Long day...

It's going to be an early night tonight... After the usual day of work, we weeded every pathway. My back was killing me by the end and of course it was the hottest day in the mountains so far. After lunch some of the staff and I decided to take up hike up to the aquatic heart of the entire resort. The whole place is powered by a hydrogenerator that pumps water from a creek running down from the mountain. All the water here (excluding the thermal water) is supplied by this creek as well. It was a path that went straight up the mountain eventually ending at the giant tank. Its a really simple system, and the creek is so clean it doesnt need to be filtered. We trekked up the mountain until the path ended, then we forded the creek and made are way up its steep rocky banks. Climbing up a particularly tall bit, I slipped and slammed into the rock next to me, breaking two buckles that held my backpack strap on. Slipping the other strap over my head, I followed the rest of the group over more slippery rocks until the girls didnt feel comfortable going any farther. A quick decent easily convinced Tomo, Katsuya and I to walk down to the river for a swim. According to the other Japanese people, the river was quite cold. Fortunately, I am Oregon born, and was rather comfortable. I was the only one actually went for a swim. The others got in up to their mid-thighs but were quickly wanting to go back up to the rock pool. After a quick swim, I agreed and we walked over to the hot springs. The only other people there happened to be from Seattle, so I had a nice chat about how similar the area is to the northwest. 

Just finished an enormous portion of curry and many pieces of naan. Its time for bed REALLY soon... Thank god I dont have work until 10 tomorrow!

Yusuke making the crossing

Tomo