W7RhmatEvS2e41b0UMm5W-3UoHqd0G2stPKdgoP6tSVeJHP8LFBrdY2VMoWrsgM5zPrje5BrNY08adQRdi-rLEmvhMW49RIgO-FM4h32uvUKOMF_2VsGpn0k1eP/s1600/Forest(4).jpeg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcSMt6F9fbb2Ddw-Vy0W7RhmatEvS2e41b0UMm5W-3UoHqd0G2stPKdgoP6tSVeJHP8LFBrdY2VMoWrsgM5zPrje5BrNY08adQRdi-rLEmvhMW49RIgO-FM4h32uvUKOMF_2VsGpn0k1eP/s320/Forest(4).jpeg" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRYOwJDQoWbySgdi2Gy02sumB3iK3KePTkB4w8swtrVzRFWoAlF_z83UdwiFZb3q1k8vtJg9tuPgEV_IIFLllUmF6SbZua9H-enmS1r1BsU_htrSkNWGqnKVcAp4KF70eODXyWZTU-nIzt/s1600/Forest(6).jpeg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRYOwJDQoWbySgdi2Gy02sumB3iK3KePTkB4w8swtrVzRFWoAlF_z83UdwiFZb3q1k8vtJg9tuPgEV_IIFLllUmF6SbZua9H-enmS1r1BsU_htrSkNWGqnKVcAp4KF70eODXyWZTU-nIzt/s320/Forest(6).jpeg" /></a><br />
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Clearing up is the hardest work of all. We burnt a lot of canopy for days after felling these trees. I sometimes wish I had a shredder, but they're hard to come by in Japan.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRuZb7s6VQpy1EBOS5hGIHa3MJ__TXazKpbOogu1SKfV5FLGU74FG43LVFo5gmFXoSEhmORQx8xxPDmTDUaBXfDG5_1gQR8Qmw5rqPIS-1XXwrLDNG1UVm58ogt4EZWgI6Vn95h_qUIKSI/s1600/DSC_0596.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRuZb7s6VQpy1EBOS5hGIHa3MJ__TXazKpbOogu1SKfV5FLGU74FG43LVFo5gmFXoSEhmORQx8xxPDmTDUaBXfDG5_1gQR8Qmw5rqPIS-1XXwrLDNG1UVm58ogt4EZWgI6Vn95h_qUIKSI/s320/DSC_0596.JPG" /></a><br />
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Behind the boss of the tree surgeons, are about 5 Cedar canopies which we had to clear. Cutting these up with a chainsaw and removing was harder than it looks!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6UXC1Jwc0epwQGjTvTbja1x8TRUGJ-TU2W3ieTOfpFAPkvLxpeBfx9JWp-c2WRAHqbgws-9mnZuJxpMFQpnRx94qyc3hyphenhyphenbGNXoYskgbV990TNk8MfSaIW6_zqJFFLH5btvN7Eo2lMj06a/s1600/DSC_0613.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6UXC1Jwc0epwQGjTvTbja1x8TRUGJ-TU2W3ieTOfpFAPkvLxpeBfx9JWp-c2WRAHqbgws-9mnZuJxpMFQpnRx94qyc3hyphenhyphenbGNXoYskgbV990TNk8MfSaIW6_zqJFFLH5btvN7Eo2lMj06a/s320/DSC_0613.JPG" /></a><br />
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Fortunately the weather was cool and hard work wasn't too sweaty as it is now - in summer months. We had two fires going, to burn the canopy brush. This picture shows the much clearer path for winter light. Our plan was to leave deciduous hardwood trees (keiyaki, mostly).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh38qh3ucrwgymt6iDNgmXEJP9jhDX2vRmcuwKqHAfZisyFIT4r4wcqOk3YxCeuia7LR7y1YwE9q28GgTG0Td3Af8gpBcF_8q1GDzZXPgitTOb49b9gTbEO-MY-2rOs920do8NXPsOEezrM/s1600/Forest(7).jpeg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh38qh3ucrwgymt6iDNgmXEJP9jhDX2vRmcuwKqHAfZisyFIT4r4wcqOk3YxCeuia7LR7y1YwE9q28GgTG0Td3Af8gpBcF_8q1GDzZXPgitTOb49b9gTbEO-MY-2rOs920do8NXPsOEezrM/s320/Forest(7).jpeg" /></a><br />
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Here a smaller Japanese Cedar (Sugi) is cut before being loaded onto a truck. Where we are is famous for it's Sugi (Used for building materials).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJEp_aaNUROBl4wCdKvkXA-U_LIckcgWuApNv62f82fiRDySXrAWWIPn1lZNDOeWmp3a5eUE-GOTqvL34Kr1d9TVOsoIkTNapvszvo5emLs6EoTzDSNj2Yft5acRH5bmC6f6zk7UZH-rYt/s1600/DSC_0629.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJEp_aaNUROBl4wCdKvkXA-U_LIckcgWuApNv62f82fiRDySXrAWWIPn1lZNDOeWmp3a5eUE-GOTqvL34Kr1d9TVOsoIkTNapvszvo5emLs6EoTzDSNj2Yft5acRH5bmC6f6zk7UZH-rYt/s320/DSC_0629.JPG" /></a><br />
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This is what they left us with to clear up.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifrZz2cfxLIOdFUNHhFQnvgSAOaqi5I3qEIjEPtVGj6e9sCX1Ns7RL3epg1sFoCuoJI5ARkqQzX-UmEuIUeZ0vmLCpvGS1ph3DDv8obcfBVtKpaYq-QP-X4fKO38SUnVGKgSsSB2QtSq81/s1600/DSC_0632.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifrZz2cfxLIOdFUNHhFQnvgSAOaqi5I3qEIjEPtVGj6e9sCX1Ns7RL3epg1sFoCuoJI5ARkqQzX-UmEuIUeZ0vmLCpvGS1ph3DDv8obcfBVtKpaYq-QP-X4fKO38SUnVGKgSsSB2QtSq81/s320/DSC_0632.JPG" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi10Dmh50QUBFwNfHDundlHQOgjmzrTE6D01if0ER5ptDQTfly2LXnbPglZh7Z8WFavoKj7b0Xzvvxxd2M7H-s2D6unDcx3-xWInQHsBABHVZo5Qomd6uo_0JB8ENS4UwL_e7mBoP6M_QHD/s1600/DSC_0634.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi10Dmh50QUBFwNfHDundlHQOgjmzrTE6D01if0ER5ptDQTfly2LXnbPglZh7Z8WFavoKj7b0Xzvvxxd2M7H-s2D6unDcx3-xWInQHsBABHVZo5Qomd6uo_0JB8ENS4UwL_e7mBoP6M_QHD/s320/DSC_0634.JPG" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvScKkHUwbEvY_rKt9aYVFQQZEXi9H3gJrnVF7ihChbgrvarEveDxb-m3hi3aSH9yQntj8yMgImotUZWhyD8lzegStI_7JR1lDUhvzlT8hrvA-jQgUsJ1Z-0U2DlL9cDX-Gkm16vEcchRH/s1600/DSC_0635.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvScKkHUwbEvY_rKt9aYVFQQZEXi9H3gJrnVF7ihChbgrvarEveDxb-m3hi3aSH9yQntj8yMgImotUZWhyD8lzegStI_7JR1lDUhvzlT8hrvA-jQgUsJ1Z-0U2DlL9cDX-Gkm16vEcchRH/s320/DSC_0635.JPG" /></a><br />
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After a few day's hard work, it looked much better. Ready for planting saplings of various trees we hope will grow in partial shade.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiShWVFloAaNAkk2gXiOko2KHEsor1xYIHen3yivnMOeyp5ZeAcjMcKPFwt5-hQDIubSwptp3yMExwvJixO5OHpodJzBuQ3tB6lTQ8ScO-BBEj1Uqo-3eUhItgprYSP4Ce5ZXF3fcvzLtfC/s1600/Garden(4).jpeg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiShWVFloAaNAkk2gXiOko2KHEsor1xYIHen3yivnMOeyp5ZeAcjMcKPFwt5-hQDIubSwptp3yMExwvJixO5OHpodJzBuQ3tB6lTQ8ScO-BBEj1Uqo-3eUhItgprYSP4Ce5ZXF3fcvzLtfC/s320/Garden(4).jpeg" /></a><br />
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Chopping up a gareden full of logs, to store as firewood took Jun almost two weeks to get through, but we now have around 4 year's worth of wood to burn in our stove during winters ahead!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicrJy7HX_AAe_73e17QSPqpXXf0_NSlEkyKS0KRJ-cgXPEU_LN0P5EP2SrQ0uliLMsOyh7wMOxQ8RCXb3FJyAJulQOOD6_PUgorWzTvbgV5d8rzL_fHJbdNrKxqG8uaQuTTcnLwNqhKIHQ/s1600/Garden(8).jpeg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicrJy7HX_AAe_73e17QSPqpXXf0_NSlEkyKS0KRJ-cgXPEU_LN0P5EP2SrQ0uliLMsOyh7wMOxQ8RCXb3FJyAJulQOOD6_PUgorWzTvbgV5d8rzL_fHJbdNrKxqG8uaQuTTcnLwNqhKIHQ/s320/Garden(8).jpeg" /></a><br />
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Over the long term I'd like to use up most of the Japanese Cedar surrounding the garden so there is more light during winter months, but also to allow the beautiful keiyaki & other hardwoods t be visible & grow to make space for more decorative flowering & fruit trees. This will happen during the years ahead...Miguel - Newerahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04970762111234680191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3857626156954484494.post-7065643002452661712013-02-04T05:57:00.000-08:002013-02-04T07:34:46.507-08:00Winter and looking ahead. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQzdSPjrsLUIMs92QK1R4Ga-43Out1AZf_Y3LS-K3QAG7OLj2_ijPKzIKTHoOPufTYB2tP9lyAtKgV67GU12ZuQClDqWi7Z-0zCIgbMafODteUltMzFsIqAd6n3rwqAsl8W4hx5O-J16_0/s1600/DSC_0116.JPG" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" height="400" width="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQzdSPjrsLUIMs92QK1R4Ga-43Out1AZf_Y3LS-K3QAG7OLj2_ijPKzIKTHoOPufTYB2tP9lyAtKgV67GU12ZuQClDqWi7Z-0zCIgbMafODteUltMzFsIqAd6n3rwqAsl8W4hx5O-J16_0/s400/DSC_0116.JPG" /></a><br />
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This year's winter is proving to be a little easier than the last. I remember this time 12 months ago & needing a heater close to the desk in order to have mobility of my fingers when typing. Our little boy had recently been born here at home and our garden was taking up lot of time as we removed tree after tree in an effort to gain more space. Now we have a much more spaceous garden and the benefit of what we learnt about growing plants & vegetables in the last year & our little boy is the size of a 2 year old, is nearly walking and beginning to say his first words. So much change in a year! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWp2A2xc20adrINi7TfS7rr59r6DZS2OAJyLfFHAOU6wI8enP_lwwPsXrjWQ9YFhK_X7IBY_uwsuQ17djsk-SWkl3Sy0ttN7wGLOl5CWBajLog6yapS7QRSsPr2zQvuu2wILPRTPcAU9yP/s1600/DSC_0085.JPG" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" height="266" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWp2A2xc20adrINi7TfS7rr59r6DZS2OAJyLfFHAOU6wI8enP_lwwPsXrjWQ9YFhK_X7IBY_uwsuQ17djsk-SWkl3Sy0ttN7wGLOl5CWBajLog6yapS7QRSsPr2zQvuu2wILPRTPcAU9yP/s400/DSC_0085.JPG" /></a><br />
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The picture below was taken on a recent Sunday trip to Yoro-Boso. Our daughter happily walked about 3.5km by the river... then we had to resort to games of chasing her & being chased followed by promises of ice cream around the corner... unfortunately the stores were closed when we arrived back to the parking area.... she didn't let us forget the promise & of course we held up our end of the deal. Better than carrying her the last 2km! <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrs0q63pKPOMN94NS3ftHowspm3uswlq2E3N5rJdTnndQHaoITKV70Ry-ri_dRRVrcR67FnK2ocicD93BdpkpnErt7h2Brtz8qaN-mOy272PgLXupnWtOX6fBZnhPXzM13J3xEYbU8xn9I/s1600/DSC_0104.JPG" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" height="266" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrs0q63pKPOMN94NS3ftHowspm3uswlq2E3N5rJdTnndQHaoITKV70Ry-ri_dRRVrcR67FnK2ocicD93BdpkpnErt7h2Brtz8qaN-mOy272PgLXupnWtOX6fBZnhPXzM13J3xEYbU8xn9I/s400/DSC_0104.JPG" /></a><br />
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With regard to progress on our garden, winter's the best time to work outside provided the ground's not covered in snow or frozen & Jun has recently cleared the second bushes of Azalea & moved them to the neighbour's land adjacent to our driveway entrance (with permission).<br />
Now our vegetable growing area for direct sunlight has doubled in size and with the old wood shed gone I'm toying with the idea of putting up a small temporary greenhouse so we can sprout vegetables from seeds in time for planting just after the last frost. No photos to show of this cleared land just now, but after there's something of interest to show I'll put up another post. <br />
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There are still many ideas I'd like to impliment in the garden before the spring comes. These include cutting down some of the larger trees shielding the sunlight from the garden & house especially the tall Cedar, making trellis to have Kiwi, grapes and rose bushes begin to establish themselves and of course prepare more firewood for next year and possibly beyond. I'd also like to plant some new fruit trees, but as some died after planting in winter last year I'll wait to spring to try again. Would also like to get some chickens so we can have some proper fresh & free range eggs. <br />
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Also in the spring I want to repair some of the exterior walls where the white covering has fallen off then re-paint these panels as well as applying creosote to the wooden parts. Slowly the changes are taking place and the house & garden areas continue to improve. <br />
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I've also comitted to visit Paul Murray, an old friend in New Zealand during the 2nd week of May for a couple of weeks to do a permaculture design course. Paul & his wife Sanae run <a href="http://www.livinginpeace.com">www.livinginpeace.com</a> <br />
Around 7 years ago I was charmed enough with Paul's idea to start the living in peace project that I became a shareholder. I had every belief he'd make something great happen and it felt right to support a project that sounded so natural and inspiring. He's come much further than I could have dreamt together with the help of many artists and woofers along the way!<br />
So when I asked him about doing a PDC a few months ago he was most enthusiastic. As a shareholder I wouldn't have to pay for the course nor for lodging, he said- I'd just need to get myself there! I've heard & read great things about this project as well as seeing breathtaking photographs, so it'll be a treat to see the place and experience being there too. <br />
My wife is keen to go too, so we're going to look into costs and if it's affordable - we'll be on the plane together in May and share the adventure of getting to Karamea and perhaps see a little more. Have wanted to go to NZ for a long time so this is something I'm particularly looking forward to.<br />
Not least I hope to learn a lot that we can apply at home for our own project and import some of the insatiable enthusiasm & apetite for progress that Paul seems to have in abundance!<br />
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So getting back to the current and not so distant past, we've had some fun recently. Ian, a friend from the U.K. came to visit us for 4 days, so we shared some fun times. It was as good an opportunity as any to take him to the places we miss from when we lived in Shizuoka. <br />
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The view of Fuji over lake Yamanaka. <br />
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This view of Yamanaka lake was 15 minutes from where we used to live in Shizuoka and this was where we kept our sailing catamaran. It was magical to sail with Fuji so close, although in warmer summer months the mountain would usually be concealed by clouds.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit9h1coNsZjelED1Rvt_5OHj-pcUnvpj1IHdepHcH6OojMB7MEm7xQ_Ej_7Q9T6ZEJlaOR_YTlySErV59F8UOgQenXAlQ8Px6k3z65rCWjNDJDcAJ2Q_HgSVck7dF59MjwQxaNMPsVXxds/s1600/DSC_9874.JPG" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" height="266" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit9h1coNsZjelED1Rvt_5OHj-pcUnvpj1IHdepHcH6OojMB7MEm7xQ_Ej_7Q9T6ZEJlaOR_YTlySErV59F8UOgQenXAlQ8Px6k3z65rCWjNDJDcAJ2Q_HgSVck7dF59MjwQxaNMPsVXxds/s400/DSC_9874.JPG" /></a><br />
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Our daughter's no longer a baby!<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn_JB_2-FUs_ldyoqts_dd9pxpxFwSEbn-uhyphenhyphenkUGansllM3FlRrQ1XPRFLmxCrG1jca5_554u3qc01GrRYn2P4gkXvDMfgbSrnS0pS1mBp6DQytt-6DTtROxFcc5zXGxK49-8bQOyaaO1x/s1600/DSC_9891.JPG" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" height="266" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn_JB_2-FUs_ldyoqts_dd9pxpxFwSEbn-uhyphenhyphenkUGansllM3FlRrQ1XPRFLmxCrG1jca5_554u3qc01GrRYn2P4gkXvDMfgbSrnS0pS1mBp6DQytt-6DTtROxFcc5zXGxK49-8bQOyaaO1x/s400/DSC_9891.JPG" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyWnmfYka-fge6sr4NaPeVTxSj6orZ2P7meR3i7dBWXOFLZBd_Uv22lJzD0_w1eDn2ZayhKpB2nHkNkuKJ8cFTBHWprENG8NxwPtTS7gp_PlfbYEULZZpqIWXiYcN80XAFK2aMUvAq52wY/s1600/DSC_9899.JPG" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" height="266" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyWnmfYka-fge6sr4NaPeVTxSj6orZ2P7meR3i7dBWXOFLZBd_Uv22lJzD0_w1eDn2ZayhKpB2nHkNkuKJ8cFTBHWprENG8NxwPtTS7gp_PlfbYEULZZpqIWXiYcN80XAFK2aMUvAq52wY/s400/DSC_9899.JPG" /></a><br />
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Ian & a 1,000 Yen note. The picture on the reverse side of the note is of the view directly behind him. Not something most tourists get to experience during their first visit to Japan!<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5YnXS2yKeySpIJNB-lcto-EPRrWc_W-bNSxWgFsHv3w7EPSwCHq7VRUAkWTywB1aNgnGiTFf1Hr57Ckz_hCy3BRun93Y9KgB7_PXOQBRsjvax9EVUrw8AkfHhXWpQ5azI3L-hMxe0gVfI/s1600/DSC_9924.JPG" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" height="266" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5YnXS2yKeySpIJNB-lcto-EPRrWc_W-bNSxWgFsHv3w7EPSwCHq7VRUAkWTywB1aNgnGiTFf1Hr57Ckz_hCy3BRun93Y9KgB7_PXOQBRsjvax9EVUrw8AkfHhXWpQ5azI3L-hMxe0gVfI/s400/DSC_9924.JPG" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij8iSTEjtmMWHfZ3CfDL0FpVLQ9t-1QIYdTMHAnlPUQ9K7xJTtC74wdemzo8w1x3Bl2vUFIdDotzQpPnLLyKg5MLTFz13kh5MFrMIgZCZ5lrmY8t8wY8TlDCahTezHxwfeYLxihys5YA0x/s1600/DSC_9941.JPG" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" height="266" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij8iSTEjtmMWHfZ3CfDL0FpVLQ9t-1QIYdTMHAnlPUQ9K7xJTtC74wdemzo8w1x3Bl2vUFIdDotzQpPnLLyKg5MLTFz13kh5MFrMIgZCZ5lrmY8t8wY8TlDCahTezHxwfeYLxihys5YA0x/s400/DSC_9941.JPG" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3B0fTHhieqGQVxd9UYiH2-SvZBrnXu-2-lDRcGdv1HPuvfrl9bB-Ze8CftDR1UzOKPTF49gZ1pIrM2FtzP_D5FjeMCk1rHuXvThnirQV_xz_fFHcFkmLyM7CmYYHT1HKEc-0-PB3UXqVA/s1600/DSC_9967.JPG" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" height="266" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3B0fTHhieqGQVxd9UYiH2-SvZBrnXu-2-lDRcGdv1HPuvfrl9bB-Ze8CftDR1UzOKPTF49gZ1pIrM2FtzP_D5FjeMCk1rHuXvThnirQV_xz_fFHcFkmLyM7CmYYHT1HKEc-0-PB3UXqVA/s400/DSC_9967.JPG" /></a><br />
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For our son's 1st birthday, we took him to Chiba's Kamogawa Sea world. Interestingly he wasn't as smitten by performing sea mammals as his sister had been at the same age. Both our children are markedly different we're finding. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMpQf1U6TVfU6q7REcF5D2gjcPxlBHBsEXbX4bjVr8otpu4w4_8Fu1VQ0k3ITxdWNqDo147dQ9PFKtcNsVMGWfHySDrZw7_Os_OA29mw2VICocuTQAp_wPusD0dc7PTlJZruYf4mIPHqyw/s1600/DSC_0061.JPG" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" height="266" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMpQf1U6TVfU6q7REcF5D2gjcPxlBHBsEXbX4bjVr8otpu4w4_8Fu1VQ0k3ITxdWNqDo147dQ9PFKtcNsVMGWfHySDrZw7_Os_OA29mw2VICocuTQAp_wPusD0dc7PTlJZruYf4mIPHqyw/s400/DSC_0061.JPG" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0ADt7LKjkW9F-1gACIOrTSxa37zG26hVaGq53vSK5t0ashtRQxiXY8tZje3Jl5IWHkye68a-BFN51oWU17oRnH8Sdsp8q5TXXKKdQmFbfsdkiNMAIKHJ_0mpa6GGw_2alrEdv3SFIHhF4/s1600/DSC_0090.JPG" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" height="400" width="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0ADt7LKjkW9F-1gACIOrTSxa37zG26hVaGq53vSK5t0ashtRQxiXY8tZje3Jl5IWHkye68a-BFN51oWU17oRnH8Sdsp8q5TXXKKdQmFbfsdkiNMAIKHJ_0mpa6GGw_2alrEdv3SFIHhF4/s400/DSC_0090.JPG" /></a><br />
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On the 3rd weekend of January we were unable to book our favourite winter guest house so instead we took a day trip to Kusatsu, to enjoy relaxing with friends & introduce them to this cute little country onsen town. Kusatsu has our favourite onsens which we all enjoyed. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjPqj3mofvkZLltJf08W6vJLseGrQzqyQzz2pB4UNK3k5ssM-JClHHSxg3mVMHf1Xbob5QuQGHrskVYyTfFsw3l19VnUv8SVrI2v1hCJZP7uh5k0h7SNZk25eG6u8LKkA8UVvTm2CSmt8x/s1600/image.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" height="400" width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjPqj3mofvkZLltJf08W6vJLseGrQzqyQzz2pB4UNK3k5ssM-JClHHSxg3mVMHf1Xbob5QuQGHrskVYyTfFsw3l19VnUv8SVrI2v1hCJZP7uh5k0h7SNZk25eG6u8LKkA8UVvTm2CSmt8x/s400/image.jpeg" /></a><br />
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On the stairs leading to a small temple in the centre of town, some locals had made a murial from candles.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdvJcZ0ZMBWI1Mm_WqpcGyVeZaQI0coF6dPj9SI4IrENhIUsD6tDLTlWo2BUOujCfV4syxF0tUfR8vgSYoNDL4ERtp1rFL6I7-S4mTxmUthsa_VV_rdY5mXiBUZT4ef32hnThuORDxmwim/s1600/image+%25281%2529.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" height="400" width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdvJcZ0ZMBWI1Mm_WqpcGyVeZaQI0coF6dPj9SI4IrENhIUsD6tDLTlWo2BUOujCfV4syxF0tUfR8vgSYoNDL4ERtp1rFL6I7-S4mTxmUthsa_VV_rdY5mXiBUZT4ef32hnThuORDxmwim/s400/image+%25281%2529.jpeg" /></a><br />
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Meanwhile, our daughter's Kindergarten continues to surprise us with the activities they get up to. Recently they had a morning of sausage making...<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOWeXgRzNWCDfWTbcpVEVrh_idf36Aktk7wBLzDMA9pq6_ChE4awnSh3yYYzaoCCgYKt186qVXQEQVOqqSasxw1UXIhG5yq7dz8UoBQYMnaO993mPT4izDvhxO-YehXEHqmaj7Z0UUNU43/s1600/image+%25282%2529.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" height="400" width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOWeXgRzNWCDfWTbcpVEVrh_idf36Aktk7wBLzDMA9pq6_ChE4awnSh3yYYzaoCCgYKt186qVXQEQVOqqSasxw1UXIhG5yq7dz8UoBQYMnaO993mPT4izDvhxO-YehXEHqmaj7Z0UUNU43/s400/image+%25282%2529.jpeg" /></a><br />
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The kids tied up the sausages whilst having to be careful not to split the membraine which is made from sheep's intestines apparently...<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0PEBibYx3XMH2xE55oScmOMenmL9jSdJhMNFCN78pRa2CHwMUuRzFeJtgmWpe163vObHV7gE2NoJY5_wil3YlTf1lLtG_4pmkxa2UK9fsy6yd2cTUtv-XFcXdltqEppktjb4Y-7kreDby/s1600/image+%25283%2529.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0PEBibYx3XMH2xE55oScmOMenmL9jSdJhMNFCN78pRa2CHwMUuRzFeJtgmWpe163vObHV7gE2NoJY5_wil3YlTf1lLtG_4pmkxa2UK9fsy6yd2cTUtv-XFcXdltqEppktjb4Y-7kreDby/s400/image+%25283%2529.jpeg" /></a><br />
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In this Kindergarten the mothers take it in turns to do the cooking each day, so these mamas were busy boiling sausages for about 40 kids and many parents.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHSRojNVQFZcyq5KiktQqgVHfXAhFUvzKjFhcxYAMVqPZiV8L0m5-XYj95o_Q7nvP442FpfNfnQu9WCklY3AhFhp56ArBYjnVAh9XQyixPErKiiXXSDC4tR31evIzuOeg22v_ctkm6Jgkx/s1600/image+%25284%2529.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHSRojNVQFZcyq5KiktQqgVHfXAhFUvzKjFhcxYAMVqPZiV8L0m5-XYj95o_Q7nvP442FpfNfnQu9WCklY3AhFhp56ArBYjnVAh9XQyixPErKiiXXSDC4tR31evIzuOeg22v_ctkm6Jgkx/s400/image+%25284%2529.jpeg" /></a><br />
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They clearly enjoyed eating what they'd been making.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrImlye0-7NkdZ2pzPAaa67ZuH6AfU0wAJzrS3phjohEibLebsaoaGbqh-CTIrIpA5BGu4WY4aLIONBxUligzXsZzwcwHb89PAMfmhbA4kb3gsXj7b9TlGxt7WcO5e8mvccG2BbunynqFZ/s1600/image+%25286%2529.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrImlye0-7NkdZ2pzPAaa67ZuH6AfU0wAJzrS3phjohEibLebsaoaGbqh-CTIrIpA5BGu4WY4aLIONBxUligzXsZzwcwHb89PAMfmhbA4kb3gsXj7b9TlGxt7WcO5e8mvccG2BbunynqFZ/s400/image+%25286%2529.jpeg" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwRkdnXb8I5Jt7EWnUxQeP5a4n0IeL2e1I8paxnRI2cgtXLsGwd4XJlfbkAIs2yTAZfne84vaRolorfcxw4A8VtO_TvNr0WOZYGCmeN9-fxMOoV_YPFehI_onGWgnXAjRUEVe76wuMubxk/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwRkdnXb8I5Jt7EWnUxQeP5a4n0IeL2e1I8paxnRI2cgtXLsGwd4XJlfbkAIs2yTAZfne84vaRolorfcxw4A8VtO_TvNr0WOZYGCmeN9-fxMOoV_YPFehI_onGWgnXAjRUEVe76wuMubxk/s400/photo.JPG" /></a><br />
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Bread was brought by each parent. These small loaves were baked by ourselves the night before.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEhizhRh-2B6q_3DnbDFV6rnnQJ2Hfwi-tI0gmo2t55sZL6gj6-GjOy_4rEjUt1cMHbdRnnTGK3gTxcClQuDQtEaqP_CkslA0ZafVVXXPmw3qiIZMlAXw6JY4sU7L-6g0eWbFlW4VJBB4o/s1600/image+%25285%2529.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" height="400" width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEhizhRh-2B6q_3DnbDFV6rnnQJ2Hfwi-tI0gmo2t55sZL6gj6-GjOy_4rEjUt1cMHbdRnnTGK3gTxcClQuDQtEaqP_CkslA0ZafVVXXPmw3qiIZMlAXw6JY4sU7L-6g0eWbFlW4VJBB4o/s400/image+%25285%2529.jpeg" /></a><br />
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Miguel - Newerahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04970762111234680191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3857626156954484494.post-38948152531813669862013-01-29T02:03:00.004-08:002013-01-29T02:51:14.028-08:00Windows & ceiling fans for improved summer & winter comfort.The cold from drafts last year with the family's discomfort last summer with lack of ventilation or ability to open doors without letting insects in inspired me to think of solutions.<br />
Although we have plans to fit air conditioning in the kitchen and our office upstairs, it's simply not practical to have a house this size with ceilings this high be air conditioned.<br />
In any case, it's not a healthy solution.<br />
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As we have a lot of roof over-hang and also had some very draughty old sliding doors that cut much light due to their frosted glass (whilst also reducing view of the garden), so we got a quotation to have custom made sliding double-glazed doors. These were fitted by specialists whilst Arnie was working on the chimney flue.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijfaUuwZgLaAzmmL0SD9QZMRY0tVDX_Z8kiO_om_i68dffSR22M8HlhPx0qI_hsXwzxNjLjeaC3_mPPNvexqKP4SCWZWw4gJEyOc5JuzSmIP_n4Rrln5E3tOQv67h5tadHIzcqXVg6qgQ1/s1600/DSC_0166.JPG" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" height="266" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijfaUuwZgLaAzmmL0SD9QZMRY0tVDX_Z8kiO_om_i68dffSR22M8HlhPx0qI_hsXwzxNjLjeaC3_mPPNvexqKP4SCWZWw4gJEyOc5JuzSmIP_n4Rrln5E3tOQv67h5tadHIzcqXVg6qgQ1/s400/DSC_0166.JPG" /></a><br />
