The year that flew...wizzed by in the blink of an eye!

Time flies when having fun :-)

A celebratory, reminescent weekend away planned for the romantic mountains in Gifu Town. Saturday morning saw us up and on the road before the crack of dawn, sleepy dust still ion the production line.

Everything packed in just in case, and a list of possibilities researched by Tam in hand. We headed to the Gifu Pagoda, red coloured shrine on the hillside, visible to the highway entrance to the town. Stopped for a coffee when arrived at the town, found a parking and started the arduous hike. Beautiful weather, sunshine and temperatures in the teens. Backpacks, shades, water bottles and jerseys for the top...possibly the shade too?

Walk was at a good tempo, just enough to keep us warm :-) Reached the top in a matter of 50minutes, and found the hike mostly in shade and thus most enjoyable! The top was a pleasant surprise...a lovely, informative castle; a museum, a squirrel village where one could hold squrrels, and a restaurant, and view decks. Feet were up as we marvelled at the 360* panoramic view before us. Weather pleasant on the top, not windy and sun out in full strength - much needed :-)

We then treated ourselves to a luxurious coffee, and in stead of taking the ropeway to the bottom, we took an alternate pathway back down...not too steep for the untrained knees. Most enjoyable descent - most manageable. Good choice by my Springbok boy scout!

We then visited Gifu park; then had lunch in the Friendship Garden - surrounded ourselves in God's rich, magnificent greenery which was a craved after the winter spell...and held special momories for us both of our garden wedding a year ago. Still a favourite place - the outdoors is for both of us :-) So lovely.

To end a special day out, we went to the HOTEL PARK (Aka Hotel along the Nagara River) to have the Hot Spring, Japanese Onsen experience to add to our travels in Japan. 28*C, with the most splendid view of the Gifu ropeway with the spans of mountainous scenery behind...truly super luxurious and relaxing. What an antidote for tired muscles, and the best means of relaxation by far...

The weekend continues...as do the special memories xx