Ski trip: groovin' in gunma..

When you think about Gunma prefecture, great skiing mountains don't exactly jump out at you. 

But in fact, Kawaba ski resort has some pretty awesome peaks, good snow, and great views. 

And there is Meg looking excited by the view...

And a room with a view..

I am on top of Gunma.

A funny looking rock formation at the top of the mountain. Meg would scale it later..

And day one is in the books...

The next day junior got into the act despite a fierce battle with a fever.

Ty summoned enough energy to ride down the slopes a couple of times on Daddy's skis.

Some of the gang at the Panarama cabin. Many thanks to Emiko and Paul for setting up the weekend in Kawaba naka no village.

Phuket, Ty does Thailand

I really like Thailand. Even Phuket, the insanely over-touristed island on Thai's west coast, provides good fun for singles or the entire family. It had been 6 years since our last trip to Koh Samui/Koh Tao (see 2009 post), and this one was quite a different experience.

It was great to travel with 3 other families, and Ty had constant play companions. The Moros and Wus like to run and workout, so Meg and I had running and gym partners also.

I managed 7 runs and 4-5 gym sessions in 10 days. Runs were slower pace, requiring more effort in the heat. Not too shabby. I felt a little stronger when back in cool Tokyo.

Koh Phi Phi is famous for films "The Beach" and "The Man With The Golden Gun". It has pristine deep aquamarine lagoons and amazing rock formations. We managed one day-trip there. 

                                                      Deep sand playground.

Stayed at the Centara Karon Hotel in Phuket. Other than the false promises of full-on day care, it was a pretty decent hotel with 3 large pools and large breakfast buffet selection.

Peace in Phi Phi.

                                          Sunsets from the Karon hotel are PEACEFUL.

                                          Day naps are nice too.

Managed 1 track session up north at the Thanyapura Triathlon Hotel. Worth a visit if you are in Phuket.

                                The boy in the plastic bubble. Lots of opportunities to drop spare change around the hotel.

                                  Our favorite restaurant away from the hotel...in Kata Beach.

Koh Phi Phi.

                                            view from Kata.

                                        Time for a cocktail at Kata.

                              All I want for Christmas is my 2 front teeth...

Got to meet up with Danai, his son Hal, and family. Of course we went for a run along Kata and Karon....

                              X-mas party at the hotel.

                            Getting in a last Maitai before the plane ride...

2015: Shimoda, Nagano, Korea, etc.

2015 is in the books. It started with dry, crisp runs through the Arizona desert, featured many triathlons in Shimoda, Murakami, Aizu, Kamaishi, and Korea, and ended in the sultry Thailand tropics where I did an occasional run between Mai Tais.  The beef of this post is Japan. Megumi did a couple of road races too. Ty turned 4 and ran up some hills himself.