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Although structurally it was OK, the quality of finishing was laughable as in being non-existent for some parts so I was prepared to ask the company owner if he'd leave screws exposed on the outside of the house, were it his own. He seemed to pre-emp my planned questioning by presenting an invoice with 20% off his original quotation, so we duly paid it and had Arnie make some nice trim to match the rest of the exterior, so these look more authentic than aluminium would have done. <br />
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Still, I learnt my lesson. Watch the work of contractors and make sure they do a good job before they make mistakes and leave them. Not all Japanese work to high quality, especially in the building trade, is something I've come to learn. <br />
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Views of the garden and daylight are of course much improved & the rooms are a lot less draughty. We hope they'll be less permeable by insects in the summer too and plan to keep the windows open during the day with use of well fitting mosquito screens that make up part of this installation. Inside, there's still some staining of wood & small pieces of trim to add inside, but with all of these things when restoring & improving an old house - the work's never really finsihed. Someday soon I'll get around to it. <br />
The plan for these windows is to have silk blinds which will be custom made in Portugal by someone we know. <br />
We'll have to commission those sometime soon as the intention will be to bring them home with us after visitting this coming summer... <br />
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Before Ryan & Mandy - our friends in the military returned to the States at the end of last year, I ordered some Hunter fans with extra long poles to fit. <br />
Fortunately as Arnie had extra wiring put in with the intention of using these for picture lights, it wasn't too difficult for me to neatly integrate into the style of the house with all wiring hidden above the beams.<br />
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We've left them around 2 metres off the ground, which to some may seem quite low, but my thinking is that the greater the space above them, the less hot air that may be blown downwards in summer. They're silent and apparently quite efficient. Although we could use them for convection of heat from the stove we haven't really - so far, so we'll wait and see how effective these are.<br />
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The main lounge:<br />
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The second lounge:<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0546ptw5NDcmeYjAPd6GUbHzKXzAszrvnEzG__5ieWjChb0Ilz9srubYA9vQSwzV1uztv7gzoipEjj7kvWEmyQrRrmDxm5_d5I4B3UkTUPfbnqSJ86K-vQje3Q6Pcl7F-cixEllHO0rUu/s1600/DSC_0159.JPG" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" height="400" width="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0546ptw5NDcmeYjAPd6GUbHzKXzAszrvnEzG__5ieWjChb0Ilz9srubYA9vQSwzV1uztv7gzoipEjj7kvWEmyQrRrmDxm5_d5I4B3UkTUPfbnqSJ86K-vQje3Q6Pcl7F-cixEllHO0rUu/s400/DSC_0159.JPG" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5lufjrrWMbDgHKQdYovwNqt0xHdLm-qEqnR9tlDnqc_SIVj96b5Ll_2B44seB6495yj5CQ-G17VjAK6I9Xh-9C4Uy1UG7XhLm_TTgK0wKHcmZB7Ikk63MQpaBYOfXc60EQ8W1xkRplKt7/s1600/DSC_0161.JPG" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" height="266" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5lufjrrWMbDgHKQdYovwNqt0xHdLm-qEqnR9tlDnqc_SIVj96b5Ll_2B44seB6495yj5CQ-G17VjAK6I9Xh-9C4Uy1UG7XhLm_TTgK0wKHcmZB7Ikk63MQpaBYOfXc60EQ8W1xkRplKt7/s400/DSC_0161.JPG" /></a><br />
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Next will be the planned air-conditioning and fitted de-humidifiers in custom made wardrobes... sometime before summer. Then we'll see how effective our changes have been. <br />
Always much to do, but we need to pace ourselves. As I said to my wife, the first two years of living here will be the hardest, then it' should get more and more comfortable.Miguel - Newerahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04970762111234680191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3857626156954484494.post-57196800597601297442013-01-29T01:10:00.000-08:002013-01-29T01:58:05.700-08:00Clearing forest for next year's heating & views of a snow covered garden.Just after new year's, Jun & I spent a good while in the forest behind the house, cutting down the thinner cedar trees, so that there would be more room for the thicker ones to grow unhindered. We must've cut down some 20 trees in a couple of days, although it doesn't look like much when I go back to view it, whilst collecting wheel-barrow loads of chopped wood to fuel the stove.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh53KetxNnmyvTkKN4XCvDDoP6ci6h_R03PUl2m9sFWFaVihrfm86Z9oZKFnYkOGwyRntfLLFMTBOQ3fZZ8ToPkbPoRMyA6IL1sxcL_bPDa18K3s1KJbTFmkep1d4ZPDR1HRdfMElI4nxZb/s1600/image+%252810%2529.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh53KetxNnmyvTkKN4XCvDDoP6ci6h_R03PUl2m9sFWFaVihrfm86Z9oZKFnYkOGwyRntfLLFMTBOQ3fZZ8ToPkbPoRMyA6IL1sxcL_bPDa18K3s1KJbTFmkep1d4ZPDR1HRdfMElI4nxZb/s400/image+%252810%2529.jpeg" /></a><br />
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After spring, I am hoping to get soem cuttings of weeping cherry blossom trees & red maple and grow saplings from these to eventually plant as a border of trees seperating the forest from our house. I am guessing by the time the children have grown up, they'll be fairly large and ready to be trimmed and looked after and if things go to plan, they'll eventually take over looking after the garden, but we'll see what life brings I guess whilst living it one day at a time.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJwOUOZoL4diVLl2bGAEe5L9IcYSZgzyxkgLaciv1dRaGVXMqDVNwLZCUuMks1m92zWhzpc5xa0Jt66uTaJNd1ceyszc849n-OHOQ79lmKXTzh6u6SFSGAf5VqN5jAosHM_exmNQzYGAUG/s1600/image+%25289%2529.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJwOUOZoL4diVLl2bGAEe5L9IcYSZgzyxkgLaciv1dRaGVXMqDVNwLZCUuMks1m92zWhzpc5xa0Jt66uTaJNd1ceyszc849n-OHOQ79lmKXTzh6u6SFSGAf5VqN5jAosHM_exmNQzYGAUG/s400/image+%25289%2529.jpeg" /></a><br />
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There are some huge hardwood trees (Similar to oak) on the land. Keyaki is the Japanese word for the wood from the Zelkova serrata tree. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB5Cjqcm_g6Nolc2cQUWPpbsETSi4TztFWo0aKm9LJwsOGog3kZQSh9U_U5qeEAk580-eQN6JWm4hh4QBVUs-ExAeWv7gliGslzAC8oe55hwxFSicANbkXpW3pChyjp3gU-J3xkYZfN5Pa/s1600/DSC_0145.JPG" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" height="400" width="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB5Cjqcm_g6Nolc2cQUWPpbsETSi4TztFWo0aKm9LJwsOGog3kZQSh9U_U5qeEAk580-eQN6JWm4hh4QBVUs-ExAeWv7gliGslzAC8oe55hwxFSicANbkXpW3pChyjp3gU-J3xkYZfN5Pa/s400/DSC_0145.JPG" /></a><br />
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This wood is highly prized by Japanese woodworkers for its beautiful grain, and is used to fashion items as small as bowls to large pieces of furniture although I've also heard it said that it's the carpenter's heartbreaker as whilst it dries it can twist and deform terribly, so before any work is done with it, drying will take a very long time...<br />
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ne of the oldest and largest known Zelkova trees is called the Great Zelkova Nomo, in Toyono Nose, Osaka, Japan. It is more than 1,000 years old and is a National Natural Monument. <br />
I have no plans to cut any of these beautiful trees down, rather I want to remove a lot of cedar around each of them, to give them space to grow unhindered & at the same time create a spaceous forest with smaller more interesting trees of colour and variety to enjoy. Someday it'll be nice to have paths around our land where we can walk and enjoy the beauty whilst caring for and maintaining the forest. Ideas imagined like this are my inspiration, but I'm under no illusion they'll take a long time to achieve. Indeed, someday when we have a good supply of naturally grown foods & a few small log cabins I hope we'll be able to welcome woofers who will help us make these dreams a reality slowly & bit by bit. It's all part of the excitement of seeing things develop and blossom each year.<br />
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Our daughter likes drawing flowers, so in the spring I plan to plant a lot of them in the garden together, so she can watch them blossom. Last year we planted bulbs around trees. I wonder if she'll remember them this year. <br />
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Some of the smaller trunks from the trees we cut down have been saved to make trellis with in the front garden. In the sunnier areas we'll attempt to grow grapes together with roses, which I have read - accompany each other well. Whilst doing this, I hope our daughter will take an interest and so learn about flowers and gardening for pleasure from a young age. <br />
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It's recently snowed and I took the opportunity to take pictures not just from ground level, but from the top of the roof whilst scaffolding is still up to enable me to climb so high. <br />
Bear in mind the top of the roof is some 20 metres. I'm sure we have some trees that are nearing 40m in length, especially the Zelkova Serrata trees (That's the tall one without leaves in the background). <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCoAtLXK7TSeANlDF_Bsf-59eWmz5tf3SgZOMu0Pz1Y70hG78gLAR3NtXKy0FLEZ29HIhQd5AWFJh81c1jxVcLfLseQNwEPWvqjSo_R26FjW1tBFtDxtSFFb60P_lUdCOeDByLHGMyZQJ0/s1600/DSC_0141.JPG" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" height="266" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCoAtLXK7TSeANlDF_Bsf-59eWmz5tf3SgZOMu0Pz1Y70hG78gLAR3NtXKy0FLEZ29HIhQd5AWFJh81c1jxVcLfLseQNwEPWvqjSo_R26FjW1tBFtDxtSFFb60P_lUdCOeDByLHGMyZQJ0/s400/DSC_0141.JPG" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfYmzGEl_xb3y2RzvLAhC96Ven2N8SG0UBZQgBHsXSBguSL8m010i0E9zzhviyfLiguiQJLA9QvD7yFI9JI93LdcEJj5PSsFltkpcegci4QwQcxetO2SJvJOBrU5I7BdWvNB36BYlaymk1/s1600/DSC_0143.JPG" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" height="266" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfYmzGEl_xb3y2RzvLAhC96Ven2N8SG0UBZQgBHsXSBguSL8m010i0E9zzhviyfLiguiQJLA9QvD7yFI9JI93LdcEJj5PSsFltkpcegci4QwQcxetO2SJvJOBrU5I7BdWvNB36BYlaymk1/s400/DSC_0143.JPG" /></a><br />
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The above view is taken from the roof and is of a very tall cherry blossom that towers over the house. My guess is that's some 100+ years old.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB9eJndsrELUW-1hp8cGFXAey6hkC-HLPYv9Fjf7gEgzq1gBQbj4wgx8jlZZCp1JwrSegJpbvJjptkoHCFBbuqO-lcf5EywITGyRJ05BBgClqnmFPxgMqKvNVUEmekVqkPizYmipVuu-PO/s1600/DSC_0136.JPG" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" height="266" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB9eJndsrELUW-1hp8cGFXAey6hkC-HLPYv9Fjf7gEgzq1gBQbj4wgx8jlZZCp1JwrSegJpbvJjptkoHCFBbuqO-lcf5EywITGyRJ05BBgClqnmFPxgMqKvNVUEmekVqkPizYmipVuu-PO/s400/DSC_0136.JPG" /></a><br />
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The building in the left of this picture is what will eventually be moved & rebuilt as a guest house.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4vhPlkWVhbqCdYTtI1Pvjl8a3De-UH6pgaON84iinwjB3heECD-eQuJgjc2C-WqWI8GBR8I4ESEg21r_LqmUcrqb5zqbjZAOvRG_UuekgcMy-iWvIGRScgyHD8t6ThLjkMPoZo6sNDoPj/s1600/DSC_0137.JPG" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" height="266" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4vhPlkWVhbqCdYTtI1Pvjl8a3De-UH6pgaON84iinwjB3heECD-eQuJgjc2C-WqWI8GBR8I4ESEg21r_LqmUcrqb5zqbjZAOvRG_UuekgcMy-iWvIGRScgyHD8t6ThLjkMPoZo6sNDoPj/s400/DSC_0137.JPG" /></a><br />
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The two views below are aerial shots (from the top of the roof) of the right side of our front garden.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyJ_tD9tknl_PYneYWcdSjKB1zm1EmI_YKxkIendvut35qmTUuIWlxu-WTNwNh0Ik45kz3wbkOjhgwAoymzcEWwv45PLMwm8tFsmcXYgdk9oRtuchWy7FRP4rFi6wWSVs3tOqH98Kdpfn8/s1600/DSC_0139.JPG" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" height="266" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyJ_tD9tknl_PYneYWcdSjKB1zm1EmI_YKxkIendvut35qmTUuIWlxu-WTNwNh0Ik45kz3wbkOjhgwAoymzcEWwv45PLMwm8tFsmcXYgdk9oRtuchWy7FRP4rFi6wWSVs3tOqH98Kdpfn8/s400/DSC_0139.JPG" /></a><br />
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We recently met with the owner of the land directly to the right of the house (Behind the trees). He owns some of the taller ones. We asked for and received permission to cut down some of the taller ones that are on the edge of his land - at his expense. These are Japanese cedar, so the plan is to leave mostly Zelkova serrata trees, plant cherry blossoms, citrus fruit trees and cherry blossoms. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAohvUQZtzE0EUfzzpxIL4KhZh28nttUB0tbPjG9PIYgrusMGk3SE4_GOZyJQ-W67PWL3MECmLACeN0LNuE6yijQhHRiXhqu2iazMsfae3DPOkeITZW_a9SDHWLnhlXzUFYnM9l6HaIByq/s1600/DSC_0147.JPG" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" height="400" width="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAohvUQZtzE0EUfzzpxIL4KhZh28nttUB0tbPjG9PIYgrusMGk3SE4_GOZyJQ-W67PWL3MECmLACeN0LNuE6yijQhHRiXhqu2iazMsfae3DPOkeITZW_a9SDHWLnhlXzUFYnM9l6HaIByq/s400/DSC_0147.JPG" /></a>Miguel - Newerahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04970762111234680191noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3857626156954484494.post-87147302101479043932013-01-29T00:57:00.001-08:002013-01-29T01:03:26.716-08:00Making firewood & Bringing down an eyesore.A close friend who visits us often & has a good eye for aesthetics made a suggestion a few weeks ago, that we should think about demolishing an ugly wood shed that was very delapidated. <br />
With our young friend Jun working on the land each week, it seemed like a good idea! <br />
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First off I got him to demolish and old out-house, so he'd get practice in breaking down a small building first, then after moving cars stored around it, he got on with bringing down the wood shed. The beams & pilars that had made the structure were still good, so these were cut using our chainsaw and stacked on another pile as ready-dried fuel for our stove. At the same time this solved the problem that we had been going through wood rather fast - as we now had enough to keep us warm well into Spring! <br />
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Here it is in all it's (lack of!) glory. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9fn6d8yTdHf51TgxuIZbpLhnUVtex8VYHjFn2kWblU2W5_rBvBn2T4vA1ENyQzX4q8Ogr7_cNVLyRQWN1PEe6_9PsSkTFjqHFvumaOgUEamEYkb8ahlVjJwPYYD20AYehkxC3tRx7eIzt/s1600/image.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9fn6d8yTdHf51TgxuIZbpLhnUVtex8VYHjFn2kWblU2W5_rBvBn2T4vA1ENyQzX4q8Ogr7_cNVLyRQWN1PEe6_9PsSkTFjqHFvumaOgUEamEYkb8ahlVjJwPYYD20AYehkxC3tRx7eIzt/s400/image.jpeg" /></a><br />
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The first part was removing the roof, which put a lot of dust in the air from the bark that had been drying under rusted sheet steel for over 50 years. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd0PU0E-UCnhi8ASZJ8Ac84Aubg7Lr32pEt1SNJv4oUhBjXA-jqia9zLZ46PIVOQKBMmNQr15kLtYUVePcXv7BYWY-7GeGiIhww4UNssNbKHoWcM7yRdub6vdUI5029jamMKrtLDNhFuhf/s1600/image+%25281%2529.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd0PU0E-UCnhi8ASZJ8Ac84Aubg7Lr32pEt1SNJv4oUhBjXA-jqia9zLZ46PIVOQKBMmNQr15kLtYUVePcXv7BYWY-7GeGiIhww4UNssNbKHoWcM7yRdub6vdUI5029jamMKrtLDNhFuhf/s400/image+%25281%2529.jpeg" /></a><br />
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The structure was interesting as it was all notched together with no use of nails, although some had been pounded in over the years presumably to hold things up.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggcCeJBc7ltag2HMILb1QGEk6ZnS79JKvfCt-ynBJzso3AWmcz66Ht1CiLXU00S9ts3CyxjJkVz-5c75BdYUws9lT1uLniHKOhyphenhyphenYeflxyoERVcl5VlbAXAZ22Xv0ikUF0pmc-fDEp5h4um/s1600/image+%25282%2529.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggcCeJBc7ltag2HMILb1QGEk6ZnS79JKvfCt-ynBJzso3AWmcz66Ht1CiLXU00S9ts3CyxjJkVz-5c75BdYUws9lT1uLniHKOhyphenhyphenYeflxyoERVcl5VlbAXAZ22Xv0ikUF0pmc-fDEp5h4um/s400/image+%25282%2529.jpeg" /></a><br />
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This is what it looked like shortly before I took the chainsaw to it. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl23HfhDFuQzoi1UUmHh6APTqBL3QGkfYFEpvHNKdLvpg3oKUKisM95p9XXCOKfj0j28CbB61IpBYA6iBwPdiodaJ01PhyiZByiVXheDVc8NPD1V1Yrt4JEce31NVKBMUdO3Z5HJc4BeUU/s1600/image+%25283%2529.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl23HfhDFuQzoi1UUmHh6APTqBL3QGkfYFEpvHNKdLvpg3oKUKisM95p9XXCOKfj0j28CbB61IpBYA6iBwPdiodaJ01PhyiZByiVXheDVc8NPD1V1Yrt4JEce31NVKBMUdO3Z5HJc4BeUU/s400/image+%25283%2529.jpeg" /></a><br />
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Now there's nothing there, so it'll be space for parking cars that are stored, until we make a proper hard-standing for cars in the forest behind the house, but that may be some years away.<br />
The plan is to eventually take apart, move & rebuild the storage barn that is opposite the house, as a small guest house, but this is a project still some years away! <br />
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Meanwhile, Jun has been working on clearing yet more land to grow vegetables on, so the vegetable patch area in the picture below is to also be enlarged. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDdq8kwoapKclQ4Ib-UFdO0caCa7QbDgxJ4apruADtN7UhpPUI8_PxgU-D1rBv_x6EBM3QDO6yeyJukofQwFoecK2OmHwEzGAIpWUYm8yv8yw9CQA3WTi9SbXMgQafRJPNAosIaPK7m5M-/s1600/DSC_9980.JPG" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" height="266" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDdq8kwoapKclQ4Ib-UFdO0caCa7QbDgxJ4apruADtN7UhpPUI8_PxgU-D1rBv_x6EBM3QDO6yeyJukofQwFoecK2OmHwEzGAIpWUYm8yv8yw9CQA3WTi9SbXMgQafRJPNAosIaPK7m5M-/s400/DSC_9980.JPG" /></a><br />
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It's fun to record these pictures, as someday when the guest house is made and complimented by cherry blossoms and red maple, we'll be able to look back at how it all started and smile.<br />
Well, that's the idea but time will tell...<br />
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Miguel - Newerahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04970762111234680191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3857626156954484494.post-41897033646746976132013-01-28T20:06:00.003-08:002013-02-04T07:38:58.406-08:00Warm dreams come true.Last winter was as cold as this one and so over this year we'd looked at the costs & best methods of installing a quality wood burning stove to keep us warm in these colder months.<br />
Those of you who have followed our news will be aware we had chopped & stacked wood from December to Spring, to dry it ready for use in the winter. <br />
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This is what it looks like today, but it was an adventure to fit!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLPLvZhxNoRWW2mUvTMOIksGdvEYPlx9Kc8zb3CRCoJn2tGg8dGtoru-_oL7g05ZOW5iPNKp6mNh4TrSF2-kG2r_lawC48Y3OEiPO-Yeeb2F8Q-uXJN1m2bTSE2UN7QGAbVahEZVG4jTmO/s1600/DSC_1899.JPG" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" height="268" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLPLvZhxNoRWW2mUvTMOIksGdvEYPlx9Kc8zb3CRCoJn2tGg8dGtoru-_oL7g05ZOW5iPNKp6mNh4TrSF2-kG2r_lawC48Y3OEiPO-Yeeb2F8Q-uXJN1m2bTSE2UN7QGAbVahEZVG4jTmO/s400/DSC_1899.JPG" /></a><br />
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We'd obtained several quotations, but each time as they became more detailed we found the estimates escalating. It got to a point that I said - enough, we'll just have to import and do the job ourselves since this would slash costs in roughly half! <br />
My uncle Carlos whose family are based in California had always liked this form of heating and so took a particular interest when I asked him to help me engineer, buy & ship the goods to Japan. As we talked, a plan was hatched. We'd engineer the solution together, based on a detailed quotation we'd obtained here in Japan - he'd order and pay for the goods & shipping and in return I'd supply him a car of the same cost, to import to the US when it becomes eligible in a few years (The car was bought in the meantime and the bodywork restored before putting it under cover to preserve it till it's 25 years old and eligible for import to the US). It'll be further improved with nicer wheels, lower suspension, etc. before it leaves us to head to my uncle.<br />
Hopefully in return it'll be a dream come true for him in 2014, but he'll be over in February to visit and the intention is - he'll get to drive it here too.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaoui2AoIzv2MWLEHT3V96uRTYzU9tdXrH0F8OgHFyAzBOLM4us4JRQ6R5qFDABRTELaDQhtLi1uWnRaK6bNLxRKLe2zOuIcAO284Kq4EMmK5tve15TTdtMgaDmtZDoc8R1yrmqC8aXWbP/s1600/BNR32-001166%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" height="268" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaoui2AoIzv2MWLEHT3V96uRTYzU9tdXrH0F8OgHFyAzBOLM4us4JRQ6R5qFDABRTELaDQhtLi1uWnRaK6bNLxRKLe2zOuIcAO284Kq4EMmK5tve15TTdtMgaDmtZDoc8R1yrmqC8aXWbP/s400/BNR32-001166%25282%2529.JPG" /></a><br />
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And so this story turned into a family project. We spent weeks together going over the details carefully over & over via e-mail & phone to make sure we had all the components we needed to make a very well engineered solution. The stove itself would be the best & largest available. I measured and triple checked, whilst Carlos would continue to question our choices. Eventually we both felt we knew exactly what we'd need to order. We looked at shipping, organised for delivery to his house and collection from there with delivery to Yokohama. By 2nd week of November it was ready to collect from Yokohama port. My wife & I dropped our daughter to Kindergarten, rented a large truck with a tail lift and headed to Yokohama port to do customs clearance and collect the goods.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmU8Z5poKg9Lm26Z0qrucXU2Jy27-AoVwCfZ0n7utFSwCtuIMxvNBEEcH5qPOfuiA2l0kBdRpc-SLBPZxXvEKYEn3BtnLe2KEdhmzdPQWjmZwrFUUyaNVgtyRjYsbcmQVcoRml0EP_SziE/s1600/image+%25285%2529.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmU8Z5poKg9Lm26Z0qrucXU2Jy27-AoVwCfZ0n7utFSwCtuIMxvNBEEcH5qPOfuiA2l0kBdRpc-SLBPZxXvEKYEn3BtnLe2KEdhmzdPQWjmZwrFUUyaNVgtyRjYsbcmQVcoRml0EP_SziE/s400/image+%25285%2529.jpeg" /></a><br />
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I made sure the lightest pallets went in the back of the truck and the heaviest closest to the tail lift.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXz47GqE6hZV8uRRvzYFv-tubwKGrT_5hyJxBG0mdSPyWGRP7flLo-wrcBftDCpJweoE9FFu6FnRv_PwoUyfpZ7LOXeOlwquouVRU2BRXFwEvv5d5c_O-wCsHR5QdaVkcG3lLBRFKPTLMh/s1600/image+%25286%2529.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" height="400" width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXz47GqE6hZV8uRRvzYFv-tubwKGrT_5hyJxBG0mdSPyWGRP7flLo-wrcBftDCpJweoE9FFu6FnRv_PwoUyfpZ7LOXeOlwquouVRU2BRXFwEvv5d5c_O-wCsHR5QdaVkcG3lLBRFKPTLMh/s400/image+%25286%2529.jpeg" /></a> <br />
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On arrival home, I unloaded the 3 pallets, using 2 trolley jacks and a plank of wood to wrestle the 300kg stove off the truck floor, onto the lift & off it again before driving the truck back to the rental depot with my daughter. Our first part of the mission had been accomplished!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJY9hzgYJK6ujtdNcbeC1h3Pr4rs338RqHAIXu7mhFxJpRpnZyfjuJDahsWico5-ksmEhfShz3dGtpbviA369vMseWWXmckW3nSLbD8BUlcvPytkeBL3Mq9khjWa4aTqIBU_C7QtFI7_fd/s1600/DSC_1740.JPG" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" height="268" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJY9hzgYJK6ujtdNcbeC1h3Pr4rs338RqHAIXu7mhFxJpRpnZyfjuJDahsWico5-ksmEhfShz3dGtpbviA369vMseWWXmckW3nSLbD8BUlcvPytkeBL3Mq9khjWa4aTqIBU_C7QtFI7_fd/s400/DSC_1740.JPG" /></a><br />
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The components for the chimney flue, including spare piping & flashing as we didn't really know how we would create the right solution. We just knew we'd do our best - so we covered various options.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYEpTX8N-VxtH4fcFxDMrPXyvnjCQFoVeKmFLbAPep89GPjTqYoPooPSswXEdgeYLlUfNJFdfZTB54dFAw_8o4T-n443gRr_UPMg2wGo62PtdUo3gn4NoKlUDqan2TzapvpCMOG-jLFal0/s1600/DSC_1741.JPG" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" height="268" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYEpTX8N-VxtH4fcFxDMrPXyvnjCQFoVeKmFLbAPep89GPjTqYoPooPSswXEdgeYLlUfNJFdfZTB54dFAw_8o4T-n443gRr_UPMg2wGo62PtdUo3gn4NoKlUDqan2TzapvpCMOG-jLFal0/s400/DSC_1741.JPG" /></a><br />
