Earthquake and Tsunami

I am sure that everyone is well aware of the events that took place March 11 this year with that 9.0M earthquake and resulting tsunami that has devastated Eastern Japan. It made for a rough few days for everyone, not knowing exactly what had happened, how extensive the damage was, and on top of that not being able to contact anyone in the states to let them know everything at Misawa AB was ok. There was a lot of devastation right here in our own city, and our neighboring areas. I had the opportunity to make it out to Hachinohe to help out with the clean up efforts and am happy that I got that experience. While there we ate lunch at a soba shop that days before was complete mess and being rebuilt as the cleanup was taking place! It was a huge morale boost for the things that are taking place, and showed the resiliency of the great people of this nation! Things seem to be getting back to normal in Misawa but the reminder of what happened just 3 weeks ago is there! We continue to have aftershocks and the clean up and support effort is still in full effect from here! It is a great opportunity for Americans to strengthen the relationship with our Friends outside the gate! Dubbed OPERATION TOMODACHI!
 Here are a few pics from my day at Hachinohe

April 7, 2011

Hey! It has been so long since we have updated here and it is time that we start working on it more often. So here goes a brief update of the things that have been going on... We were having a pretty awesome winter, enjoying taking time snowboarding with friends and just enjoying the pow. I was going out every week and was progressing every time out. Our last two weekends going out together with a group we went to APPI Kogen, which is a pretty large resort with a lot to offer for all different skill levels, Christy was doing really well and we had a great time!
I had the chance to go with my friends Paul and Mukai-san to the Hakkoda Mountains at the Ropeway where the hardcore Pow Hounds go for their backcountry riding! The trip there proved just how much snow falls up that way
Here are a few pics along the drive:

Near the Oirase Gorge

Personal escort

Getting deep

Japanese Self Defense Force doing snow exercise

  I had a great time riding on the one lift groomed area that was there that had some awesome snow!