Winter 2003 Newsletter

Letter from the Editor
Letter from the President
Upcoming events
This month's articles

Letter from the Editor

Brrrrr...winter has hit like a gomu-gomu pistol (for fans of One Piece), and I'm itching for the cherry blossoms to come out. But in the meanwhile, many of you are out enjoying the powder, soaking in the onsens, and watching the action at some fabulous winter festivals. Wherever you're doing, hope you're having some fun!

Check out the President's Letter to find out why my feet are tired. And then read about all the different ways you can play in the snow. Michael talks about skiing Fuji, Kush recaps the snow camp, and Sara and Andrew relate their noble deeds at pelting small children with precipitated ammunition. Craig gives us the low-down on Tajima. If all this snowy-snowy-ness is just too much, there's also an article on snorkelling and a Japan Times article on Iya Valley's Chiiori.

If you're in the Tokyo area before the end of February, check out the winter peony (fuyu botan) garden in Ueno Park for a truly Japanese experience. Don't forget your camera!

Good luck this winter, and I hope to see some of you somewhere warm this spring break!

Ashlea Betzen

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Letter from the President

Dear OutdoorSIGers, Things have been running smoothly for the last few weeks. Down here in the south the weather has been mild rather than the harsh cold of last year. The sun is shining and making the remaining snow sparkle. Behind this calm facade the Outdoor crew has been busy working away. Tim (Organiser extraordinaire henceforth Vice President!) and Dave (who has been running Finances and Events!) organized this year's Powdertopia that took place in the soft white powdersnow of Hokkaido's Niseko and Aomori's Hakkoda. There was even time to see the Sapporo snow festival for those that arrived a little early. Meanwhile Ashlea has been chasing people all over the county for articles for the newsletters, Kim has been making member lists and Paula has been running the admin side of the SIG. David is telling everyone how good the groups is and threatening to set his alarmingly furry hat onto them if they won't join up and I, having finished adding you all too the Yahoo list have been updating the website when needed. You the members have also been doing a great job of getting out there and having some fun. I have seen all manner of trips advertised on the Yahoo interactive site from hiking to boarding and skiing. Please continue to use this resource to meet up and get out there with other likeminded people.

Every year there has been a Spring Bonin Islands Paradise trip during the spring break from round March 29th to April 6th. This island paradise allows you to do go snorkelling, scuba diving, kayaking, and swimming! Last year the cost was around 100,000 yen but for such an untouched place - the only way to get there is a 26 hour ferry ride! - this is a small price to pay. Check out the articles on the website.

We are currently looking for an organizer for this trip. For those who are up to the task I can forward all the info to you. Likewise we need an organiser for the pre-season Fuji Climb in June. Mail me about it! pres@outdoorsig.com

Hope to hear from you or see you somewhere in the outdoors!

Sara

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Upcoming events

Tochigi Football Tournament

The 2nd Annual Tochigi Football Tournament will be held in Utsunomiya, Tochigi-Prefecture: SATURDAY, APRIL 10th - SUNDAY, APRIL 11th

Contact: tochigifootball2004@yahoo.com

AJET Games

Starting April 17-18 in Tokushima-ken with Touch Rugby. Also confirmed for June 5-6, just after the Kobe Recontracting Conference, Hyogo AJET are presenting Ultimate Disc. And somewhere in the midst of this madness, Ishikawa AJET will be putting on a FLAG American Football tournament - dates still to be confirmed, but keep an eye out on the AJET website for updates.

To get more info on any of these events, or to register a team:

1. Go to www.ajet.net

2. Click on the AJET GAMES logo

3. Follow the link to your sport of choice

Golden week May 1-5 outdoor adventure in Hokkaido package deal

We are looking at one full day of riding solid class four rapids. One day of Canyoning. And two days of bridge swinging, kayaking, mountain biking, climbing, rock climbing, etc. and or sitting around watching other people sweat while you relax.