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Arnie (Our friend & carpenter) quickly figured out an easier way to get it inside the house using old planks of wood and scaffolding wheels and the two trolley jacks to tilt the pallet enough to allow the wheels to be fitted. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6dR5juIs67cMXrVJpCmoGYlVpgHU5SUUUNRPfKYd7-XLKZ8BbNUYUns85YGcd5MwMzTrwGCylx86qAvTegrY98jNBSLwQgyqBRIm6kwQBv7A_sovxsXIqtNGE47KwXl_yDjjLsRUtvYl7/s1600/DSC_1743.JPG" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" height="400" width="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6dR5juIs67cMXrVJpCmoGYlVpgHU5SUUUNRPfKYd7-XLKZ8BbNUYUns85YGcd5MwMzTrwGCylx86qAvTegrY98jNBSLwQgyqBRIm6kwQBv7A_sovxsXIqtNGE47KwXl_yDjjLsRUtvYl7/s400/DSC_1743.JPG" /></a><br />
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And so by lunch time, the stove was sitting in our other lounge awaiting the build of the hearth place.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEils-tOpGsSVwtu7wex70YVHbqigOub7mCyB1c_wnKF5zpI918sCfgR33R__b8tquadPQTTZY48DHjSkIuaF9Sq8REKizGnI7sc3NQEQIoemBOCY5WaJJItSv8nochZo9u0EQiRhsD2SfFF/s1600/DSC_1745.JPG" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" height="268" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEils-tOpGsSVwtu7wex70YVHbqigOub7mCyB1c_wnKF5zpI918sCfgR33R__b8tquadPQTTZY48DHjSkIuaF9Sq8REKizGnI7sc3NQEQIoemBOCY5WaJJItSv8nochZo9u0EQiRhsD2SfFF/s400/DSC_1745.JPG" /></a><br />
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Arnie & I figured that a thin 3mm plywood sheet attached to an oak frame - stained and laquered with a plastic membrane sheet taped into place would make a good base. It only needed attaching to the wall at the very back, since the weight of the stones & concrete would hold it in place permanently. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1_T_UJpyNkPViEuIC3rk5FizvFdGvhFGxfKzLVg9FrxeIdekYf5Djl_WhH53b778iEqm-9Jc4naEiPPYzP-RGzC-HDfpedjnYF0xmtTda9JJrVOs-9hCpdYGh7sbW38IwJHo3h_8491yO/s1600/DSC_1749.JPG" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" height="268" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1_T_UJpyNkPViEuIC3rk5FizvFdGvhFGxfKzLVg9FrxeIdekYf5Djl_WhH53b778iEqm-9Jc4naEiPPYzP-RGzC-HDfpedjnYF0xmtTda9JJrVOs-9hCpdYGh7sbW38IwJHo3h_8491yO/s400/DSC_1749.JPG" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiZ9mzVyGsj0uOgRu8mO3GVn1WnZToZOHq25iKL8PUgRGhY-bBJmvCQ6_PucRLy41r8QtfIs50GmSMvElhxCKWynZ_VhVytebN2ngdJu8hHPinUmeC9tXicYPhyphenhyphenZ8XwmTQh9ic2dsezyK_/s1600/DSC_1750.JPG" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" height="268" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiZ9mzVyGsj0uOgRu8mO3GVn1WnZToZOHq25iKL8PUgRGhY-bBJmvCQ6_PucRLy41r8QtfIs50GmSMvElhxCKWynZ_VhVytebN2ngdJu8hHPinUmeC9tXicYPhyphenhyphenZ8XwmTQh9ic2dsezyK_/s400/DSC_1750.JPG" /></a><br />
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We'd ordered 4 square metres of stone, but when it had arrived the colour turned out to be much more "pink" than we'd imagined from small pictures. Still, by then it was too late as we had to get on with the job. <br />
Sam, Arnie's son is an artist and was well suited to making a good pattern of fit, whilst Arnie trimmed the stones outside using a cutting wheel.To protect the floor we laid scrap cardboard down well and used masking tape to the very edge of our wood trim. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsE50Xk7JwJ7_2g2KGymFh_o04U6erRyxio8AiMwZvRS4RYTGCr4tI61vksMEgTNHbKVKebde2KTK-NwReLC3vueJn9in4_26OFsNhwKBV3SOSeQkIzMZWrKLZS64peq4FsXpLGJSKTxWq/s1600/image.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsE50Xk7JwJ7_2g2KGymFh_o04U6erRyxio8AiMwZvRS4RYTGCr4tI61vksMEgTNHbKVKebde2KTK-NwReLC3vueJn9in4_26OFsNhwKBV3SOSeQkIzMZWrKLZS64peq4FsXpLGJSKTxWq/s400/image.jpeg" /></a><br />
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The stones were laid in a bed of concrete, making especially sure the positions where the stove's feet would sit would all be well supported and level. Then the concrete was left to dry over the weekend.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Pm1IYoZ4mdl4wVWxwqzCern3LgnldoyTTaQgGg7104BdfhtVYBYRLWeKC3Q7_E8ItZtZG9ufh-MDDdDqkNxqOKEEum6YvHALxBWpzhsLknoQ14UB4hzAEcMBuAQapnn_-EaVw7Ni_SIu/s1600/image+%25281%2529.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Pm1IYoZ4mdl4wVWxwqzCern3LgnldoyTTaQgGg7104BdfhtVYBYRLWeKC3Q7_E8ItZtZG9ufh-MDDdDqkNxqOKEEum6YvHALxBWpzhsLknoQ14UB4hzAEcMBuAQapnn_-EaVw7Ni_SIu/s400/image+%25281%2529.jpeg" /></a><br />
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Before using white cement to grout the gaps. Note the hole in the ground. This was carefully measured for the cold air feed, which enables the stove to use air from under the house for the fire, which reduces air being drawn from inside the house and thus reduces drafts from outside. <br />
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The local stove company who'd spent a fair amount of time working out the quotations for us had understood & appreciated that their pricing was unaffordable to us when we called to explain, apologise & thank them for the time they'd invested. They kindly said that if we did need any help or advice, to ask - The Japanese are sweet like this and we hope we can in turn help them in some way in future.<br />
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The scaffolding company they use came to fit, but had never worked on a copper roof before and had no idea how to safely put up scaffolding without damaging the contours. From inside, Arnie & I measured where there were metal beams & wooden supports and from this knowledge, we were able to make a pine frame on which the metal feet could be attached. From a team of 5, two worked feverishly carrying components, whilst the remaining barked orders. Shinobu, Arnie's son did most of the securing of wood with screws, but by around 6pm we had it done. <br />
How scaffolding would be put up without damaging the roof had been a concern but as we finished the day I breathed a sigh of relief. Another challenge had been met!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4AetxhZ-Ji_vxmEgckm8fH-n3XeCtdgW6PqYZMPbzjeQo6c8K09CIFpyRd4ONsCCM5hQ83jRX2YpniRhkfRhMMays_tY30i6Il4vHJvL4LBUKXRSgopolp5D_jD1kqe5U39Wy41hoPpin/s1600/DSC_1809.JPG" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" height="400" width="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4AetxhZ-Ji_vxmEgckm8fH-n3XeCtdgW6PqYZMPbzjeQo6c8K09CIFpyRd4ONsCCM5hQ83jRX2YpniRhkfRhMMays_tY30i6Il4vHJvL4LBUKXRSgopolp5D_jD1kqe5U39Wy41hoPpin/s400/DSC_1809.JPG" /></a><br />
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The next day with Arnie having prepared a frame over the preceeding couple of days and added a 1cm thick fireproof layer, we glued the remaining stones into place using self-tapping screws & pieces of scrap wood to hold them in place. We fitted small boxes around where electrical receptacles were positioned and masked these off, before concreting between the gaps. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaLgdnZtfr2tT0g9HVeBHo9dZthKG0FJDCq-bs7q3FBIwqzfrKV7gQtfcqg807kjgFlOzScDWkKkxPBl5HVI9OVCKoyColQj-BTGYVMf19luy1zt5rau6T8g3JfesK0aN0MjVFXd10f0DD/s1600/DSC_1815.JPG" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" height="268" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaLgdnZtfr2tT0g9HVeBHo9dZthKG0FJDCq-bs7q3FBIwqzfrKV7gQtfcqg807kjgFlOzScDWkKkxPBl5HVI9OVCKoyColQj-BTGYVMf19luy1zt5rau6T8g3JfesK0aN0MjVFXd10f0DD/s400/DSC_1815.JPG" /></a><br />
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With the concrete dried, we removed the masking and swept the cardboard clean to avoid concrete dust causing scratches to the varnish. The hearth had turned out a lot nicer than we'd imagined.<br />
Now at last we were ready to put the stove into place and begin working on fitting the chimney flue!<br />
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To lift the stove into place, we used a 3-Ton Chihoru mechanical winch I'd bought from Yahoo! auctions as a 2nd hand kit to use for tree felling & dragging...<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqr0zE-KY1hO95NxpXUstt-5Y-Bh4vpfbV6Jk6hWps2TSL2wHT5qjI-jBRHEzdaPErPhnokMnOTDsnGXNn1KFSQBfC8127cywa7Z7z_5Dngml08araW9wenE9SiTruoW-Ip0BDgW-U2Asa/s1600/DSC_1825.JPG" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" height="400" width="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqr0zE-KY1hO95NxpXUstt-5Y-Bh4vpfbV6Jk6hWps2TSL2wHT5qjI-jBRHEzdaPErPhnokMnOTDsnGXNn1KFSQBfC8127cywa7Z7z_5Dngml08araW9wenE9SiTruoW-Ip0BDgW-U2Asa/s400/DSC_1825.JPG" /></a><br />
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We didn't know how to release it... So on top of a 3 metre step ladder I had a fight with this 3 ton winch.... and the winch won!!<br />
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As I pulled hard on a short lever, all of a sudden the long handle which had been used to lift the stove released the weight of around 300kg & whacked me on the side of the head.<br />
"OOOOUUCH!!!!" I yelled, as I rubbed my swelling head. Fortunately I hadn't been knocked off the ladder! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4HEZJviS17K8M8nWM1GOZncoOGFr1A3ugpXkC5RXOGvpwT7o77PfMm_frsaam1tkb8yBa8kFoRs9B477uHE4enjt0aQMatdwusTkYSRH7bAj_T9umAywRcPUW-R_sedTv4DbsnCDiSBX1/s1600/DSC_1827.JPG" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" height="400" width="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4HEZJviS17K8M8nWM1GOZncoOGFr1A3ugpXkC5RXOGvpwT7o77PfMm_frsaam1tkb8yBa8kFoRs9B477uHE4enjt0aQMatdwusTkYSRH7bAj_T9umAywRcPUW-R_sedTv4DbsnCDiSBX1/s400/DSC_1827.JPG" /></a><br />
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We continued, whilst the side of my head bled a little and begun to swell. I could only laugh at my stupidity and be thankful it hadn't been worse but for the next week or so I wondered what people thought I'd been up to when they saw me, ha! <br />
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The stove positioning had been carefully planned to allow enough space from combustible materials and now sat perfectly - without even needing to adjust lef heights. Our concrete slabs had dried in position without sinking. <br />
spot lights I'd put up were re-positioned and we marvelled at how good the stove now looked in it's permanent home. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmsCr6h-2edE1pK_CAI-EYpymxGngZ7BBrvEUglpKkNJ40am3d_f3GSkokSTJ8KND4BYVGhuOhqw29wF6YO_hav81vvb_QQ9klN_bNIreM8zNXfwZQGMS6ysP_VriVv1XTZWWFQ-vUjMlr/s1600/DSC_1837.JPG" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" height="268" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmsCr6h-2edE1pK_CAI-EYpymxGngZ7BBrvEUglpKkNJ40am3d_f3GSkokSTJ8KND4BYVGhuOhqw29wF6YO_hav81vvb_QQ9klN_bNIreM8zNXfwZQGMS6ysP_VriVv1XTZWWFQ-vUjMlr/s400/DSC_1837.JPG" /></a><br />
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The next step was of course to be up in the roof. A messy place as there's still so much soot from the irori fire that had burned inside the house for centuries!<br />
Arnie & Sam had used scaffolding to make a safe platform to work on first. Arnie then figured out the safest way to route the double walled flue as straight as possible up to the roof, avoiding beams along the way and using correct lengths to enable the chimney to protrude the required amount through the intended hole. Particular attention was paid to movement from heavy earthquakes as well as clearance from combustible surfaces. He even used cladding to make a collar so that if straw were to fall at the base of where the piping comes through the ceiling, it wouldn't be able to sit against the chimney flue. <br />
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The picture below shows a wooden plank close to the flue, this was part of the scaffolding whilst working. For those interested in how we engineered safety through a thatched roof - Notice the fibreglass insulation inside the chimney facade that was made for the protrusion through the roofing. The plywood box was very strongly attached to the structure so it could never be blown around by winds. The insulation also left no air gaps. With a double walled chimney flue carrying the gasses temperatures can never get hot enough to risk a fire. Aside from support brackets and locking rings between each section, the piping used was fitted as short as it could possibly go - which means the weight of the chimney can never cause the chimney to reduce in length. <br />
Arnie's the man!!!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUdO5_6eDXp8X2ZYEadVj4Vdo_RRwwSGC8RpY4Ta44T7BxdxM8TUtlaci0JUWd7GNhOl1FQZIMQhRvHpOQeLG7eHy5pCQTHLRKVhYnNtdGFJSQazkjyowvMSEeKKFN5aOp5bc4wAhUdOOf/s1600/DSC_1852.JPG" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" height="268" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUdO5_6eDXp8X2ZYEadVj4Vdo_RRwwSGC8RpY4Ta44T7BxdxM8TUtlaci0JUWd7GNhOl1FQZIMQhRvHpOQeLG7eHy5pCQTHLRKVhYnNtdGFJSQazkjyowvMSEeKKFN5aOp5bc4wAhUdOOf/s400/DSC_1852.JPG" /></a><br />
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The top of the roof was the final part of course. The existing copper roofing had been cut to allow the wood to come through, so this was beaten and bent back into place first.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDzRS5EXmL5P4CbYLa7ti9VMmyNVGhDcqpEIKGy9YKLMcB7PyX8QoO8loiDzO9drLOGoC98tMKsOTllFnvabUE9-P-0RhT4qpfYsjhoAU4CqCzKx_0WN04Dm1gE8Xhx2YHcjOWHQZ49pNB/s1600/DSC_1855.JPG" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" height="268" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDzRS5EXmL5P4CbYLa7ti9VMmyNVGhDcqpEIKGy9YKLMcB7PyX8QoO8loiDzO9drLOGoC98tMKsOTllFnvabUE9-P-0RhT4qpfYsjhoAU4CqCzKx_0WN04Dm1gE8Xhx2YHcjOWHQZ49pNB/s400/DSC_1855.JPG" /></a><br />
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I'd ordered 0.8mm copper which was very heavy to carry & work with & overkill - but it was the thinnest I could find of the sizes we wanted. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4eElOLWk0sbEB-QHoLQZ2t5Uh6WoeZxO4ioYz1cIa3QdY8BJyhNxeNXj5PJuGOyvSriqNvJuQikBXLq9MosF6fQhkv9LIuEzlaNJQcr4vGfI5cf_lRAbGa3V1R17YXMmtWhP0ZfxgWUAi/s1600/DSC_1858.JPG" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" height="268" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4eElOLWk0sbEB-QHoLQZ2t5Uh6WoeZxO4ioYz1cIa3QdY8BJyhNxeNXj5PJuGOyvSriqNvJuQikBXLq9MosF6fQhkv9LIuEzlaNJQcr4vGfI5cf_lRAbGa3V1R17YXMmtWhP0ZfxgWUAi/s400/DSC_1858.JPG" /></a><br />
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First we secured the stainless steel chimney top and made sure the copper wouldn't come into direct contact with any other metal to avoid any possible corrosion form electrolysis. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0b42-WXeFl-sCUGtbxg-TsQQG7O5Jb1WRnhNOG6rLw7nvBvWatiA5WFbrhWZtGA-X3Jv5-i4jIIP6Yj8IDWp2La1qIp8zh_5OT8hGravB28qXg2KARHeDr93JUghI0CYojj3TTmN1zkSV/s1600/DSC_1873.JPG" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" height="268" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0b42-WXeFl-sCUGtbxg-TsQQG7O5Jb1WRnhNOG6rLw7nvBvWatiA5WFbrhWZtGA-X3Jv5-i4jIIP6Yj8IDWp2La1qIp8zh_5OT8hGravB28qXg2KARHeDr93JUghI0CYojj3TTmN1zkSV/s400/DSC_1873.JPG" /></a><br />
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Nails used were all copper and so we had to punch holes in the sheet first, then hammer the nails home.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBMKMay_GCsuDq_3V46-68f2rY_oNbVmqEvBJfOhX-cFL0w67bCtHl-DLLax_kKvcsBNWPaIppY13OZrcN6cZvMXyAHBsTtTMbfR58kvihESMuTkIKb7YkFWX2DRpkkl-1KLVcD3LV1b46/s1600/DSC_1887.JPG" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" height="268" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBMKMay_GCsuDq_3V46-68f2rY_oNbVmqEvBJfOhX-cFL0w67bCtHl-DLLax_kKvcsBNWPaIppY13OZrcN6cZvMXyAHBsTtTMbfR58kvihESMuTkIKb7YkFWX2DRpkkl-1KLVcD3LV1b46/s400/DSC_1887.JPG" /></a><br />
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To finish, we put on the copper chimney cap Carlos had sourced from a Stateside supplier. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhswUUpEqfPUkGzyKGC9Y3xIhDnH5T_QeiFUPklYtoIEZagtWADnW1bcw_ZAOK6RBNoEVRgUG4sVfF-RHKvcl26e4r0lNQP-NbLSgyGH1NgyKldqyC7aBgDBXUCvKDNx0tnQis8YV3pn1Kk/s1600/DSC_1901.JPG" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" height="400" width="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhswUUpEqfPUkGzyKGC9Y3xIhDnH5T_QeiFUPklYtoIEZagtWADnW1bcw_ZAOK6RBNoEVRgUG4sVfF-RHKvcl26e4r0lNQP-NbLSgyGH1NgyKldqyC7aBgDBXUCvKDNx0tnQis8YV3pn1Kk/s400/DSC_1901.JPG" /></a><br />
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The final solution had saved around 30-40% over what we'd have been charged to buy & have the work done by the local specialist, but most importantly had been fitted to the best level of quality & safety possible & I hope these pictures and details will help give a good example to others who may want to fit a similar stove to their Kominka here in Japan. <br />
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It's now been a couple of months since we begun using the stove. We've been burning Japanese cedar, which is the prediminant wood we have on our land that we also intend to continue cutting down. Our lounge has become a room that is used much more and on especially cold nights we bring futons and sleep in front of the fire together. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjudgaPbMQ9gq7jV88jyU9Kg8uffehnuZnSKah_eADOQvd9Y_4qjHTDykIPNFwnqckf6aYiyMWttkpDweDOKHxMODnr1OytEFI-7P3ZrmM9dZa0bMozUTMelg5RYmJJmlMi-GeYElOnzHPw/s1600/DSC_0165.JPG" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" height="266" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjudgaPbMQ9gq7jV88jyU9Kg8uffehnuZnSKah_eADOQvd9Y_4qjHTDykIPNFwnqckf6aYiyMWttkpDweDOKHxMODnr1OytEFI-7P3ZrmM9dZa0bMozUTMelg5RYmJJmlMi-GeYElOnzHPw/s400/DSC_0165.JPG" /></a><br />
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As it has a catalyst, it burns much of the creosote resin that would otherwise escape up the chimney. On very cold days we heat just the lounge, but the adjourning rooms can be heated too, especially if we use a small fan to direct the warm air. Although we bought a fire grate to protect our son, he knew from the beginning it's hot & therefore dangerous and doesn't ever go too close, but of course we always keep an eye on him. We also haven't fitted the fan kit at the back of the stove to aid convection. The cold air feed was definitely worthwhile. <br />
I guess we can sell the extra things we don't need, as there is demand for this sort of thing in Japan anyway.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYQZOkhNvqBYbKn9JMH8LhRAyLxte1Ds458vvW2zwpasuPSJHxF8GLELaaqpHQXdiSTQ8Ylidmbv5Hq-dqtEtUELfcF9HNnzVXhjKrMZ1E1G99ntlC1OsxjVRTWJeJI7QjbMwPwZz4xKH3/s1600/image+%25282%2529.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYQZOkhNvqBYbKn9JMH8LhRAyLxte1Ds458vvW2zwpasuPSJHxF8GLELaaqpHQXdiSTQ8Ylidmbv5Hq-dqtEtUELfcF9HNnzVXhjKrMZ1E1G99ntlC1OsxjVRTWJeJI7QjbMwPwZz4xKH3/s400/image+%25282%2529.jpeg" /></a><br />
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My old sailing friend Obata San is very good at making metal things and from pictures I e-mailed of our progress, he kindly made two log racks for us to use. In return, we gave him a truckload of wood which will help keep he & his wife warm at home this winter. I'd like to give him some of our wood each year. It's always warming to the heart to be able to help a friend in return who has helped so much in the past when we sailed our catamarans together in Inage & Yamanaka lake.<br />
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We have gone through about half the wood we stacked and dried last year and will have enough wood to continue to burn well into the spring, especially as we took down an old wood shed (eye-sore!) recently<br />
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Finally, here's a picture of us on our son's first birthday, where Mum & daughter had baked the cake & decorated it together. Slowly, our little girl is taking more & more interest in typical female interests. I hope to plant lots of flowers & rose bushes in the spring with her and make those little fingers green from a young age. Time will tell...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIFm6X1UlyCcjeKeROFf6C85rimeiP02HlFafTddSK0UYkfXuqBSY2Q5jODA_ihCTg1l8aS8Odqit9eB9TLWROq_ZeJKeIzCWEJST0jPP3ZT6_69s70UIJ2TUAnVN9JBqQTTE5xn8cpxMq/s1600/DSC_0100.JPG" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" height="266" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIFm6X1UlyCcjeKeROFf6C85rimeiP02HlFafTddSK0UYkfXuqBSY2Q5jODA_ihCTg1l8aS8Odqit9eB9TLWROq_ZeJKeIzCWEJST0jPP3ZT6_69s70UIJ2TUAnVN9JBqQTTE5xn8cpxMq/s400/DSC_0100.JPG" /></a>Miguel - Newerahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04970762111234680191noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3857626156954484494.post-39218608913190761712013-01-28T19:02:00.000-08:002013-01-28T19:45:50.373-08:00A memorable Autumn<br />
I returned from Portugal as temperatures begun to fall. Most of our family's birthdays & our wedding anniversary fall in this season. Family life has a habit of keeping our free time busy and so there wasn't much time to continue working on the home project before November, but we had fun together. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi345DJWUNYne1b1tcAVhBpMifKHoXJCAMtJD9oA2YOkLrTYA7v3A5m47Kqh4CPtPWHtMvhn-Ij3YhQtPtl-99r2znM0gZNxhBjsuiNYsn9M51b464mYntY37GMKUP521uYznxCKW97Oyjd/s1600/image.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi345DJWUNYne1b1tcAVhBpMifKHoXJCAMtJD9oA2YOkLrTYA7v3A5m47Kqh4CPtPWHtMvhn-Ij3YhQtPtl-99r2znM0gZNxhBjsuiNYsn9M51b464mYntY37GMKUP521uYznxCKW97Oyjd/s400/image.jpeg" /></a><br />
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Our little boy has grown very quickly. He eats a lot and as a result has stamina, strength and needs lots of nappy changes. He crawls, teeth have all come out & I keep being told to enjoy these times and so I do my best to as this innocence won't last forever. Having a 2nd child is definitely harder work than having just one, so I try to give my wife as much help as I can with them. We're both enjoying being parents, but sometimes look back at the luxuries of travelling care-free for weekends away, enjoying evenings out or just spending half a day in bed. <br />
Sacrifices of the heart for love are all worth it. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDqBJBIZ6CWvcSVlLo-L5IR8c06UW75tHOGdNM_utsb4Eg6tUYvhqRs62rlNdvs5A4X_NBoStHZHwqBcfbmJKlH8WVzcMeI62bmGJmlX2KHKJGIYd4_VNifeItTRsPd5b_8zET_w-7ibs0/s1600/DSC_1672.JPG" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" height="268" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDqBJBIZ6CWvcSVlLo-L5IR8c06UW75tHOGdNM_utsb4Eg6tUYvhqRs62rlNdvs5A4X_NBoStHZHwqBcfbmJKlH8WVzcMeI62bmGJmlX2KHKJGIYd4_VNifeItTRsPd5b_8zET_w-7ibs0/s400/DSC_1672.JPG" /></a><br />
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With the continuing turmoil in the world business has slowed over the last 5 years.<br />
Although thankfully it continues fairly steadily for us, I find as I make less income, the quality of our lives continues to improve inversely proportionally. I find I have more time to think of what we want to do and although there's less money to spend - there's always a way if there's motivation. So I spend some time educating myself on how to do things, observing others and imagining what life can become if we put our minds to it. <br />
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Our daughter is now 4 and so we're trying to teach her what we can, whilst always remembering to keep it fun, exciting and challenging.<br />
I drive her to kindergarten each day, to help give our boy more time at home than sitting in the car for up to 2 hours a day for the commute. <br />
As she now speaks English fairly well, I try to teach her a little Portuguese from time to time and vary the conversation. <br />
Sometimes it's about what she wants to talk about, sometimes I share about things she's interested in. Mostly it's important to talk and stimulate her mind & imagination.<br />
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We continue to belive that despite the 1 hour commute there & back, plus the amount of extra time mothers need to spend there cooking, organising events and more - our daughter's kindergarten was the right choice for her. In the summer they made some basic swimming pools in the play area outside complete with slide and so the children learnt how not to be afraid of water. <br />
She's learnt to put her head under water and hold her breath and does her best to swim which was a great start, She's become quite creative with drawing & making things and always looks forward to going in the mornings. We feel she really is learnng all sorts of basic things that are important for life, rather than accademic work, although she's showing definite interests in learning to read, which we're figuring out now - in the most fun ways possible of course. <br />
