Fukushima City Run

I had a very pleasant walk yesterday and a run in Fukushima City this morning.

Fukushima Train Station East Entrance.

The bus terminal in front of the train station.

Fukushima Inari Shirine - it was the official shrine for the ruling samurai lord.

I decided to run up into the small mountain - Shinobu Yama - located north of the city.

The trail had some steps.

A bell of a temple atop of the hill.

Some parts of the park still needs fixing.

The trail towards the top.

The view of the entire city was very rewarding at the top.

But there are many people that still live in "temporary" shelter since the great disaster of 3 1/2 years ago.

Shirakawa - Gokayama

Last Saturday, I could enjoy visiting Shirakawa and Gokayama.  These villages are selected as World Heritage Sites for their unique Gassho Zukuri architecture.

A bird's-eye-view of Shirakawa Village.

Gassho Ohashi Bridge - a suspension bridge with its main tower designed like the shape of Gassho Zukuri.

The bridge itself over a dam lake.

One of Gassho Zukuri houses in Gokayama Village.

A view of a dam lake of Shogawa River in Toyama Prefecture.

 A small suspension bridge for a mountain trail.

It was a beautiful afternoon - I thoroughly enjoyed my visit.

Irvine Runs

I spent over one week in Irvine, California.  I had a very nice relaxing time and several runs around the city.

My first run - I went over Interstate 405.

This is the very northern tip of the North Lake of Woodbridge.

The view of North Lake.

The second time, I ran through UCI.  Engineering students were working on their human powered aircraft.

Vista Bonita Park in University Hills.

At the top of the trail were two chairs - later, I could see them on Google Map, also.

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My third run was to east to  Quail Hill and down south and around.  Had to watch out for some dangerous stuff.

A view of Quail Hill Preserve from the trail by I-405.

A view from atop a hill in Quail Hill Preserve.

 

Another view.

The loop in the Preserve.

 Strawberry Farms Golf Club.

 Shady Canyon TrailI - many cyclists

The last run - I along San Diego Creek again, but this time north-east ward.  

Rancho San Joaquin Golf Course.

San Diego Creek.

Frogs at Woodbridge Village Center.

Woodbridge Community Park.

A wooden bridge over South Lake.

A view of South Lake from the wooden bridge.

I could log about 70 km altogether!

UTC Farmers' Market

On Saturday morning, I had a pleasure of shopping at UTC Farmers' Market in IIrvine, California.  A part of the auto parking area was used to sell fresh produce, farm products, crafts, etc.

If you visit Irvine, I highly recommend going to the market on Saturday mornings.