Muju Skiing

This past weekend we bought a package which included transportation, rentals, and lift tickets. Since it was early season it was only about $50 for the deal. No complaints. The week in the classroom sped by as we eagerly waited for the weekend to come. It is now come and gone, just as many things in life seem to do.


It was our first time to ski this year. It was a good warm up. Chelsie and I went with five other friends to the resort. Many of them had never skied before, some had never seen snow, being they are from Indonesia and South Africa.

The lift lines were a bit busy before lunch it was about a 20 minute wait at the base, and then after lunch it was more like 50 minutes. A bit too crazy for me.

Skiing is a very popular sport. Each area caters to a large number people because the population density is so much highter. A drive to the ski area here is alot closer for many more people than it is back home.



Joe Teacher (green hat) headed to the top. He has his mean face on. We call him shredder Joe.

Here is our famous "Marker" teacher. He is use to the warmer weather of South Africa. It was his first day on the board and he did really well keeping two feet under him.

At the summit of the mountain there was this sweet pagoda. It would have been really nice if there was some snow blanketed over it.

The sun set on the other side of the mountain.

The Summit and the landscape. We took "chorus" lift and then had the option of taking "Harmony" or "Melody" to the top.

Another Harvest, Another Hike

It is fall. Another beautiful transition into the sleepy winter months. The rice is being harvested, the colors are at their best, and the weather is taking a turn for the colder.


Below the rice combine, which runs on tracks, makes laps around the riced patty. They stop periodically to unload the rice into bags. The rice straw which remains is bailed into small square or large round bales. Sometimes if the moisture content of the straw is high enough they will wrap the bales in plastic to make haylage.

The rice goes from the fields to the roads. The farmers take over the rural roads this time of year. One has to be careful when driving because tarps are layed down and the rice is poured out to dry. The ladies occasionally rake/stir the rice throughout the day, and then put it back in bags at night.

The garden crops have changed as the weather gets colder as well. We see more cabbage, lettuce, and spinach.

Spinach for sale in a small town on the south side of the island. Chelsie and I bought a nice bundle from this cute old lady.

Kimchi crops: peppers and cabbage

It is a bit less fun to ride now that it is colder. We still put on the coats and gloves and go though. We have made a couple trips the last two weekends.

Mark teacher and Joe teacher accompanied us on a trip. Joe is a new teacher at our school. He is from New Jersey.The rides throughout the island are always filled with unique scenery. It is nice to be able to stop and enjoy it.

We took two fall hikes and these are a combination of the pictures. One hike was to the top of Mangsan which I have made a previous posting on, and the other is Nojasan. Both fantastic.

Mark and Joe teachers.

The Asian looking pine trees add to the texture of the scenery.

A break at a summit for lunch.

Chelsie Teacher

Fiona Teacher

Joe Teacher (Sweet shades)

The kids call Mark, "Marker Teacher".

And Jesse Teacher

Enjoying the view inland from the summit.

Father and Son passing by. As you may have already noticed, when Koreans smile for pictures, they say kimchi and give you the peace sign. Even the little guy hitching a ride in the backpack is well trained in photo taking.

From atop Nojasan.

One of many cloud like islands floating in the ocean. They call them a "mowendo". A no man's island.

We were glad that we stuck around for the sunset, but the ride home was brutally cold.

All is well. All is normal. We are making plans for Christmas and New Years in Japan. We are very excited as we are looking forward to a brief look into a new culture.