The school had a small festival in the autumn, where the children performed songs, shared activities with parents and watched shows given by tallented mothers. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_-sJDrDmDDXx2c2Xv6F84mRy0f4SJnmLUk8oqy2BW2kpTEgyOb2oRJ70HavAOygiyotoQzrj1JSuRL76LToy_Ey9s34lalcTPEFUjKNgvWZn15Y_HEFcBTa6NNlcXosTzjmQ8IvafE745/s1600/image+%25283%2529.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_-sJDrDmDDXx2c2Xv6F84mRy0f4SJnmLUk8oqy2BW2kpTEgyOb2oRJ70HavAOygiyotoQzrj1JSuRL76LToy_Ey9s34lalcTPEFUjKNgvWZn15Y_HEFcBTa6NNlcXosTzjmQ8IvafE745/s400/image+%25283%2529.jpeg" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNo0BxEigd_MdKUN0v1I-odAIW8vdgPSqxfZBCtxDxLENRcYpUmjW4BEnr0WQ8-ACqXXSCO-u7P2lTjul-yQnwccNOOU1JMxP1tuvvmeIXced1CGtP8L7dE7-GExiYoKLNJmlkbAClgJCO/s1600/image+%25284%2529.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNo0BxEigd_MdKUN0v1I-odAIW8vdgPSqxfZBCtxDxLENRcYpUmjW4BEnr0WQ8-ACqXXSCO-u7P2lTjul-yQnwccNOOU1JMxP1tuvvmeIXced1CGtP8L7dE7-GExiYoKLNJmlkbAClgJCO/s400/image+%25284%2529.jpeg" /></a><br />
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The children from her school did a singing performance in the park of our local village. In the evening three men climbed to the top of the bamboo & straw tower and threw mochi (Rice cakes) and other snacks to all the crowd, before setting fire to the tower as the sun set. This was a rice festival to bless the next harvest & be thankful for the one they'd just had. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFB8ZjTiTscKplpR6wO145-wUlBNWLe6yNdgZRZBaJ7qWfAQ79cP5k8-dLV8NG3dEy2QnH5emGdCw2JublWwBokqqlGcb7WuScRhnTjnsGFoWMUW7PWDdMvKD-0JwKKerCAGQ4_6d86Wv7/s1600/image+%25281%2529.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" height="400" width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFB8ZjTiTscKplpR6wO145-wUlBNWLe6yNdgZRZBaJ7qWfAQ79cP5k8-dLV8NG3dEy2QnH5emGdCw2JublWwBokqqlGcb7WuScRhnTjnsGFoWMUW7PWDdMvKD-0JwKKerCAGQ4_6d86Wv7/s400/image+%25281%2529.jpeg" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikcYnS4ig4YYCWOSHCu-OlDqkolwUtclFnCbF73lOp0kpAztCoBN7MPZMVpIW-kxde2qrUwD_055W_nHAxNXUyJGOjIlqMQgfa9erAbPGQgIrpTVdRaHZQTPcR71KUnRudf_pbbzNbzuJI/s1600/image+%25282%2529.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" height="400" width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikcYnS4ig4YYCWOSHCu-OlDqkolwUtclFnCbF73lOp0kpAztCoBN7MPZMVpIW-kxde2qrUwD_055W_nHAxNXUyJGOjIlqMQgfa9erAbPGQgIrpTVdRaHZQTPcR71KUnRudf_pbbzNbzuJI/s400/image+%25282%2529.jpeg" /></a><br />
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I sometimes joke that as we live in a forest we don't need to travel to go to one, but of course it's good to get away, especially during the colourful season in October.<br />
For our wedding anniversary we did something impulsive and drove 4 hours to get to Kamokochi. Whilst the children slept on a double futon in our van, we sipped Port wine, whilst bathing our feet in the foot spa in the moon light. Next day we took the taxi ride to the national park to walk and enjoy the autumn colours of the mountain range.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxZ-ZnMhMwa9U79ajUw1shBPjfJmUQKH4WH6yUfoHR3GA_yP-ulLPekNOVsA67VpniY-0yNtvFhHUflQ7m95nY2exxm86Dlurn8iCVBz1CihRkgNqhu4NvG6fB6-bR-R9Pb_og6sNxnb-S/s1600/DSC_1572.JPG" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" height="268" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxZ-ZnMhMwa9U79ajUw1shBPjfJmUQKH4WH6yUfoHR3GA_yP-ulLPekNOVsA67VpniY-0yNtvFhHUflQ7m95nY2exxm86Dlurn8iCVBz1CihRkgNqhu4NvG6fB6-bR-R9Pb_og6sNxnb-S/s400/DSC_1572.JPG" /></a><br />
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Our daughter continues to enjoy dancing, something we'll continue to encourage.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglrlspFqZhb8kSnWAtt52-n6kD9mI52gBiMqRqXuKLAszcoB77i_aMwfcRg1BYhZH9LgwkLcRSuubJ6-QBy85_LLUpnbfwEgHfgKglblnrcdjEDiBviTFokOtGYTjH6cz_4mRI-89KOdNK/s1600/DSC_1582.JPG" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" height="400" width="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglrlspFqZhb8kSnWAtt52-n6kD9mI52gBiMqRqXuKLAszcoB77i_aMwfcRg1BYhZH9LgwkLcRSuubJ6-QBy85_LLUpnbfwEgHfgKglblnrcdjEDiBviTFokOtGYTjH6cz_4mRI-89KOdNK/s400/DSC_1582.JPG" /></a><br />
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For her birthday, despite a healthy dislike for multinational commercialism - we took her to visit Disneyland. Surprisingly her favourite ride was the merry-go-round. <br />
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Miguel - Newerahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04970762111234680191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3857626156954484494.post-37759594028425348552013-01-28T05:43:00.003-08:002013-01-28T06:58:41.697-08:00Sweet summer memories.I feel I owe some of the followers of this blog an apology of sorts, as it's been a long time since I last updated. A mixture of looking after a growing family, running a business, holidays and making improvements to the house combined with a now very cold winter in the country have turned me into a much earlier sleeper these days. I must confess as the house has gotten more comfortable I haven't felt a lot of inspiration lately to write the blog once the kids have gone to sleep. <br />
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None the less much has happened and II do want to keep this blog updated, so there's going to be a lot of belated news activity getting posted now... <br />
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Last summer was extreme - one of the hottest on record in Japan. I don't do so well in the humid stifling heat and sweat profusely. 3 cold showers per day aren't enough! <br />
From this summer I did realise we needed more ventilation in the house and - someday I hope to build a naturally self-cleaning pool, although the ventilation is a necessity which must be in by summer 2013 and the pool, well - that's a luxury I'll have to get around to when the more necessary things are done, which could be a good few years yet! <br />
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My wife had joked that as I planned to be away in Europe for the end of the summer, it was OK, she was going to Bali wuth the kids in the summer!<br />
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It had been 3 years since we'd been for a proper holiday, so in July we took off for as long as we could. She & children spent an entire month in Bali, where I joined them for almost 2 weeks.<br />
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Breakfast our favourite resort in Ubud. <br />
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The little ones were happy together.<br />
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Our daughter's grown up a little. <br />
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We're a family that loves water... All the more reason to make that pool!<br />
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A view of dawn over Sidemen village, Bali. This picture was taken on the last morning just before I returned to Japan. I couldn't help thinking although beautiful & unspoilt it'll probably change a lot within a few years. This may be our last trip to Bali...<br />
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With one of my brothers getting married in August, he & his bride spent some of their honeymoon in Portugal - so what better excuse to go and visit the family for 3 weeks as it had been years since I was last there.<br />
Although I felt a little sad at not travelling as a family, I had the opportunity to enjoy time with a lot more freedom and so I experienced one of the most fun summers discovering places I'd never seen before. As I would usually always visit over Christmas in the past I hadn't enjoyed summer there since my teens!<br />
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With 2 of my bro's. Sadly the other was away working during the day but he also found time to be with us! It had been years since we'd been together.<br />
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The view from the boat, on the way to Alentejo for a long weekend. <br />
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Beautiful unspoilt golden beaches which only the Portuguese know of. <br />
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Yoga on the beach.<br />
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The newlyweds, like 2 peas in a pod. <br />
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Right after this picture, he could no longer find his t-shirt and almost ran after a tourist that had passed by to demand it back... whilst I did my best at a straight & innocent poker face.<br />
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Quinta Da Regaleira is a beautiful place to visit in Sintra.<br />
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Lisbon still has trams running that are over 150 years old.<br />
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As is traditional when we're in Portugal, a gathering of some of the cousins that could make it at short notice for dinner was arranged. Always fun.<br />
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The 4 brothers at home with mum. <br />
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And 2 of the other halves. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1k0zu_a3yjxoEE8s_1xuUXjIzpkNyFoVYXYhILYnP8aXG_edMisImDCvs10Ls0ISA3dS9FgUphzozceX31ftz6c1Th0c2wUL7R0Eqx3S9bfShAffdecrDVAG5x_v7h0t7tyTrTk_VUm_u/s1600/DSC_0073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" height="268" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1k0zu_a3yjxoEE8s_1xuUXjIzpkNyFoVYXYhILYnP8aXG_edMisImDCvs10Ls0ISA3dS9FgUphzozceX31ftz6c1Th0c2wUL7R0Eqx3S9bfShAffdecrDVAG5x_v7h0t7tyTrTk_VUm_u/s400/DSC_0073.JPG" /></a><br />
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Shortly after the above pictures were taken, the newly-wed's honeymoon came to an end and so the ensemble of brotherhood was split until the next opportunity. <br />
I'd figured travelling so far to Europe, there would have been no point in returning too fast, so I still had a few weeks to enjoy. The Portuguese typically take all of August off from work and so the fun times with family & friends continued.<br />
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One of the cousins has a lovely house at the edge of the water for Barragem de Castelo Do Bode which is a huge man-made reservoir that supplies water to Lisbon. <br />
A beautiful & tranquil place to enjoy a holiday. With many forest fires throughout Portugal every summer - the land surrounding his home had burnt just a few days before, but fortunately the house and his land had remained unscathed! <br />
And so some of the family joined together to relax, water-ski, swim and enjoy time together just as August was coming to an end. This was a first time - but it would be a shame if this didn't continue as a tradition, as we all had a fabulous time together!<br />
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Swimming & lounging off the pontoon.<br />
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The view over the water was spectacular.<br />
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Alex is a kite-boarder so he took to wake-boarding like a duck to water. <br />
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We all had a go and enjoyed riding, or watching spectacular falls.<br />
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y<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRCLwLRFr5Gi8yZa_FF3gmDOpMiK2RHMflsyYjIHrqPk7Yo2tAuUGN5OvdiHrY_Ta2rD2y7QqZY22WevydoLWN3YOaXohuqhcE5VGYAeYFUFL7G7iCZIvE0JVX6E-aUx6bzaPQn3MDhiYI/s1600/photo+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRCLwLRFr5Gi8yZa_FF3gmDOpMiK2RHMflsyYjIHrqPk7Yo2tAuUGN5OvdiHrY_Ta2rD2y7QqZY22WevydoLWN3YOaXohuqhcE5VGYAeYFUFL7G7iCZIvE0JVX6E-aUx6bzaPQn3MDhiYI/s400/photo+4.JPG" /></a><br />
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All too soon it was time to each return to Lisbon and for each to begin preparing to return to work. I enjoyed seeing some of the beautiful places in Lisbon. It's a stunningly charming place. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSAgcu4z_A5hJEifBArbhn3lb2_fhNs5SyoFvw_tId9awS9Hk7igmuoey_GnIp71YuoNDW9lAyFvZNwdFySeHQfWVRcrTPFCnVcpzTrNbqifz3Tl46_qT7HAcljmg_Pwc3Ciswji0VKSmr/s1600/image+%25284%2529.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" height="400" width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSAgcu4z_A5hJEifBArbhn3lb2_fhNs5SyoFvw_tId9awS9Hk7igmuoey_GnIp71YuoNDW9lAyFvZNwdFySeHQfWVRcrTPFCnVcpzTrNbqifz3Tl46_qT7HAcljmg_Pwc3Ciswji0VKSmr/s400/image+%25284%2529.jpeg" /></a><br />
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Naturally, food plays a big part in my enjoyment of visitting. These are two of my favourite places.<br />
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In Coimbra (Which we visitted on our return from Porto & the Douro region - below).<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn4Quzu2pIwBu9iT6he8T2J2w8Zy4V_1e6HbztXVVhAcX4YUNy5g1PyxeQAJZJ3CISqszDBzNCY8P3SLUE9ndrSifva3iqdI7iUdSUnY2cAvd3WlHX7DI9S99qQ9L6xRfX9vmWhS6nhk0o/s1600/image+%25282%2529.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn4Quzu2pIwBu9iT6he8T2J2w8Zy4V_1e6HbztXVVhAcX4YUNy5g1PyxeQAJZJ3CISqszDBzNCY8P3SLUE9ndrSifva3iqdI7iUdSUnY2cAvd3WlHX7DI9S99qQ9L6xRfX9vmWhS6nhk0o/s400/image+%25282%2529.jpeg" /></a><br />
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In Costa Caparica, on the other side of the river from Lisbon.<br />
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I'd promised to visit a close friend's mum I'd enjoyed meeting in Tokyo earlier in the year and so mum & I drove up to see them in the beautiful city of Porto. <br />
The riverwalk area that had been so run down for many years had been transformed and was now a beautiful place to walk & take in the views across the river of the old part of the city.<br />
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We were met by our friend's family and warmly welcomed. The following day they took us to the spectacular Douro region, driving over beautiful winding roads where we were surrounded by vineyards as far as the eye could see!<br />
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To cap it all, we were treated to a day with some long established wine traders, where they casually spent a day sharing their clearly enthusiastic knowledge of wines, sampling some very special ports and finally, giving us various great bottles of wine to return home with. This was one of the many highlights of the holiday, although I was enjoying the experience so much and learning all I could, that I only got this picture of the vine in their courtyard - mostly as inspiration for the trellis I will build this winter so we can grow some grapes of our own at home. <br />
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Such great memories were made, that I am hoping to return this summer with wife & children to share some of the great times I know we'll have together. Not least, it'll be good to take the little ones to meet the large side of the family and see some of the other half of their heritage. Miguel - Newerahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04970762111234680191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3857626156954484494.post-4603549722657682392012-09-24T17:53:00.001-07:002012-09-24T17:53:33.342-07:00An important film that analyses & clearly explains what is happening to our water supply and shows why we should re-forest lands and discourage corporate ownership of water rights. Worthile watching food for thought.<br />
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Miguel - Newerahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04970762111234680191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3857626156954484494.post-14006105030682593852012-09-22T15:46:00.001-07:002012-09-22T15:51:37.364-07:00A Quiet Revolution—Bill Mollison on PermacultureThe following interviews are unashamedly copied from the website belonging to Paul Murray, an old friend. <a href="http://therongolianstar.com">http://therongolianstar.com</a><br />
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By Scott London<br />
Bill Mollison calls himself a field biologist and itinerant teacher. But it would be more accurate to describe him as an instigator. When he published Permaculture One in 1978, he launched an international land-use movement many regard as subversive, even revolutionary.<br />
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Permaculture — from permanent and agriculture — is an integrated design philosophy that encompasses gardening, architecture, horticulture, ecology, even money management and community design. The basic approach is to create sustainable systems that provide for their own needs and recycle their waste.<br />
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Bill Mollison<br />
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Mollison developed permaculture after spending decades in the rainforests and deserts of Australia studying ecosystems. He observed that plants naturally group themselves in mutually beneficial communities. He used this idea to develop a different approach to agriculture and community design, one that seeks to place the right elements together so they sustain and support each other.<br />
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Today his ideas have spread and taken root in almost every country on the globe. Permaculture is now being practiced in the rainforests of South America, in the Kalahari desert, in the arctic north of Scandinavia, and in communities all over North America. In New Mexico, for example, farmers have used permaculture to transform hard-packed dirt lots into lush gardens and tree orchards without using any heavy machinery. In Davis, California, one community uses bath and laundry water to flush toilets and irrigate gardens. In Toronto, a team of architects has created a design for an urban infill house that doesn’t tap into city water or sewage infrastructure and that costs only a few hundred dollars a year to operate.<br />
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While Mollison is still unknown to most Americans, he is a national icon down under. He has been named Australia’s “Man of the Year” and in 1981 he received the prestigious Right Livelihood Award, also known as the Alternative Nobel Prize, for his work developing and promoting permaculture.<br />
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I sat down with him to discuss his innovative design philosophy. We met over the course of two afternoons in Santa Barbara in conjunction with an intensive two-week course he teaches each year in Ojai. A short, round man with a white beard and a big smile, he is one of the most affable and good-natured people I’ve met. An inveterate raconteur, he seems to have a story — or a bad joke — for every occasion. His comments are often rounded out by a hearty and infectious laugh.<br />
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Scott London: A reviewer once described your teachings as “seditious.”<br />
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Bill Mollison: Yes, it was very perceptive. I teach self-reliance, the world’s most subversive practice. I teach people how to grow their own food, which is shockingly subversive. So, yes, it’s seditious. But it’s peaceful sedition.<br />
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London: When did you begin teaching permaculture?<br />
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Mollison: In the early 1970s, it dawned on me that no one had ever applied design to agriculture. When I realized it, the hairs went up on the back of my neck. It was so strange. We’d had agriculture for 7,000 years, and we’d been losing for 7,000 years — everything was turning into desert. So I wondered, can we build systems that obey ecological principles? We know what they are, we just never apply them. Ecologists never apply good ecology to their gardens. Architects never understand the transmission of heat in buildings. And physicists live in houses with demented energy systems. It’s curious that we never apply what we know to how we actually live.<br />
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London: It tells us something about our current environmental problems.<br />
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Mollison: It does. I remember the Club of Rome report in 1967, which said that the deterioration of the environment was inevitable due to population growth and overconsumption of resources. After reading that, I thought, “People are so stupid and so destructive — we can do nothing for them.” So I withdrew from society. I thought I would leave and just sit on a hill and watch it collapse.<br />
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The ethics are simple: care of the earth, care of people, and reinvestment in those ends.<br />
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It took me about three weeks before I realized that I had to get back and fight. [Laughs] You know, you have to get out in order to want to get back in.<br />
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London: Is that when the idea of permaculture was born?<br />
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Mollison: It actually goes back to 1959. I was in the Tasmanian rain forest studying the interaction between browsing marsupials and forest regeneration. We weren’t having a lot of success regenerating forests with a big marsupial population. So I created a simple system with 23 woody plant species, of which only four were dominant, and only two real browsing marsupials. It was a very flexible system based on the interactions of components, not types of species. It occurred to me one evening that we could build systems that worked better than that one.<br />
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That was a remarkable revelation. Ever so often in your life — perhaps once a decade — you have a revelation. If you are an aborigine, that defines your age. You only have a revelation once every age, no matter what your chronological age. If you’re lucky, you have three good revelations in a lifetime.<br />
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Because I was an educator, I realized that if I didn’t teach it, it wouldn’t go anywhere. So I started to develop design instructions based on passive knowledge and I wrote a book about it called Permaculture One. To my horror, everybody was interested in it. [Laughs] I got thousands of letters saying, “You’ve articulated something that I’ve had in my mind for years,” and “You’ve put something into my hands which I can use.”<br />
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London: Permaculture is based on scientific principles and research. But it seems to me that it also draws on traditional and indigenous folk wisdom.<br />
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Mollison: Well, if I go to an old Greek lady sitting in a vineyard and ask, “Why have you planted roses among your grapes?” she will say to me, “Because the rose is the doctor of the grape. If you don’t plant roses, the grapes get ill.” That doesn’t do me a lot of good. But if I can find out that the rose exudes a certain root chemical that is taken up by the grape root which in turn repels the white fly (which is the scientific way of saying the same thing), then I have something very useful.<br />
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Traditional knowledge is always of that nature. I know a Filipino man who always plants a chili and four beans in the same hole as the banana root. I asked him, “Why do you plant a chili with the banana?” And he said, “Don’t you know that you must always plant these things together.” Well, I worked out that the beans fix the nitrogen and the chili prevents beetles from attacking the banana root. And that works very well.<br />
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London: You have introduced permaculture in places that still rely on traditional farming practices. Have they been receptive to your ideas?<br />
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Mollison: I have a terribly tricky way of approaching indigenous tribal people. For example, I’ll go to the Central Desert, where everyone is half-starved, and say, “I wonder if I can help you.” And I’ll lie and say, “I don’t know how to do this?” And they say, “Oh, come on, we’ll make it work.” By the time it’s done, they have done it themselves.<br />
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I remember going back to a school we started in Zimbabwe. It’s green and surrounded by food. The temperature in the classroom is controlled. I asked them, “Who did this?” They said, “We did!” When people do it for themselves, they are proud of it.<br />
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London: For some people — particularly indigenous tribes — the notion that you can grow your own food is revolutionary.<br />