I am assured that these are the best rapids in Japan (This guy normally spends his winters rafting in Nepal). Special arrangements can be made for people who want to stay longer and/or for different dates.

I already have a core group of people who have committed to going. We are going to be getting a great price and you don't need to take any Nenkyou unless you want to stay longer then five days. Check out the HOA web site at http://www.rafting-hoa.co.jp/homeenglish.html (ignore the prices as we are getting hooked up)

Leaving the country will cost you an arm and a leg over Golden week. You will need to use nenkyou to make it worthwhile, and after travel time you still wouldn't get long wherever you went.

Why not see some more of Japan, have some thrills with some friends, and get wet. I guarantee you wont regret it. More info will be sent out soon.

If you are interested or if there is something you want to make sure we do Contact: David Lutz davidlutz00@hotmail.com

Spring Bonin Islands Paradise trip

Every year this happens during the spring break from round March 29th to April 6th. It has even been described as the Galapogas of Japan. For more info on the island's themselves and what they have to offer look at the homepage http://www.bonin-islands.com There is also a lot of articles on it on the website.

We are looking for someone to step up and organise this event this year... Email the Pres pres@outdoorsig.com if you are the one we want!

Trichy, India Volunteer work

Join Wakayama Jets and work with the Depressed People's Welfare Association www.dpwa.org over Golden Week (tentatively April 24th - May 9th). For more info contact: wakayamasavestheworld2004@yahoo.com

Pre-season Mt Fuji Climb

Usually the weekend before the mountain officially opens on the July 1st, so perhaps this year Saturday June 26th. Climb overnight to see the sunrise at 4:30 am on the Sunday 27th.

We are looking for someone to organise this event too... Email the Pres pres@outdoorsig.com if you are willing to do it!

Daisetsuzan Hokkaido Summer Expedition

Spending time in the mts of Hokkaido. For more info contact Chris: chriskballard@yahoo.co.uk

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This month's articles

Bagging the Grand Daddy of them All - Fuji-San - Michael Sandstrom

Tajima (Northern Hyogo) Outdoor Guide - Craig Morice

Goodness, Gracious, Great Balls of ...Snow? - Sara Russell

Yukigassen - Andrew Frean

Snowboard Camp - Kush Rai

The Velvet Curtain - Ashlea Betzen

Shikoku's Chiiori - from Japan Times Dec, 2003

Nancy Trudz and the Case of the Missing Trutisha
I also wanted to post a few comments that have come in from different Osigers. (because this is easier)

Hachi Kogen Weekend

Being a 6 month JET I am glad that I signed up with the outdoor group at orientation. Getting the notes on events and such have let me expand my knowledge of Japan beyond the Prefecture of Shimane. Three people from the Shimane area attended the weekend, Rob Werner, Liz Friedman and myself. The weekend in Hyogo-ken was great! Sara Russell and Sarah Collins did a great job of planning the weekend and for allowing people to stay the night on Friday. I could not have had a better introduction into the sport of skiing. Hachi-Kogen was a good way to start on the slopes. Sarah Collins helped us newbys by organizing a lesson with a native English speaker. Each year, skiers come in from different countries to teach skiing and get some practice in on their own. Our instructor was from New Zealand and he did a great job giving me instruction on the basics of skiing. Thanks for the great weekend!
Camille Humbles
Daito-cho, Shimane-ken

Beaver Power

What is Beaver Power?? Well, I'm pleased you asked. This fantastic organisation is dedicated to the preservation of beaver populations in North America. Most people don't realise that the beaver is an endangered animal. Deforestation and the expansion of cities into their territory have forced the beaver out. Beaver Power uses their proceeds to fund hydro-electricity projects in beaver ponds (they�re really quite usefull, those beavers). And now you can help!! All you have to do is buy this VERY COOL T-SHIRT (or sweatshirt, or hat, or whatever) to help spread the word and protect this fabulous little animal. Go visit their website at www.beaverpower.com to see the online catalogue. !!!GO BEAVERS GO!!!

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