November 7th / 8th / 9th / 10th

Nov7th
Mr Tananka & family drove us to Saga Bus Station, where we caught a bus to Fukuoka Airport.
Flight took 2 hrs to Hokkaido. We were expecting snow on the ground, but the sun was shining, and it was 65f. Hachinohe, our Japanese pilot friend, who has the nickname of " Kamekazi", met us at the airport and drove us to his balloon house. ( 2nd residence ).


We unloaded our backpacks, then went to the Sapporo Brewery for lunch. This was the original brewery, built over 100yrs ago. Sapporo is famous for Lamb, so we cooked Lamb on a hotplate and drank Sapporo beer!

No snow, just sunshine, outside the Sapporo Brewery.
Hachinohe's balloon house, on a quiet street, just off the local ski-run. In winter you can ski from the run to the front door.
In the local Supermarket, people were charged by the bag for a special on sweet potatoes. It took many tries for people to get as many potatoes as possible in the bag.

We went to the 1970 winter Olympics Ski Jump. We're actually standing on the placement stand, but the guy taking the picture cut it out! We decided to not take the ski-lift and walk to the top of the jump. After about 30 mins started to regret this, but once at the top , there were great views and even greater melon ice-cream!! You can view most of the city of Sapporo from this building.
We stopped at a temple, where the annual 3-5-7- day was being held. This is a kids coming of age day, held in November. Girls 3 and 7, and Boys 5, get dressed up in Traditional Costume and go to the temple, to attend a ceremony and get blessed. Afterwards , the parents usually buy treats and traditional tea and bean buns are served.

Lunch was Sushi, at a Local Fish Market. Delicious and expensive!! We have decided that Squid and Octupus are the only fish that we're not keen on. Both are very chewy and slimy!!

Derek relaxing at our Sapporo Pad!!


On Mon 9th, we set out to Obihiro, which is 5hrs east of Sapporo. Stopped on the way at a 7-11 store, and I found this Love Love Sandwich!! A sandwich made with chocolate--I think I've found the perfect lunch!!!!

Arrived at Obihiro at 4pm. Weather here is still sunny, so everyone decided to fly immediately. The farmer got his tractor out and unloaded his pumpkin balloon. I have never seen an inflation done so quickly!! I think it took all of 5 mins before Derek and I jumped into the balloon for a flight. Above is the farmhouse and farm . The house was built by Jimmori ( Kamekaze's friend), it took him 3 yrs. Considering its located in the middle of fields and the winters here are very severe, it's a cozy place. It is so well insulated, that a small wood stove heats the house thoroughly.

Derek and Jimmori flying over some beautiful countryside. Snow /rain is predicted for tomorrow so everyone is glad that they managed to get this flight in.
Nov 10th
Arrangements were made for crew to show up at 6am, which was Derek's crew from Saga in 1998 ( His first visit to Saga). The pilots and crew all know each other, so only a phone call was needed to get crew, but the morning was very windy. Flight was cancelled, but we couldn't go back to bed as crew were on their way. Crew took us sightseeing to a candy factory, noodle lunch, and the to the Hot Springs for a long hot bath! Great way to end the day. Snow is predicted for tomorrow morning!!!!!