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Mollison: When you grow up in a world where you have a very minor effect on the land, you don’t think of creating resources for yourself. What falls on the ground you eat. And your numbers are governed by what falls on the ground. Permaculture allows you to think differently because you can grow everything that you need very easily.<br />
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For example, the bushmen of the Kalahari have a native bean called the morama bean. It is a perennial that grows underground and spreads out when it rains. They used to go out and collect it. But after they were pushed off their lands to make room for game and natural parks the morama bean was hard to find. I asked them, “Why don’t you plant them here?” They said, “Do you think we could?” So we planted the bean in their gardens. Up to that point, they never actually thought of planting something. It stunned them that they could actually do that.<br />
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The same thing happened with the mongongo tree which grows on the top of sand dunes. They had never actually moved the tree from one dune to another. But I went and cut a branch off the mother tree and stuck it in the sand. The thing started to sprout leaves and produce mongongo nuts. Now they grow the trees wherever they want.<br />
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London: You once described modern technological agriculture as a form of “witchcraft.”<br />
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Mollison: Well, it is a sort of witchcraft. Today we have more soil scientists than at any other time in history. If you plot the rise of soil scientists against the loss of soil, you see that the more of them you have, the more soil you lose.<br />
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I remember seeing soldiers returning from the War in 1947. They had these little steel canisters with a snap-off top. When they snapped the tops off, they sprayed DDT all over the room so you never saw any more flies or mosquitoes — or cats. [Laughs] After the war, they started to use those chemicals in agriculture. The gases used by the Nazis were now developed for agriculture. Tanks were made into plows. Part of the reason for the huge surge in artificial fertilizer was that the industry was geared up to produce nitrates for explosives. Then they suddenly discovered you could put it on your crops and get great results.<br />
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London: So the green revolution was a kind of war against the land, in a manner of speaking.<br />
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Mollison: That’s right. Governments still support this kind of agriculture to the tune of about $40 billion each year. None of that goes to supporting alternative systems like organic or soil-creating agriculture. Even China is adopting modern chemical agriculture now.<br />
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London: I remember the late economist Robert Theobald saying to me that if China decides to go the way of the West, the environmental ballgame is over.<br />
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Mollison: I overheard two “Eurocrats” in Vienna talking about the environment. One said, “How long do you think we’ve got?” The other said, “Ten years.” And the first one said, “You’re an optimist.” So I said to them, “If China begins to develop motor vehicles, we’ve got two years.”<br />
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London: What kind of overconsumption bothers you the most?<br />
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Mollison: I hate lawns. Subconsciously I think we all hate them because we’re their slaves. Imagine the millions of people who get on their lawn-mowers and ride around in circles every Saturday and Sunday.<br />
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They have all these new subdivisions in Australia which are between one and five acres. You see people coming home from work on Friday, getting on their little ride-on mowers, and mowing all weekend. On Monday morning you can drive through these areas and see all these mowers halfway across the five acres, waiting for the next Friday. Like idiots, we spend all our spare time driving these crazy machines, cutting grass which is only going to grow back again next week.<br />
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London: Permaculture teaches us how to use the minimum amount of energy needed to get a job done.<br />
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Mollison: That’s right. Every house should be over-producing its energy and selling to the grid. We have built entire villages that do that — where one or two buildings hold the solar panels for all sixty homes and sell the surplus to the grid. In seven years, you can pay off all your expenses and run free. They use this same idea in Denmark. Every village there has a windmill that can fuel up to 800 homes.<br />
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London: The same principle probably applies to human energy as well. I noticed that you discourage digging in gardens because it requires energy that can be better used for other things.<br />
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Mollison: Well, some people like digging. It’s a bit like having an exercise bike in your bedroom. But I prefer to leave it to the worms. They do a great job. I’ve created fantastic soil just from mulching.<br />
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London: Does permaculture apply to those of us who live in cities?<br />
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Mollison: Yes, there is a whole section in the manual about urban permaculture. When I first went to New York, I helped start a little herb-farm in the South Bronx. The land was very cheap there because there was no power, no water, no police, and there were tons of drugs. This little farm grew to supply eight percent of New York’s herbs. There are now 1,100 city farms in New York.<br />
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London: Short of starting a farm, what can we do to make our cities more sustainable?<br />
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Mollison: Catch the water off your roof. Grow your own food. Make your own energy. It’s insanely easy to do all that. It takes you less time to grow your food than to walk down to the supermarket to buy it. Ask any good organic gardener who mulches how much time he spends on his garden and he’ll say, “Oh, a few minutes every week.” By the time you have taken your car and driven to the supermarket, taken your foraging-trolley and collected your wild greens, and driven back home again, you’ve spent a good hour or two — plus you’ve spent a lot of money.<br />
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London: Even though permaculture is based on scientific principles, it seems to have a very strong philosophical or ethical dimension.<br />
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Mollison: There is an ethical dimension because I think science without ethics is sociopathology. To say, “I’ll apply what I know regardless of the outcome” is to take absolutely no responsibility for your actions. I don’t want to be associated with that sort of science.<br />
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London: What do you think you’ve started?<br />
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Mollison: Well, it’s a revolution. But it’s the sort of revolution that no one will notice. It might get a little shadier. Buildings might function better. You might have less money to earn because your food is all around you and you don’t have any energy costs. Giant amounts of money might be freed up in society so that we can provide for ourselves better.<br />
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So it’s a revolution. But permaculture is anti-political. There is no room for politicians or administrators or priests. And there are no laws either. The only ethics we obey are: care of the earth, care of people, and reinvestment in those ends.<br />
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This interview was adapted from the public radio series “Insight & Outlook.” It appeared in the Summer 2005 issue of Green Living magazine. It’s also available in a Chinese translation by Huck Lin.<br />
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LivinginPeace Project: Art, Travel, Permaculture and Education.<br />
www.livinginpeace.com<br />
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Bill Mollison and Masunobu Fukuoka Author of “The One Straw Revolution.”<br />
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<b>Another Interview with Bill Mollison:</b><br />
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In the 1960′s and 70′s Bill Mollison, and later with David Holmgren, developed the concepts of permaculture, (derived from the words “permanent” “agriculture” and “culture,”). In 1978 the seminal work “Permaculture One” was written, with “Permaculture Two” to follow a year later. By 1981 the graduates of the first permaculture workshop set out to make a difference in the world. Since then, Mollison and countless acolytes have spread permaculture principles throughout the world while developing thousands of sustainable systems and creating a model for ecological design and development.<br />
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Recently declared “Ecologist of the Century” in Australia, Mollison conceives permaculture as the “conscious design and maintenance of agriculturally productive ecosystems which have the diversity, stability, and resilience of natural ecosystems.” and “the harmonious integration of landscape and people…” permaculture design he points out, stems from “protracted and thoughtful observation rather than protracted and thoughtless labour:” In short, its goals are energy and water conservation, sustainable local food production and regional self-reliance. As conceived by Mollison, permaculture is nothing less than a “sustainable earth-care system” capable of providing our food, energy, shelter, and other needs while conserving the world’s resources.<br />
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On July 25, 2001 I was fortunate enough to have this conversation with Bill Mollison as he visited our New Mexico Research Farm.<br />
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Part One<br />
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Scott Vlaun: Because most of our readers don’t really know much about permaculture . . .<br />
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Bill Mollison: I was going to talk about the history of permaculture. It really arose from looking at other systems, non-agricultural systems. I spent almost 30 years in wildlife survey, so I’d be watching animals in interaction with plants. I’d be sitting up night after night, watching that sort of thing and I decided that it was a pretty good system but that I could build one just as well. It was 1959. Now, that’s a pretty cheeky thing to say. In fact, I thought some of it wasn’t too good; it wasn’t very well designed.<br />
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Vlaun: This is Nature you’re talking about . . .<br />
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Mollison: Yeah, Nature, I’m talking about Nature. Really, God missed out on a few things. So in November of 1959, I made a note in my diary and that’s what I call the beginning of permaculture. It said, “I think I could build a system that works better than this one I’m watching,” which was a rain forest with marsupials. I didn’t act on that because I still had a lot of work to do in forestry. So, a few years later a Club of Rome report came out in which they made a forecast for the future in terms of renewable resources, fossil fuels and population. It said that something’s gotta give. We’re on a collision course. This must have been about 1963 or 65. I called Hobart University where I was lecturing and I said “What we’re teaching is irrelevant, really, no matter what it is, it’s irrelevant, because it doesn’t refer to near future crises. We’ve been teaching this stuff for 50 or 100 years . . . the same physics, the same classical studies . . . and we should all change.” Everyone said, “Yeah we should.” The staff said so; the students said so; and they all went back and did exactly the same thing they were doing before. It is too difficult to contemplate change if you’re an academic because that’s all you know. I could see that was pretty useless and by 1970, I could see, too, that the marine resources were starting to fold up. We were running out of fish stocks and we ran out of seaweed in some areas. I saw that things were indeed troubled. I saw the need for another system by 1970.<br />
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In 1972, I did that thing where you leave society. I bought five acres in the forest, made a little clearing of about an acre and a half in there and built a house and a barn and a garden and pulled out of society generally. I thought up permaculture. I broke through when I started to think that if I took all the principles of environmental science and made them into directives that tell you what to do, then we’ve got a way to go. Luckily, Kenneth Watts at the University of California at Davis, had just put out a little book on the principles of environmental science so Kenneth had listed all those principles and rules that people had thought they’d discovered and I took each one in turn and changed it into a directive. For example, a wooly sort of principle like “Mature ecosystems exploit immature ecosystems.” It’s difficult to see what that means but apparently people have said that. OK, if you’re going to do that, then lets grow annuals and mulch them round young perennials. By mulching the annuals they’re swallowing, the immature system, we create a perennial system. This actually works quite well. So, I would change them into directives. I did that night after night and then other insights came from that process. What I was doing really was saving energy in every form, whether it was when you build a house or when you grew a crop or when you used fertilizer and didn’t have to. So I could see that you could do almost everything biologically, and you can’t run out of biology. So about 1974 I started building a garden with some hundreds of plant species in it, mainly directed for human use but whatever else I could see that would be in the garden, I would feed it too. Like if I was going to have chickens, I would have a section for chickens, not for me.<br />
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Vlaun: So you wouldn’t be buying off farm inputs to feed your chickens, you’d be growing whatever the chickens needed.<br />
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Mollison: Right. Which is much easier to do than you think. And I kept collecting cases, too. My grandmother had chickens and she feed them with a handful of wheat every day and had a little shed that she’d close some of them up in and got the eggs. She got two dozen eggs every day without fail. One day, I said to her, “How many chickens do you have, Grandma?” She said, “I don’t know, about 25 I reckon.” She didn’t know. So, I set out one evening with a notebook and made notes of all the chickens I could see. By the end of the evening, I knew she had a lot more than 25 chickens. They never came in for that handful of grain, that was all. So, I set chicken traps, big wire cages with funnels in them, with lots of wheat in the funnel and I caught 68 chickens. I wondered . . . these chickens aren’t eating one handful of wheat, that’s not going to do it. She had them running in amongst two plants: one was called Coprosma, it’s a New Zealand shiny leaf creeping plant immune to sea winds and things, and it has crop after crop of berries during the year; it’s always got green berries or ripe berries or new berries or something. Each berry has two seeds that you could easily mistake for two grains of wheat. So it’s a continual wheat producer as far as chickens are concerned; they think it’s wheat and they eat it. So even one Coprosma bush was feeding dozens more chickens than my grandmother. And the other plant she had planted because of the sea winds was in the Solanum family. It’s got huge thorns. It’s called African Box Thorn. It’s a Lycium. It’s a frightfully thorny thing. But in cool climates it doesn’t spread; you put it in and there it grows; it grows to about 15 feet across and 15 feet high. It’s a dome, and it stops there forever. We’ve had hedges of it for more than 200 years in northern Tasmania. It always has flowers, green berries, and ripe berries and the chickens love it. It’s in the Solanacae so there’s like millions of little tomatoes falling all the time. When a chook (chicken) is going to lay eggs and rear chicks she walks in underneath the box thorns, makes a nest, lays her eggs and sits under the box thorns because nothing, no hawks, no dogs, nothing can get her in there. Then come the chicks and they don’t leave that shelter because the berries are the perfect size for little chickens. They eat them until they’re quite well fledged, and out they come in the open air and then hawks get one or two of them. If they’re in trouble, they run into the box thorns, so it’s ideal food and shelter.<br />
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So, she had these two plants and none other, and yet, they fed 85 chickens within 50 yards of her chicken house, so I could say you didn’t have to buy wheat to grow chickens. And her eggs were very good eggs. I later discovered there’s some New Zealanders who grew their chickens on three species of Coprosma. I never saw the other species. That’s all they ever feed them.<br />
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Vlaun: So one plant could provide food and shelter for chickens. What would the chickens provide for the environment there?<br />
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Mollison: Plenty of manure. All the time manure. So you get a very high phosphate reading in the soils nearby. The chickens are also going to give you eggs and feathers and all the usual products. I think there’s almost nothing you can’t do that with.<br />
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Vlaun: So by watching these natural systems first, and then these systems that were kind of naturalized, you developed your ideas for your own farm?<br />
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Mollison: A lot. And first of all, I saw that Nature never has a single system. It never just grows pines or just grows anything really. So, Nature structures a system, an overstory, intermediate stories, and understories and then dives below the ground into tubers. So when you have to construct a system you have a huge range of levels that you can construct providing you pay attention to the light needs of some plants. Now, it’s critical in the tropics to have high shade. If you don’t have it, you get very little production because about 9:30 in the morning it’s too hot and your plants wilt, so photosynthesis ceases. But about 4:30 in the evening the leaves come up again and they all start photosynthesizing and you get a little bit at the end of each day where the plants grow but none other, so that’s why the tropics have never been renowned for production and they don’t feed the world from the tropics because plants growing there don’t get much of a chance to actually put their energy into growth. They’re what they call light-saturated, too much light. They deal with it and just fold up, so you’ve got to put a high shade over it and so the tropics have a lot of umbrella-shaped trees. Put those up and plants will synthesize all day long so you can double production underneath shade trees. In Massachusetts, or Maine where you are, you can’t put shading over your gardens because you don’t have enough light. You have very good light, by the way, because you have a lot of indirect light bouncing off clouds or coming through fog. That’s the best for growing plants, so the further north you go up to 60° north, 70 in some cases, the more production you get, because you get 18 hour days up there at 60° north and beautiful warm days but not a lot of sun. So you can grow the 100 pound cabbage up there. Up to Alaska, you can grow 40-pound potato and 100-pound cabbage. (laughs) It’s not fairies, like they say it is at Findhorn. Findhorn puts it all down to fairies and devas and prayer and things while using pig shit for fertilizer, but it is indirect light, endless light, 18-hour days of growth, and ground up glacial soil. You can’t beat that for ground situations. So if you want to grow record spuds, build your gardens in Alaska. If you want to grow year round, have another garden about 15° degrees off the Equator and move there as soon as winter comes.<br />
<br />
Vlaun: I like that idea.<br />
<br />
Mollison: Yeah. It’s a lot cheaper than staying at 60° north and trying to keep warm. The fare to a more amiable climate is cheaper than your oil for heating your house.<br />
<br />
Vlaun: But not if we have one of those Finnish stoves, right? (From a previous conversation about wood fired masonry heaters.)<br />
<br />
Mollison: Not many people have them. The Finns have them. The Russians have them. But the American people are secure in the fact that they can burn oil ’til the cows come home. They don’t bother with them.<br />
<br />
Vlaun: Maybe as the price of fossil fuels goes higher, there will be more incentive to come up with better solutions. Even in New Mexico, most people don’t take advantage of the sun to heat their homes.<br />
<br />
Mollison: This is ghastly! But you’ve put me off my track. In 1974, I built gardens that I thought were pretty good and I independently evolved deep mulching systems, I say independently, because about 7 seven years after that, about 1982, an American came by and said, “Oh you’re using Ruth Stout’s method” and I’d never heard of Ruth Stout and it was many years before I actually got her book, closer to the 90s.<br />
<br />
Vlaun: That was one of the first garden books I ever read back in the 70s . . .”the No Work Garden Book.”<br />
<br />
Mollison: Ah, great.<br />
<br />
Vlaun: . . . her book and the Nearings’ “Living the Good Life” They were the two people I read back then.<br />
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Mollison: I remember reading a book rather like the Nearings’. It was made in England . . . I’ve forgotten the guy who did it . . . and I thought it was a lesson in rotten hard work for very little result. It was sort of like a ground-down peasant primer. (laughs heartily) Just what I didn’t want. I grew up like that, I grew up on farms on which you worked 18-hour days, hard work, and I thought, there’s got to a better way. I ignored this in Scott Nearing and John Seymour. He wrote a book, in which you’re trying to do everything. He called it practical self-sufficiency. (John Seymour’s books “The Forgotten Arts” and “Forgotten Household Crafts” have recently been republished in one volume by DK Publishing as “The Forgotten Arts and Crafts.”)<br />
<br />
First of all, I think that’s a terrible concept: self-sufficiency. You make your own cheese; you skin your own pig; you make your own gloves from the pig’s ears, you know, it’s a shocking idea. We are absolutely interdependent. I want somebody else to be making my boots while I feed them, you know. And somebody else again to make my fishing rod, car, bike. Self-sufficiency is a stupid idea. You can go a long way to feeding yourself or perhaps all the way, but beyond that, it’s pretty stupid really. You have to have something to make money: photography, writing books. Me, I write books. That’s my income. But I can easily feed myself.<br />
<br />
Vlaun:I think that was Scott Nearing’s point too. He would work four hours a day on feeding himself and providing his shelter and heat, but then he would work four hours each day writing, lecturing, and teaching, and then four hours a day reading, playing music, things like that.<br />
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Mollison: Nice, nice.<br />
<br />
Vlaun: It’s kind of hard to do, but . . .<br />
<br />
Mollison: Like you would forget sometimes (laughs) . . . but theoretically. I didn’t read him a lot but I know he built a lot of stone walls and things and that is hard to do.<br />
<br />
Vlaun: He and his wife Helen built stone house.<br />
<br />
Mollison: Yeah. There’s another hard thing to do. You only ever do one of those in your life. I’ve built big stone walls and things and when you finish one, you’ve finished them forever, you know. I never want to do that again.<br />
