Oceanrivermountainretreat

20/04/2023

09/04/2023

Happy birthday to me!!!!

11/01/2021

Not too far from Mihara is Kinjiro Ramen cafe. It serves ramen without meat (but has seafood in the broth). It’s the only place I’ve ever eaten ramen. It’s so fresh and delicious.

14/06/2020

Embarrassingly ... this is a great castle to visit but ... Ive never been.

There once was a time when tens of thousands of castles stood proudly in Japan. Most of those historical edifices have long since been destroyed, and many that now remain are reconstructions or rep…

16/05/2020

Wild and rebellious, Kochi is one of Japan’s most rewarding off-the-beaten-track destinations.

16/04/2020

This year I’ve tried to make the garden a little more ‘easy care’ without taking away the ‘cottage garden’ feeling. I bought lots of cheap tulips and they blooming!!! I’m so happy. Every day I go to the guest house there is a new flower. ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️

16/04/2020

This time of the year is great for foraging food from the mountains. This is Itadori (knotweed). After peeling it,I’ll salt it for a few days, then rinse then eat or freeze.

18/08/2019

18/08/2019

August is all about Festivals. This is a little local one.

18/08/2019

Made some changes for summer. Slowly it’s coming into a shape that I am happy with.

24/03/2019

Lots of Tanuki’s on Shikoku. As you drive to the guesthouse you may see some. Although they are tremendously cute, remember driving safely at all cost is more important.

The popularity of the tanuki has much to do with its humorous and winsome image. With its plump body, awkward movements and simple-minded trickery, the tanuki presents a comical, safe and manageable impression compared to the cunning fox, the other trickster.