<br />
Anyhow, I was looking for a different way. I thought: There are easier ways to get what you want. What you have to do is obey the natural law, but Permaculture turned very rapidly into a system of design so that everything you put in had a multiple purpose and was in the right place to carry out its job. It’s a peculiar thing to say that you put the tree there to give shade; every tree gives shade; so that’s not a unique characteristic of this tree you put there, to give shade, but if it also gives you something like oranges or dates as well, that’s good, and also has an excess of oranges to feed your pig . . . then it’s doing three things. And I always say that everything you place should do at least three things. If you put a window in, there should be at least three good reasons why you put it in that place because a window converts light into heat and it should be where you want that heat and where you don’t want it is on your west wall. An amazing number of people put a window in their west wall and suffer from extra heat. In Davis, in California, you’re not allowed to do that. It’s forbidden in your design. They’ll scratch it out. You can’t build a house like that. You can’t build houses so stupid. It’s going to use gallons and gallons of oil to cool them. So, no west windows and no unshaded west walls and no unshaded parking areas. That’s all part of the law now. But in the center of Sydney and elsewhere there are many more laws just to stop you from being so stupid that you’re gonna cost the earth. Because the supply of people present on the earth, all of us, with the energy base that you have in America, you’d need 25 Earths and we don’t have ‘em. So, without those 25 Earths, you gotta design systems which cost a lot less in terms of oil and gas than America does. And you’ve got the wrong president, too . . .<br />
<br />
Vlaun: Well, we don’t want to talk about that.<br />
<br />
Mollison: So I evolved a system in which your house is designed to your landscape, your water supply was designed into your house and landscape, every farm supplies it’s own water; every house supplies it own water; there is no reticulated water.<br />
<br />
Vlaun: Really? Even in the cities?<br />
<br />
Mollison:There is some in the cities for sure. But we realize we shouldn’t have done it. We should have supplied every house with its own water tank off its own roof because when they did reticulating water here and in Australia they used asbestos cement pipes, thousands of miles of them. Everywhere you dig up water pipes of asbestos cement, and they’re all giving up the fibers now, have been for a long time.<br />
<br />
Vlaun: So do you think your ideas of permaculture can apply to all different scales, from the industrial agriculturist to the home gardener?<br />
<br />
Mollison: Any scale. I had a lot of fun in Sweden sitting in little flats with architects working at how we were going to eat in this flat and we were able to do it and also to have fish occasionally. We had worm drawers ( for composting) in our kitchen where we grew our worms by using our kitchen scraps and spitting into them occasionally and whatever else . . . and then we had little boxes on wheels which we put out to small verandas in the daytime to grow our potatoes in . . . we couldn’t leave them out at night; they would have frozen. (laughs)The funny thing that struck me there is that my friends wanted to patent everything. They wanted to patent the worm thing. They wanted to patent the potato thing and I said, “Oh that’s ridiculous. You want to give it away and teach it so that every Swede is happy in their room.” We used the fish tank, high on the rear wall, to condense any moisture out of the air down into the tank so we weren’t rotting away in the wintertime. We had a lot of very good systems running.<br />
<br />
Anyhow, on the big scale, we have farms much bigger than Texas in Australia, so we go very big, and we do thousands of them a year. Somebody said to me, “Would you design Greece?” or “Would you design Connecticut?” and I would say, “Sure, that’s an easy job. That’s smaller than designing one of these farms.” So, it goes from the tiny one room flat in Stockholm to the unthinkably large, a 4 million acre cattle station in Northern Territory.<br />
<br />
Vlaun: So what would you say are the underlying principles that would be the same in that room in Sweden . . .<br />
<br />
Mollison: . . . they’re all the same. The principles have to be all the same. That’s the point.<br />
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Vlaun: . . . and what would those principles be?<br />
<br />
Mollison: Well, that everything you place has to have multiple functions, everything you place has to be to save energy. There’s a whole set of good design principles. Another is that every important function is carried out in many ways.<br />
<br />
Vlaun: So not only is each element performing many functions, but each function is coming from many things.<br />
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Mollison: Right. Where you are in Maine in winter, you probably want a big thick, probably down, blanket over your bed and it you want a plump wife, so she’s cuddly in the winter underneath and you want a mass heater so it goes on quietly all night putting out low heat levels, and you probably want the same percentage of your south wall glass as your latitude. What’s your latitude?<br />
<br />
Vlaun: 44°<br />
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Mollison:So you want 45% of your south wall in glass and then you want a solid floor inside so the sun is doing its maximum to heat your house too, so you’re gonna get your house heated. If all that fails, you do what you the Yugoslavs do: lift your house one floor up and stack all your cattle in underneath every night and all your hay. And if that doesn’t do it, you gotta do what Southern Russians do: you flatten your roof and stick a huge haystack up on your roof so that the heat of composting is being driven from your roof into your room while your cattle drive heat up underneath. In the end you’re gonna end up pretty warm with your wife and your blanket and your mass heater and your cattle under the floor and your haystack beating down from on top, you’re gonna be OK. And no one can turn that off. There’s no one thing that’s gonna make you shiver.<br />
<br />
And the other thing is that every important function is achieved by many methods and everything is placed for many reasons . . . and if you’ve done it right, you come out of it well.<br />
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Vlaun: So while your haystack on the roof is making compost for you, it’s heating your house . . . .<br />
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Mollison:The nice thing about it . . . you see it also over Turkey and up the Caspian . . . you put it up there when it’s still a bit wet and it’s going to feed your cattle and goats . . . they can’t get up there up and eat it. It’s still actually working; it’s more becoming silage than hay, so it’s very warm and the center can be as high as 60°C and then, as you feed it down and the winter starts to wear off, it gets cooler and cooler until in the end, it’s not heating you at all and it’s springtime. Not a lot left there then. You chuck the last bit down, and then you can start drying things up there for the summer and hanging out your clothes and things. A haystack is a beautiful thing. In England, they fill a garage up with bales of hay, pump the contents of their septic tank over it, diluted; it goes up to about 63°C and they run coils of pipe along the walls and in the ceiling and then run all the hot water from them into the house to heat the house. I think it’s 17 cubic meters of compost will heat an English house for the entire winter, so they do that, and the French do too. The French chip up everything, little logs and prunings and put it in a bloody big pile. In the middle of that they have a hot water tank and they draw that off all winter into your radiators and into your showers and baths. Then at the end of winter, they take the compost away and put it where the soil is poor. They do it as a fire prevention system. All the stuff that would burn in the summer, they’ve composted by the end of winter. Yeah. So, it’s just thinking, “How many ways can you heat something?” Well, in Iceland, they make a beautiful cheese out of evaporated whey and they do it by floating great big trays out on the hot water coming out of volcanoes, tip the whey in and just let it evaporate. The heat’s for nothing. They make a beautiful sweet cheese like that. So, there’s all sorts of ways. Up at Pyramid Lake there’s really lovely hot springs. They can be too hot, sometimes you have to shuffle back a bit sometimes. There’s thousands of things you can do with that heat.<br />
<br />
Vlaun: For somebody with a small suburban garden, how many different species of plants do you think would be appropriate to grow?<br />
<br />
Mollison: Oh, I would say that 30 would pull you up. You’d be eating more sorts of vegetables than most people at 30. Fact is, in my gardens any day, I could pick 40 plants to take inside, so I grow more than most people. But I could go into some of my gardens, subtropical ones, and I’ll bring that up to 400. But never in any one day do I collect 400 of anything. I just get a basket and fill it with whatever is there; it might be only 20 things. But I’ll grow 400 edible things. But where you are, in Maine or in Massachusetts, you’d do very well to have 30 sorts of vegetables to bring inside.<br />
<br />
Vlaun: What about other plants that you’d grow for other purposes, like feeding chickens or plants you would grow to attract beneficial insects, that would raise the amount of species you’d grow.<br />
<br />
Mollison: You don’t need too many species to feed your chickens, or for your bees, or for your hummingbirds or whatever. The more things you take care of, the more plants you’ve got. If you’ve also got free-range pigs feeding themselves, you’ve gotta have a lot of drops from your trees and you’ve gotta have big nuts falling everywhere. And you’ve gotta have a lot of sugars for the winter, so you’ve gotta have striped maples all through your understory, for your deer to see the winter out and stay fat. So it depends on who else you’re looking after. If you’re looking after fish, you’ve gotta have another set of plants. In Hawaii, we run sweet potatoes right around the edges of the apartment, but it’s always trying to run out across the pond, but it’s always kept to head-height of the carp, as far as a carp can stick his head out of the water (laughs) and it’s trimmed right around, but it’s always growing, it’s always optimistic that it’s gonna run across the pond. Tradescantia, Wandering Jew, is another marvelous plant for ducks and fish, to put on the edges of the ponds. We grow a lot of prawns in Hawaii, and you could grow them in your glass house up in Maine, freshwater prawns, and they eat single-celled algae, so we don’t know how to cultivate those, so we just simply float about 20 ducks to a quarter acre and they do the job of growing the algae. The duck manure is almost immediately colonized by algae and that’s what the prawns eat, the algae. So 25 ducks per quarter acre,100 per acre, and you can produce $60,000 worth of prawns per quarter acre twice a year. Think of that. And that’s just duck shit. Duck’s shit is the basic fuel for that system. Now, what are you going to feed your ducks. Very few ducks enjoy eating much grass. They love Tradescantia and sweet potato but they love snails too, so you can put in lots of water lilies in clumps here and there and in between them you put a lot of horseradish. Snails love living in water lilies but they come out and eat horseradish. And also, if you put a lot of nasturtium in, you get a lot of snails, so if you’re going to grow ducks you gotta grow horseradish, nasturtium, Tradescantia, water lilies and Agapanthus (African lily). You’ll get plenty of ducks which means you’ll have plenty of algae in the water and you can grow prawns, and the prawns haven’t cost you a penny. They’re just a second offshoot of your ducks feeding and enjoying themselves. So the system fuels itself.<br />
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Now I have a friend in Japan; his name is Takao Furuno and he only uses ducks on his farm. He doesn’t buy any fertilizer, any insecticides or any herbicides and he grows rice. He gets about 7000 pounds of rice an acre for a year. He plows with ducks; he fertilizes with ducks; he weeds with ducks; and he controls all pests with ducks so he’s getting totally organic rice, totally produced by his ducks. We’ve just published a book he’s written called The Power of Duck. The power of duck on his small farm is total. You don’t need anything else for anything. It’ll plow; it’ll fertilize; it’ll take all the weeds you don’t want out, and it’s just a duck. And then what you have leftover, as well as 7000 pounds of rice in an acre, you’ve got 2000 ducks. Some of the restaurants located around farms that are using his system sell 500 ducks per day. Got a lot in the freezer, of course. It’s resulted in a second tremendous surge in duck sales in restaurants, you know, and restaurants set up purely to cook ducks in all possible ways. So, we’ve just published Furuno’s book and you know, just as much as permaculture books are example after example after example of how you can save energy and get great benefits, Furuno’s book is very important as it takes a rice crop, which is always subject to huge amounts of pesticides, and tells you how to grow it with no fertilizer and no pesticides.<br />
<br />
Vlaun: Are people starting to follow his model in Japan?<br />
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Mollison: So far, I’d say about 15 to 20,000 farmers have adopted it wholly and sometimes whole areas of farms, In South Korea, probably 4-5000 acres of the rice farming district is in the Furuno system. He’s taught it in China; Vietnam has adopted it very fast; Indonesia, and he’s been to Tanzania in Africa where they grow the African varieties of rice. So he’s spreading his system as fast as he can go. All the winter when nothing is happening in his field, he packs his wife and five kids and off he goes, teaching, into China or Vietnam or Indonesia or Korea or anywhere . . . anywhere there are rice farmers he’ll come and teach you at his own expense. I met him in Vietnam. I was up there teaching permaculture; he was teaching rice growing, and he said, “You’re my brother. We both just travel to teach when we’re not actually on the farm, when it’s wintertime at home, we go and teach other farmers,” which is exactly what both of us do. I did it for 25 years; he’s only been going about 8 or 10. But he will be going for 30 years because he’s a young man and very keen on his system.<br />
<br />
Vlaun: Sounds like that one system could save a huge amount of fossil fuels and petroleum based fertilizers.<br />
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Mollison: Vast. All that I’m telling you about the duck makes all the people with investments in fertilizers shiver in their shoes because you don’t need any of that shit. The shit you want is duck shit.<br />
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Vlaun: On his farm, does he have to have a lot more labor to harvest, or does he still run machinery to harvest?<br />
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Mollison: Japan, and to some extent, Italy, are the centers of tiny machines. Little machines that have something like a plastic chair in the front of them that you sit on and tiny little control levers and 5 hp engines, and they march across the patty fields with little wire fingers picking up individual seedlings and planting the rice. Behind you are all these perfect rows of rice being planted through the mud. They’re tiny little machines. And then later in the year, his wife comes with another little machine that will stop every six or seven rows and take the bags off the machine and then she’ll gather them all up.<br />
<br />
Vlaun: So these are very small efficient machines but still running on fossil fuels.<br />
<br />
Mollison: Yes, tiny little machines. But you could do it all by hand because his rice crop is one and a half acres. His farm is seven acres. His income is about $136,000 a year. And he supplies 100 homes with all their meat, eggs, chickens, ducks, vegetables, 30 or 40 sorts of vegetables, and all their rice. And he does it in a tiny little flat-topped truck.<br />
<br />
Vlaun: Without causing any harm to the environment.<br />
<br />
Mollison: None.<br />
<br />
Vlaun: Actually rebuilding the environment it seems.<br />
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Mollison: He said his soil has gotten better every year. His vegetables are more productive every year. He uses the husks of the rice and his duck shit moved out every year to his vegetable crop. He said the soil is really getting very very good.<br />
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Vlaun: Is that system an evolution of Fukuoka’s system of natural farming? (Masanobu Fukuoka was the author of the seminal book entitled “The One Straw Revolution” which detailed a style of farming which works in harmony with nature.)<br />
<br />
Mollison: It doesn’t refer to that. Fukuoka started as a philosopher. After a lot of struggle, 18 or 20 years, became a farmer. Furuno started as a farmer and after 18 as an organic farmer and now 8 years as a sort of duck-based organic farmer, everything he’s done is extraordinarily practical. It’s carefully measured. He can tell you exactly what to do.<br />
<br />
Vlaun: Would you call permaculture a philosophy?<br />
<br />
Mollison: If you would call philosophy a system for thinking things out, I would, but otherwise, I don’t see it as a philosophy….. I don’t want permaculture to be called a philosophy because people might mistake it with deep ecology and it’s not deep ecology because it’s very practical……. First of all, that’s a very smart thing to do, to name yourself a deep-ecologist, because anybody else has to be shallower than you are. (laughs) All the deep-ecologists, and they’re all philosophers, I’ve asked them all these questions, the same questions. “Do you own a car?” They all own a car. “Do they take a newspaper?” They all take a newspaper and some take many newspapers. “Do you have a garden?” Not one of them has a garden. I said, “You’re the sort of deep ecologist I don’t want to know because you’re my problem. You’re the world’s problem!” Driving a car, taking newspapers every day, no food of your own, no attempt to grow your own food; what sort of deep ecologist are you? So the answer to that is, “I am a deep ecologist in my head but I take absolutely no notice of what happens in the world.” Permaculture saves ecosystems; it preserves species; and it feeds the hungry. Nothing else does that.<br />
<br />
Vlaun: Do you think everybody should grow their own food, at least attempt to grow some of their own food?<br />
<br />
Mollison: No, everybody however should do something to help themselves and others. Now, if you’re very good on a computer, you shouldn’t be growing your own food, you should be helping the people growing their food to market the food they grow. You know, you should be setting up community supported agriculture and you should be the computer person taking in the orders and recording the numbers of customers and helping everybody as a computer person. I think we should be strong in our roles and our roles should all assist all of us to live in more efficient houses, use much less energy and power, provide ourselves with clean water and clean food and set up our own banking system in which we recycle our money for our own use. And permaculture does all that. We set up banks and credit unions in the third world and small farming societies. So you use your money to lend out to what you believe in. You should invest in what you use. And if you’re going to use clean food, clean water, and very clever engineering for energy reduction, you should invest in that.<br />
<br />
Vlaun: Do you think permaculture, as a construct, is a way to make us look at the reaction to every action that we take?<br />
<br />
Mollison: That becomes obvious to you. Often, you set off the wrong way with a lot of things, and then permaculture helps you pull out very early because you’re looking at the results of what you’re doing and say, “Look, I want to get to where I was going, but this way is not the way. I’ll try another way.” Permaculture helps you think out how to get to where you want to go.<br />
<br />
Part Two<br />
<br />
Scott Vlaun: Do you think that by building small scale permaculture systems in your own backyard, like your one room in Sweden for instance, that it makes you more aware of how larger systems work so we can better understand the consequences of our actions?<br />
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Bill Mollison: Yes, for example, I went to a new ecology, the tropics, latitude 28 and I went to the grasslands. Now tropical grasslands are fearful things: they’re over your head, they’re tangled, they’re awful, and we turned it back into jungle, into rain forest; in about three years. I put in some 45 dams and miles and miles of swales, so it all turned into a huge self-watering system. So, at the end of three or four years, I said: I can do it, I can create paradise out of hell. There were 57 big Herefords on this farm of 170 acres-and you couldn’t fatten them so you couldn’t make it pay. And that’s all there was-just great big earth-tamping machines running around losing money and now, you know, we produce more fish out of a half acre pond than all the Herefords put together. And thousands of mangoes and endless bunches of bananas and on and on and on and on.<br />
<br />
Vlaun: Is this a model that could be used to regenerate the rain forest that’s being destroyed?<br />
<br />
Mollison: Well, up to a point. You can reclaim the tropical grasslands, but if you take southeast Brazil, or the southeast part of the Amazon, it turned into white sand desert once they cleared the rain forest. It’s a long way back from white sand desert; it’s not as happy a situation as back from grass.<br />
<br />
And on the other side, in Ecuador, around a little town whose name is Cangagua, when they took the rain forest off there was only a thin layer of soil, about a foot, and it washed away. Underneath that was silica, so all the hills and valleys and everything’s made out of glass. So you own a glass landscape; how do you reclaim that? Standing on a glass hill looking at a glass valley with a glass hill across the valley. Well, one day, some of the troops in permaculture down there on the coast noticed a guy up on one of those hills with a sledge hammer and he was breaking the glass-which is thick-smashing it up and making a sort of channel around the hill and then he was planting little trees in the channel and they said, “Oh we can’t let him do that on his own,” so they all went up there and helped him break channels around the hills. And now they say there’s a little jungle coming along but it’s going to take much longer than five to six years, but he decided that he wasn’t going to be dispirited by the glass. Cangagua, it’s called, after the town where it is. So, there are some very discouraging places.<br />
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The other ones are in the deserts. We do analyses and we find that 96 or 98% silica and no other elements and it’s non-wetting so you can pour water on it and it all runs around on top in little bowls and it’s a bit dispiriting. I started there in an aboriginal settlement and the only water we had was 1100 parts PPM salt; you couldn’t drink it; it would knock your kidneys out. You can feed it to cattle and you can irrigate with it if you want to use a lot of it; it goes down through and comes out in low places. I think in about two years we had a booming organic garden there, in this eroded sand dune, using this dreadful water. And the aboriginal community fed itself very well from there and also sold a lot and made a lot of money. I think the mice got in once and ate $8000 worth of pumpkin seeds out of it, we had to even put out mouse fences. Mouse called moonpi. We had moonpithons to reduce the mice and in the end we only had to put flat sheet on fences all around our garden. So you never know what’s going to attack. First of all, we had to put a kangaroo fence, very high, 12-15 feet high and then we had to put a moonpi fence ’round the outside of that to keep the mice out. Moonpis are more damage than the kangaroos, really.<br />
<br />
Vlaun: There’s always something.<br />
<br />
Mollison: Yeah, there’ll always be something. And you can always stop it. I saw an electric fence for snails. It was 4″wide plastic pipe pressed a little bit into the earth so there’s no hope they could go under it, and it had little studs along the top about a half or a quarter of an inch high. It had a little thin wire running around it all and a small battery running this little electric fence. The snails would come up over this little pipe to cross it, leading with their eyes, and their eyes would touch this wire and they would disappear into this dimple, into the snail, as he got shocked through his eye stalks and he’d back off and he would never do that again.<br />
<br />
Vlaun: Really. They’re that smart.<br />
<br />
Mollison: Not so smart. If somebody jolts your eyes with electricity, you don’t want to go back there again. It’s not so much smart as really basic.<br />
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Yeah. I think a New Zealander told me once that a New Zealander will keep anything in or out with electric fencing. Give him elephants, give him mice, give him snails, give him beetles, he’ll control them . . .<br />
<br />
Vlaun: I would say that a Mainer is probably second to a New Zealander . . . Everybody has an electric fence. Keep ‘em in or keep ‘em out.<br />
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Mollison: Those are for the deer.<br />
<br />
Vlaun: Yes and, of course, livestock. What some people do up there, because a deer will jump the wire, they put peanut butter on tin foil and hang it off the wire. The deer will come and lick the peanut butter, get shocked, and then they run away and never come back. They won’t touch the wire. Kind of like the snails.<br />
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Mollison: There are things that hate electricity. Cats are one. Possums are another. In Australia if you put the electric fence on, every so often there’s a loud scream as a cat tries to cross it. Then, you can turn it off for up to six months. And then somebody gets the courage to come back and you gotta turn it on again for awhile. Most animals won’t cross it once they get a bad sting.<br />
<br />
Vlaun: If someone was interested in permaculture and wanted to think more about designing their landscape, even if they had a small garden, small yard, what would be their best approach.<br />
<br />
Mollison: We publish books. We’ve got a book called Introduction to Permaculture which is inexpensive and we’ve got another book called the Permaculture Designers Manual. I say that book is for fanatics but it’s probably wrong to call them fanatics. It’s for people who are seriously interested in design.<br />
<br />
One of my students married permaculture to his computer and he has programs that let him pull down properties from archives kept by the state. He can plan all the water for the farm and tell you how much it will be to make your dams and how many thousands of gallons or megaliters you’ve got in each one; how much your fence will be; he’ll plant all your trees for you; he’ll plant them on mounds; he’ll put mouseproof and rabbitproof collars around them all. He invests, on behalf of people buying farms, probably a hundred million dollars a year at present. So he does hundreds of farms; he’s always got 20 or 30 going. He’s got a full-time surveyor; And then he’s got a big nursery backing that up and very large teams of planters. So he does a lot. He’s the future of permaculture. The near future. The present of permaculture. So, in his short life, in Victoria, after I trained him (he doesn’t have a degree or anything), he has put in more forests and more farms than anybody in the history of Australia and he has decided the future of hundreds of thousands of acres of land. And that’s how I’d have all my students go. But in America, they seem to be going more woo woo every day, more into the theories . . .<br />
<br />
Vlaun: So how do we bring that practical approach back?<br />
<br />
Mollison: We’ll keep training people and I’ll bring Darren over here and he’ll workshop with people interested in computer design and the fuel will catch fire and the woo woo’s will get blotted out. It’s been very rough in America. It took ages to get my students through to teach their own courses. Very few of them went overseas into helping areas of famine and now they’ve gone woo woo. I don’t know what to make of it all. There just isn’t a lot of selflessness going on in America.<br />
<br />
Vlaun: If someone was interested in studying permaculture in America, where would you send them? What do you think are the best centers?<br />
<br />
Mollison: Damned if I know. The Bullock brothers up on Orcas Island have always been great, you know, mixed system, marsh and hillside and there are many others, I’m sure. But for every Bullock brother, there are a hundred woo woos spinning around in circles.<br />
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Vlaun: But don’t you think that it’s the people who aren’t necessarily woo woo’s but are just holding on to the industrial scale, high-input, petroleum-based model of agribusiness and non-sustainable development that are the real problem.<br />
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Mollison: The woo woos aren’t a problem to anybody much but themselves. It’s the people who are trying to sell you something, particularly limited resources, that are a big problem, and you’ve got more of them than anybody else.<br />
<br />
The curious thing about that is this (I’m told this by your own merchant bankers): something like 80-90% of the capital invested in non-sustainable companies is invested by American women. So that’s true of the whole world.<br />
<br />
Vlaun: In non-sustainable companies?<br />
<br />
Mollison: Yeah. Like tobacco. So you’ve got to reform the women of America. And the woman you’ve got to reform is young. She’s 30 to 35 years old. She’s professional. She has a degree. And she only has a modest investment: only $18-20,000. She is running the world right now. She’s the one who’s buggering everybody up. It is quite a narrow section of your population and you can narrow it even more. I’m sure you can change the whole world by working on relatively small numbers of American women. There’s your problem. Not the woo woos.<br />
<br />
Vlaun: Interesting. What about beauty Bill? Where does beauty come into this whole equation?<br />
<br />
Mollison: You can’t take beauty out of nature no matter how you try. Sometimes I sit in gardens, five years after I’ve made them, and think, I didn’t do this; it did itself. They are so beautiful, they take my breath away. I sit in there and I could sit in one place all day. In some of the gardens that I’ve made, every bird that is represented in that region is represented in that garden, so I started off with one nesting species and three other species on a cattle farm in the sub-tropics and now I’ve got 118 species, most of whom are nesting. What do you think of that?<br />
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Vlaun: That’s amazing. So you’re rebuilding an entire ecology.<br />
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Mollison: A beautiful ecology. The parrots in my wife’s garden-she planted a lot of sorghum for them, and they’re all scarlet-breasted and gaudy parrots, and emerald and blue-and she said, it’s like a garden full of flowers really, and so she plants just to have them in the garden.<br />
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Vlaun: So when you design a garden, beauty is not the issue, it’s function.<br />
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Mollison: Function.<br />
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Vlaun: So really permaculture is . . .<br />
<br />
Mollison: . . . is functional design.<br />
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Vlaun: It’s the classic “form follows function” and the beauty becomes evident because of the functionality.<br />
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Mollison: I think the best thing I’ve heard about that, about form following function, is about modern architecture. It’s “Fiasco follows form.” Frank Lloyd Wrong and all those people. They can’t build a house you can actually live in. I was in one of Frank Lloyd Wrong’s buildings and to actually survive one hot summer’s night, we had to wet our sheets, go down to the bathroom-we all slept on the floor of the bathroom to survive-and I said, “Oh my God, and he designed this!” It was never designed for you to live in. To look at, perhaps, but not to live in. So, yeah. Isn’t that an awful thing to say about one of your icons, Frank Lloyd Wrong. (laughs) I’m happy to say it about people who pretend otherwise. If they can’t design good systems, I’m happy to say it. We do good systems and they work very well and they’re full of life. And when they’re full of life, to me, they’re full of beauty because things are happening there that you could never design. That garden gets much smarter than you are really quickly. It’s amazing how fast it gets clever.<br />
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Vlaun: Could you, in a nutshell, state some basic permaculture principles? You’ve said that each thing should perform multiple functions and each function should be achieved in multiple ways. Are there other basic principles?<br />
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Mollison: Yes. Make the least changes that you need to achieve what you want. Don’t cut a tree down unless you have to. . . and I’ve never had to since I’ve adopted that as a principle.<br />
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Vlaun: You’ve never had to cut a tree down?<br />
<br />
Mollison: Never. I’ve never had to.<br />
<br />
Vlaun: But you said the first place you went to, you said you went to the forest and cleared an acre and a half.<br />
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Mollison: Oh, now, this was before permaculture. I was hatching permaculture in that hole in the forest. In fact, I am a logger. I’ve logged forests as a profession and broken down the logs with Canadian twins and sawed them up into six houses every day, six days a week. So I’ve cut up a lot of timber for housing.<br />
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Vlaun: What would someone in a situation like I’m in do? I live in a forest, more or less.<br />
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Mollison: There are things I call type- one errors. The first one is I say is, for Christ’s sake, don’t move into a forest if you want to feed yourself because you’re going to have to destroy the forest to feed yourself. That’s a type one error. Once you make that error, error after error will follow. And the other thing is, don’t put your house up on a high bluff or on a ridge. We find it impossible to save you from fire. We find it very difficult to get roads to you and it will cost you much more for your roads than your house. We can’t get water up to you. We can’t keep getting it up to you in emergencies. Don’t go there. Don’t make the error of selecting that site.<br />
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Vlaun: In my case, this place used to be a farm 200 years ago. It was abandoned. Trees grew up in the fields. Somebody came and cut all the big trees and cleared a couple of acres for a landing. They left this huge mess, holes where the stumps were, piles of slash, piles of stumps. We’re committed to restoring the forest ecology as well as producing our own food.<br />
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Mollison: I know what you’re talking about. You want to farm there so you’ll have to clear some of it and so you’re caught in a bit of a bind. And you want to farm there so you’ll have to control the animals. You’re gonna have raccoons and possum and God knows what after your corn ears, aren’t you? So you’re gonna eat raccoon or shoot raccoon or set out wire fences against raccoon or something. So you’ve forced yourself into a situation where you’re not sure that’s where you want to be, you know, shooting deer and cutting down trees.<br />
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The whole of the peninsula of northeast Australia runs right up into the tropics, it’s called Cape York. When we first got photographs of it, it was solid rain forest. In Sydney, though, we’re noticing little holes appearing in the rain forest all along the coast and in the end, they turned into quite large holes with buildings in them. So, they went to have a look, and the hippies were escaping the city by going to Cape York, finding a nice waterfall ten yards from a beach, cutting themselves a clearing, putting in a garden and building a house and then getting a bigger house and asking their friends to come. So the hippies were actually eating the rain forest. And they’re the very people who turn up in thousands to stop all forests being cut anywhere. But they themselves, at home, were the main cause of the disappearance of a very uncommon tropical rain forest because they like to live in a beautiful place. What they don’t like to do is build a beautiful place to go and live in. They like to go to a place that is already very beautiful. That’s very typical of rich people and hippies. You’ll hear hundreds of hippies say, “Oh, I’ve found this marvelous place. It’s got a waterfall; it’s got beautiful trees. It’s got thousands of birds, you know. I’m gonna build there.” It’s right in a national park! You’ll hear that a million times, right? And I think, “You stupid bastard. You’re a type one error yourself!”(laughs) The hippy should go somewhere where there’s no forest, like I did, where there’s just cattle-trodden grasslands and build that beautiful place, which I did. I put lots of lakes in it with 50 good dams, so everywhere there’s water, and I created paradise. It created itself even more than I did; I gave it a three-year start. It built itself amazingly fast.<br />
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Vlaun: It’s a frustrating thing for us. I never could have cleared that field where my garden is. It just never would have happened. It was a deep, dark pine forest. I never even thought about going in there. T,hen one day, it was gone, and all of a sudden, there was sky and a whole new vision occurred to us and we ended up buying the land. I’m trying to reforest a little part of the cleared area but the rest of it I want to keep open for gardens.<br />
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Mollison: Yeah, that’s a bind. If you look at America, there’s more land cleared than will ever be used to grow food and maybe we need 2% of the cleared land that now exists to grow all the food we need. That’s a fair estimate. Some people say 4% in England or somewhere. You could close 96% of the farms down or 98% depending on which way you’re growing your food. Just reforest the whole thing again.<br />
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Vlaun: Do you think that food would be better grown in much smaller scale and more locally throughout the country?<br />
<br />
Mollison: Food needs to be grown very close to where it’s consumed and farmers’ markets need to be plentiful. There are very good farmers’ markets throughout the United States. There just aren’t enough of them. Where I live, they’re not half an hour apart, so you might have six farmers’ markets you can go to that don’t take you an hour from where you’re living. So, you need a lot more farmers’ markets and they should have rules. The people selling there have to have grown what they’re selling, so that means it’s all grown very close to the market and therefore, to the consumer.<br />
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The next step is what the Japanese have taken on wholesale: to do nearly all your marketing via consumer-producer coops. So you have maybe three farmers to supply 150 homes. In Japan, that’s nearly the only way food is marketed, so all the consumers know their farmers; they even know the birthdays of their children. All the farmers know their consumers as well. They support each other like crazy. You’ll never win them away from each other. And it’s all organic, straight from the farm to you. So I think it’s the future of food. The future of food is here. At the same time that the future of food is here and you can say that Japan is the way that food will be distributed in the future and that Vietnam has set the basis of how food will be produced in the future-it’s adopted total organic systems-you’ve got some other force which in a sense appears to be evil, like Aventis and some of the other big seed companies who are introducing genetically modified organisms on a broad scale and deliberately polluting other crops with their pollen. So they’ve just made a statement: if you don’t want to eat genetically modified food, you’ve got to stop eating now because we’ve spread it so widely that you’re going to get it, when we already know that some of the animals fed on genetically modified potato are showing gross deformities. So the evil people are trying to spread their evil and they’re very rich. At the same time, everybody else is trying to get good food locally produced. So we’re in kind of a desperate battle. It’s the last battle too, because if they win, it’s the end of all of us. So, in a sense, we have to win. I say this, if it sounds simple or not: it’s too late to fail. So the systems you take up should be systems that work. You just have to be a serious thinking person doing things which are going to work.<br />
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Vlaun: So establishing local food systems should be a priority.<br />
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Mollison: Everybody should be able to see most of their food out the window. They should live where you can see the food you eat being grown. You can’t see it being grown if it’s in Mexico and you don’t have control over it.<br />
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Vlaun: I live in Maine, Bill, and people are buying organic salad greens in June that are grown in California.<br />
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Mollison: That’s a bit of nonsense, isn’t it?<br />
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Vlaun: Absolutely crazy, but it seems like, although there’s an obvious market, nobody around is taking advantage of it.<br />
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Mollison: The whole world is not like this. If you lived in Russia, every little town produces all its food and there are no shops. You can’t go down to the shop and buy a packet of potato.<br />
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Vlaun: I’ve seen it in China. Everywhere you look, there’s food. You look out the window of the train, there’s bok choi growing all along the edge of the tracks, on the roofs.<br />
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Mollison: In the end, you’ll see who can sustain their system, and I say, in Russia you’re safe, in Vietnam you’re safe, in America you’ll have trouble to find any food growing. You’d have to run for miles to find any and you’re not safe here.<br />
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Vlaun: I must say, in Maine, a lot of people do grow a lot of food in the summer. Everybody has a garden, especially the old-timers. The young kids don’t want anything to do with it.<br />
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Mollison: Maine’s a bit more old-fashioned, isn’t it, than California?<br />
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Vlaun: Yes it is. People have gardens. They grow their corn, their potatoes . . .<br />
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Mollison: I guess in a sense we choose our own fates. If you want to fuse off the end with no hope of recovery, you behave in a certain way.<br />
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Vlaun: It seems like the forces of evil that you’re talking about are part of a whole system that creates this model. We’re being told what’s cool in the culture and growing food isn’t cool, you know.<br />
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Mollison: It’s extremely cool in Japan.<br />
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Vlaun: I feel like it’s our job to make it cool here too, so that people will start doing it. Young kids will say, “Wow. That’s a life that I’m interested in.”<br />
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Mollison: I’ve been teaching permaculture for 25 years and what I find is that younger and younger people come to classes. As they go for two weeks, and we teach about seven hours a day, they have to be about 13 before they can stay awake through a course, but we are graduating more 13-year-olds now than we ever have. The grandchildren of my first students are coming.<br />
<br />
Vlaun: Well that certainly gives us some hope for the future! How do you feel about the conversion of organic agriculture to a larger scale?<br />
<br />
Mollison: Let me say it again: you want local farmers’ markets. You want farmer/consumer cooperatives. And really, there are a lot of countries in which that’s happening. I think if you’ve sold out as much as America has to the money system, you’ve sort of signed your own death warrants, really. But surely to God that’s not really what America is, is it, money? It’s what I hear people talking about it more here than anywhere else in the world. I can’t believe that they really believe they can eat money.<br />
<br />
It’s nice to go to Japan and find the whole country going over to really tight farmer to consumer systems and their big coops are purely organic, too.<br />
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Vlaun: It is frustrating because it just seems like what you’re fighting against is this huge machine that has so much clout . . .<br />
<br />
Mollison: I remember once, I had trained 3000 people and then I found that one of your companies had 30,000 graduate engineers. (laughs) I realized how puny I was! But that was a long time ago and I’ve trained a couple of thousand more people and they’ve trained hundreds of thousands of others, so we are much bigger than any company now and we are spreading. And the point is that we don’t lose anybody to them, but boy, they’re losing a lot of people to us.<br />
<br />
Vlaun: What do you think are our biggest tools to make this change to more sustainable development?<br />
<br />
Mollison: The biggest tool we have is education: to teach people how to garden, to teach people how to market, to teach people how to set up their own credit unions, to teach people how to set up their businesses without capital-we do that. And you know, for the last 15 years of my life I’ve kind of been out of touch with the West because I figure that America can do what it likes. It can find out how to do something and it can put it into place. India’s not like that. There are too many outcasts, too many marginalized people, so I go there, and Africa and South America and I prefer to teach where the need is great. The changes are huge from my teaching.<br />
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Vlaun: It seems like one of the problems is that because of the way that we are living here, so energy intensive, using inordinate amounts of the world’s resources, we’re creating these situations that you’re then going out to mitigate. In some ways, we’re mining the resources, we’re keeping the people poor . . .<br />
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Mollison: That may be true in South America. It’s not true in India. The caste system kept a lot of people down there.<br />
<br />
Vlaun: But don’t you think the Western agricultural model has gone into places like India and just thrown their local agriculture on its head?<br />
<br />
Mollison: In fairly modern times, but most of the agriculture is still there. Land ownership was badly skewed. It was nearly as bad as it is here. I think there’s something like 3% of the people own 90% of the land, much like America. And that was upper caste people.<br />
<br />
Vlaun: Don’t you think that the Novartises and Monsantos have their sights set on these places, to go and install their model of chemical and biotech based agriculture? Buy this seed. Buy this fertilizer. Buy this pesticide. This is the new model. Forget about all the diversity of pulses and grains that you’ve been growing for centuries . . . you don’t need those anymore, you need this higher yield, mono-crop model.<br />
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Mollison: (laughs)<br />
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Vlaun: We’re imposing that on whole cultures . . . .<br />
<br />
Mollison: It’s true. But at the same time, what the individual Indian farmer is saying is, “We went down that track and it doesn’t work.” And they almost all say, “My soil died when I went modern and sprayed,” and they can’t stand the thought that they’ve killed their soil. There’s no more crabs in the fields; there’s no more birds; and we’re not going that way anymore. And so, they’re uprooting the “modern” crops and chucking them into the hedgerow and going back to the older methods and the older systems. When you try that stuff, the Green Revolution stuff, it doesn’t take you long to decide that it’s not good for anybody.<br />
<br />
Vlaun: Have you done any work in Cuba?<br />
<br />
Mollison: No, But I’m proud to say that my students have done a lot. They found what they called the “Green Team” and went into Cuba and apparently have done a lot with home gardens and community gardens. I told them not to take any notice of . . . what’s his name . . . Fidel because he’s a notorious brown thumb. Fidel decided to plant only sugar cane, you know, and left them in such a mess.<br />
<br />
Vlaun: I went down there in 1997, and we brought 25 copies of your Introduction to Permaculture in Spanish. Most of the Farmers knew about permaculture and were very grateful for the information. They are very smart about creating new permaculture models suited to their environment.<br />
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Mollison: Well, take Vietnam. We went in there at a critical point when they weren’t finished, the army was being immobilized; all the soldiers were becoming farmers but some had been fighting for 40 years so they didn’t know much about farming. So I went in and just traveled slowly through the country. Some of my students had been teaching courses and reported being overwhelmed with requests for courses. And then the people who controlled the country said to me, “Could we have your book, Introduction to Permaculture.” I said, “What do you plan?” They said, “We’re going to translate it into Vietnamese and give it out, free to the farmers, and tell them that’s our policy now because it’s organic and it works for what’s there. We don’t have the money to bring in a lot of other stuff.” I said, “Of course you can.” So they printed 140,000, gave one to every farmer, and said, “This is it. We’re going organic.” And so they did.<br />
<br />
But, I forgot and they forgot that my photograph’s on the back cover. Now, every farmer in Vietnam knows me. No matter where I am, “Hi Bill!” I don’t know if he’s Nu or Nuan or what his name is, but it’s strange to be named by everybody in the most remote areas. And they rub my tummy for good luck ’cause I look like a longevity god. So in all the markets . . . .my wife didn’t believe me until she came with me . . . little hands come under my arms and rub my tummy and they think I won’t notice too much because I want longevity and I’m the good luck man . . .<br />
<br />
Vlaun: Sounds like woo woo to me!<br />
<br />
Mollison: Well, that’s woo woo I don’t mind… them rubbing my tummy if it gives them comfort. It doesn’t do anything for me, I gotta say. So they’re great now, the Vietnamese farmers. They’re probably the ones who have pushed permaculture as far as you can.<br />
<br />
Vlaun: Really? Out of necessity? I’m sure, like Cuba, that they can’t afford to bring in all these chemical inputs.<br />
<br />
Mollison: Of course, in after me came Takao Furuno so now they can grow all their rice without any fertilizers too. So between Furuno and me, we sort of did it.<br />
<br />
Vlaun: So, if you get in there before the Monsantos and the Novartises get in there, you can set up these systems that can resist . . .<br />
<br />
Mollison: I have to say that once we’ve been in, the resistance to those is total and I repeat, some of them are joining us but none of us are joining them. I’ve been working throughout southern Africa and my students are working throughout eastern Africa. My African students are in their seventh generation of teachers.<br />
<br />
Vlaun: You’re talking about building self-reliance and that allows them to resist these other models that are going to be imposed on them from outside . . .<br />
<br />
Mollison: . . . and to know they’re coming and to know what it will do. I tell them not to accept anything but OP (open pollinated) seed, stick to their own local seed systems, on and on and on. Be organic. I’ve built nations of fanatics (laughs) for sensible living! They’re fanatic about sensible and sustainable systems.<br />
<br />
First, I never set off on foot to save the world. I set off to educate those who want to be educated in sustainable systems and I ask every class: would they teach others? Not all of them did, but some of them did very well. So, I’m not somebody who is pretending to save the world or that I have saved the world; I have simply developed a system . . . where I’ve put permaculture in place, they’re OK. Where I haven’t, they’re pretty well buggered.<br />
<br />
Vlaun: But it seems like it’s getting to the point now with genetic engineering that people can “bugger” up our own organic agriculture, you know, even our open pollinated seeds . . .<br />
<br />
Mollison: I think in America, most people accept GMOs. In fact, there’s nobody here that won’t carry them, right? That’s not true in Europe or the rest of the world. Australia, you can’t do it. You can’t sell them. So there’s no sense in planting something you can’t sell. So America is increasingly being left out on a limb. Not just with GMOs but with a whole lot of other things. As I say, you elected the wrong president. You might find you’re the only people in the world doing certain things in a very short time. And the only people in the world not eating organic food. I think that will be the case. I think the third world is changing very fast and cooperating.<br />
<br />
I’m very impressed with the Vietnamese. I went to see a farmer, Mr. Man is his name, he had adopted permaculture but his wife didn’t agree with him. She just wanted to grow rice. So he said, you take half the farm and I’ll take half. So they did and that’s how it looks. Half the farm is just rice, grown with chemicals. Half the farm is like the Garden of Eden. He was able to sell very large quantities of food at the local market whereas she was competing in a world rice market, and wasn’t doing too good. So she didn’t make much money. She was working hard, but didn’t make any money. He made a lot of money. He bought a bike for himself and they bought a black and white television set and a radio. He’s a rich farmer. Then he had a $400 surplus. So what did he do? He gave it to the farmer next door so he could do the same. It’s very un-American, isn’t it?<br />
<br />
Vlaun: Entirely.<br />
<br />
We have a food cooperative in our town. After 25 years we moved our little store that was tucked away in a back alley out onto Main Street. Somebody had a workshop for our Grand Opening that was titled “Is there Enough Food for Everyone?” It turns out that, even though the food is there, there are lots of people who are going hungry because they don’t know how to cook whole food. If they can’t buy processed food then they won’t cook rice or beans.<br />
<br />
Mollison: In little towns up in Queensland, that’s where our cooperatives got up and got going. We put the credit union there too and the credit union is for everyone in the town. It started with an average investment of $15 each and it now stands at about $18,000 each and it grew so fast. Everybody bought their own houses, bought their own cars, bought their own farms, set up their own businesses, and they had a huge surplus, I think it’s about 15-20 million bucks. It’s only a little town. And nobody wants any capital anymore. They’re all fully capitalized. And they did it with their own money! It’s amazing what your little town could be like if you put your credit union with your coop.<br />
<br />
Vlaun: It seems like the core problem for us is basically that no one wants to do much physical work. Maybe if we can teach more permaculture techniques to show that it’s not about going out there and toiling and digging and shoveling . . .<br />
<br />
Mollison: Like growing everything in mulch.<br />
<br />
Vlaun: Great idea, although it doesn’t always work where we live. We can’t keep mulch on our soil all year round because it takes too long for the soil to warm up in the spring. We have to get our mulch off so the soil can dry out and warm up. We get lots of slugs living under the mulch if we’re not careful too. It’s a little tricky.<br />
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Mollison: A lot of duck food. You do have a slight excess of duck deficiency. I’m sure it’s true that you can’t do this and you can’t do that but look to what you can do . . .<br />
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Vlaun: Exactly. It seems like one of the principles of permaculture would be for every single situation, there’s a unique solution.<br />
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Mollison: Yes, that might be true, but you apply the same things. I remember when we were in Hawaii dealing with Cauceria grass. You couldn’t plant a tree; it just went over it and killed it. And so I said, OK, is that one of your big problems. They said, yes, that’s a big problem. I said go out, observe it-where it is and where it isn’t-and come back and tell me under what conditions you don’t get Cauceria grass. They did that. Then, we drew up a system; we thought we could plant an instant garden with no Cauceria in the middle of Cauceria. And we did. We planted it and it grew.<br />
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Vlaun: So observation is the starting point in any permaculture project?<br />
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Mollison: Right. No, it’s the starting point for a lot of techniques that we’ve worked out. The starting point for any permaculture project is someone who wants to start the project.<br />
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Vlaun: But once you decide you want to start the project: say you want to take over your backyard which is 3/4 of an acre of lawn that you’ve been mowing for 20 years and all of a sudden you want to look at it in a different way, you need to go out and observe what’s going on in that environment.<br />
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Mollison: Yes, certainly.<br />
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There was never any book on the design of natural systems or agriculture. Every book on agriculture is a book on technique. There are none on design. Permaculture is the first book ever on the design of agricultural and architectural systems. So it didn’t have any precursors. It sort of sprang like dragon’s teeth, new out of the ground. It had to also define what design was. Now that was difficult, because nobody defined design. So, the only way we could do that is to define practical design, utilitarian design, because if you left “utilitarian” out, you can call anything design. But you can’t if you’re not achieving something. Utilitarian design is what we do. Functional design. So then, you define design, methods of design. There are six or eight methods given to you by which you can design. All lead to good design and we suggest you use some of all of them.<br />
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When I wrote Permaculture, I didn’t think I was the first person to write it or teach it. I thought, there must be a lot of people much better than me to do it. Nobody ever did. So I kept on teaching it and my students kept on teaching it and their students as well. I thought eventually, they’ll imitate it. Only in recent years have people actually imitated it.<br />
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I can give you a list of institutions in America who have asked me to hand it over and most of them have done really awful work, you know.<br />
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Vlaun: It’s such a stupid question to begin with . . .<br />
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Mollison: Isn’t it a funny idea? Couldn’t they go out and invent sustainable systems for themselves? I mean, they all have PhDs and big salaries and tons of time. They could employ people to research sustainability. Some of them have grants of $6 million. Agriculture Departments have started to disappear in areas where there’s a lot of permaculture because they don’t want what the Ag Department has to sell. What the Ag Department had to sell for most of history was poison….. they have no future, nor do other people like Monsanto or Novartis . They have no future. They’ll be looked upon as a horrible mistake.<br />
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Vlaun: How do we make that happen faster?<br />
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Mollison: Sue them.<br />
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Vlaun: How can you sue them? Their pockets are so incredibly deep that they can hire all these lawyers. Monsanto’s got a hell of a lot of money.<br />
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Mollison: Where do they get it from?<br />
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Vlaun: (long pause) Good question. They got it from selling us something. That’s the power they have: to sell. They can sell this industrial food system through advertising. You flip on a television in this country, everyone has one . . .<br />
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Mollison: A very strong thing happened in Japan. Japan buys its rice off Japanese growers because they grow the varieties of rice the Japanese know and love. And now they’re growing it organically through the use of ducks. It’s got a duck on the packet: duck rice. So it’s beyond organic. It’s time we all went beyond organic.<br />
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Vlaun: How do we sell it?<br />
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Mollison: You sell it to people who know your farm and know you. There’s no problem to Furuno because all the people he sells to visit his farm all the time.<br />
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Anyhow, the Japanese love their rice and they love the rice that their farmers grow organically for them–the duck rice. So America and Australia have a big trade deficit with Japan. They said to the Japanese, “you’ve got to buy our rice. It’s going to be a lot cheaper for your customers,” and they said, “All right, we’ll take 80,000 bags a year.” So they built these great big warehouses at Nagoya and all this rice came in from Australia and the United Kingdom and first, they tried grinding it up and making biscuits for the army but the army didn’t like them. So, they couldn’t get anyone to buy it as rice because they didn’t like that rice and they knew it wasn’t organic. So they bought even bigger storage sheds and then they decided that it’s too expensive. So now they’ve got the solution. They put it through a little screw feed and blow it into electric generators or furnaces, generating steam for electricity. They say it’s quite good as fuel.<br />
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Vlaun: Expensive fuel.<br />
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Mollison: Yeah. Well, it’s not as expensive as building more and more storage to keep Americans and Australians happy about rice. No one in Japan will ever eat it. Ever. They can do market research until their ass drops off. They won’t be able to sell a grain of that rice to any Japanese person. Because rice is almost a holy thing to them. But now, Feruno, he could run 7000 acres and sell all the rice because he sells the right sort of rice, beautifully made, beautifully done, packaged nicely, put in your hand by your farmer. I’ll buy that.<br />
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Vlaun: So what makes the Japanese different? Why don’t we have that same mentality here? Why don’t we care about our food?<br />
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Mollison: I think one thing is very obvious: you don’t come from a single cultural stem. There’s nothing like rice coming to all of you. In fact, rice is common to nobody except the Japanese who were here before you put them in prison. The Chinese, perhaps. So, if anything, this is a wheat society. Increasingly, it’s becoming a soybean society. And the root crops are sold only locally.<br />
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Vlaun: Michael Pollen told an interesting story on the radio recently, He’s written this book called “The Botany of Desire,” which we sell on our website. When he was researching the book he grew some of these GMO potatoes he writes about. He just never ate them. He had other potatoes that weren’t GMO. He grew them just to see what they looked like, as research. He was going to a potluck picnic and he cooked a whole bunch of these potatoes to make potato salad and then he started thinking, “if I bring this potato salad, I’m going to have to tell everybody that these are GMO potatoes and if I do, and there’s somebody else that has potato salad, everybody’s going to eat the other potato salad.” And he had this revelation about why they won’t label GMO food. It’s so obvious that people don’t really want to eat it.<br />
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Mollison: Really, you’ve got two foods: tomatoes. This one says, “Poisoned.” What are you gonna buy?<br />
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Vlaun: You’re gonna buy the non-GMO. Always.<br />
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Mollison: Always. I think there should be a class of people like all those who work for those big (Biotech) firms who are force-fed on GMO food.<br />
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Vlaun: But we’re all eating it.<br />
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Mollison: Tasmania hasn’t got any . . .<br />
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Vlaun: I mean in this country at least.<br />
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Mollison: . . . . and it’s banned them for the future.<br />
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Vlaun: Any soy product . . . if it’s not organic soymilk, it’s GMO. Tofu. It’s GMO. Stuff that we always thought of as our “natural foods” are now being made with GMO soybeans.<br />
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Mollison: I believe that.<br />
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Vlaun: It’s come in under the radar. No one really understood, they just kind of foisted it on us before anybody really knew.<br />
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Mollison: Bastards, aren’t they?<br />
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Vlaun: 70% of our soybeans, or something like that, are GMO, and I don’t think that most of us understand what we’re supporting when we buy these products. It’s like we buy non-organic corn chips now that they’ve bred BT into corn plants.<br />
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Mollison: Well that’s the end of BT. Years ago they brought some seed into Australia to grow cotton which is BT-inoculated, GMO seed, and they sowed it and the boll weevil wiped out half the crop because it didn’t work. And now all the seed is from that BT-immune group. That might be a way to sort of finish off BT.<br />
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Vlaun: I think you might be right and that’s the primary pesticide that organic growers have to use. It’s gonna become worthless in five years because pests are building resistance to it.<br />
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Mollison: I had an extraordinary occasion once. The Sierra Club was meeting on Maui. I was on Maui giving a course and they asked me if I would come one evening and address them and I said sure. It occurred to me while I was traveling there that there were pretty well-off people in the Sierra Club and they might have something to say about what they are investing in. I asked them, “Could some of them who have investments stay and talk to me?” And they had their money in tanks and armaments. You know, the Sierra Club is a conservationist club, but their money is not telling a conservationist story. I said, “water tanks?” “No, no,” they said, “military tanks.” I said, “Shit! What are you doing putting your money there? So, I think one should say, “Do you put your money where your heart is?”<br />
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Vlaun: It’s a big battle.<br />
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Mollison: I agree. I’ve given it all I’ve got for 25 years. And I’ve changed a fair bit.<br />
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Vlaun: Yes you have.<br />
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Mollison: But I didn’t promise to save the world. To help it, we’ve all got to get into the battle.<br />
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Vlaun: But how do we recruit? How do we recruit the younger generations?<br />
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Mollison: Well, I’ve trained lots of people in Australia, and within days of finishing training, they take off to Ecuador and they’ll turn up doing something up the side of a mountain. And, mainly, they are young, within a few years of 20. So, they’re all over the place, you know, Borneo and Timor and Macedonia looking after refugees. They’re just everywhere. I meet them occasionally and I say to them, “My God. When you’re old you’re going to be so pleased with these few years you’ve put in helping. What a great adventure you’ve had that most young people haven’t.”<br />
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Vlaun: Exactly.<br />
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Mollison: I say, “It’s tremendous that you’ve had this adventure. And you’re only 24.”<br />
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Vlaun: It’s adventure with a purpose: traveling and working. . .<br />
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Mollison: Lots of students to follow up on. Two young people, very young, boy and girlfriend, went to a class and took off for Borneo because of the rain forest trees. They wanted to go and protest the logging in Borneo. So they got to Borneo and they got up the river and they got with the Dyak or somebody and they said, “We’re starving.” “Well, why are you starving?” “Because they’ve cut down all our forest where we get our food.” They said, “we know how to grow food.” So they stopped there and showed them how to grow food and a year later, they had lots of bananas and papayas and mangoes and this and that. They said, “we’ve got to get on. We didn’t come here to show you how to grow food.” They said, “If you leave us, we will die.” So they stayed and he eventually got sick of that and came back to Australia and went into aboriginal work out on a remote settlement. She married a Dyak and stayed forever and they are now teaching from settlement to settlement with the Dyaks. Both of them have totally forgotten about protesting rain forest. That’s happened, really.<br />
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The mess that’s after that, what do you do about that? You can’t protest the war in Kosovo. It’s happened. You can go and try and look after those 86,000 people who fled. A lot of the (permaculture) troops are there. I think they’re great. In Kosovo, the numbers are up to 200 enrolled in a course. One guy came out and said, “I think I’ve taught about 10,000 people just in Kosovo.” The courses are huge and the enthusiasm is phenomenal. Because they’re in a mess. And you know, you can eat or believe anything you like in America because it really doesn’t matter. You’re not in much of a mess. Yet. But down in the Bronx, people listen very intently and down in Watts, they do too. The Hawaiians do. So, the minorities in America and the native Americans have set up their own teaching groups. They go from tribe to tribe teaching. So, I have done work here, you know.<br />
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Vlaun: Any last words of wisdom for us Bill?<br />
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Mollison: There are no such things, really. Anybody who makes up their mind can make huge difference. People who can’t make up their minds make no difference at all. And yes, it’s incredibly simple, I remember myself, I just determined one day I would go and teach this system. And I did.<br />
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Vlaun: All we can do is work and hope. I have a lot more hope after talking to you today. Thank you.<br />
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From: <a href="http://www.seedsofchange.com">http://www.seedsofchange.com</a>Miguel - Newerahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04970762111234680191noreply@blogger.com1