http://www.beyondballard.com/blog daily 0.75 2021-01-31 http://www.beyondballard.com/blog/2021/1/31/different-journey monthly 0.5 2021-02-01 http://www.beyondballard.com/blog/2017/5/23/the-vagina-travelogues-menstrual-musings-and-product-ponderings monthly 0.5 2017-05-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57c0dd39197aeab7de4f0a03/1495659360808-UK5E62BM1HDLD1OVUPX9/image-asset.jpeg Beyond Ballard - The Vagina Travelogues: Menstrual Musings and Product Ponderings on International Menstrual Hygiene Day Western pad on the left, Cambodian model on right--both billed as "super." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57c0dd39197aeab7de4f0a03/1495659406037-3LP2IGQS0UXBS2RH2ZYF/image-asset.jpeg Beyond Ballard - The Vagina Travelogues: Menstrual Musings and Product Ponderings on International Menstrual Hygiene Day https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57c0dd39197aeab7de4f0a03/1495659453654-CPGTABUIEPPH3HSY493T/image-asset.jpeg Beyond Ballard - The Vagina Travelogues: Menstrual Musings and Product Ponderings on International Menstrual Hygiene Day https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57c0dd39197aeab7de4f0a03/1495730489356-FQABTSR3S9NAMCG9YDAU/IMG_7820.JPG Beyond Ballard - The Vagina Travelogues: Menstrual Musings and Product Ponderings on International Menstrual Hygiene Day Seriously, this is he ONLY time I have ever seen menstrual blood actually illustrated in red in any kind of signage or product packaging. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57c0dd39197aeab7de4f0a03/1495659313590-N9CLMMV2INWAZRESTIHX/image-asset.jpeg Beyond Ballard - The Vagina Travelogues: Menstrual Musings and Product Ponderings on International Menstrual Hygiene Day Because the generals brutally cracked down on any protestors gathering in public, the protest went both underground and international, with the intent to both shame and weaken the power of the ruling generals. http://www.beyondballard.com/blog/2019/1/30/princess monthly 0.5 2019-01-30 http://www.beyondballard.com/blog/2017/2/22/nine-months monthly 0.5 2017-02-22 http://www.beyondballard.com/blog/2017/1/7/the-weaving-together monthly 0.5 2017-02-22 http://www.beyondballard.com/blog/2016/12/19/elephant-day-aka-heaven monthly 0.5 2017-01-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57c0dd39197aeab7de4f0a03/1482146401289-71R6FPVU0BHYK5BRITSH/image-asset.jpeg Beyond Ballard - Elephant Nature Park, Chiang Mai, Nov 28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57c0dd39197aeab7de4f0a03/1482146515115-E3XCCABXVJQ62G6T2PME/image-asset.jpeg Beyond Ballard - Elephant Nature Park, Chiang Mai, Nov 28 Asian elephants are distinct from African elephants in several ways (probably more, but here is what we learned: they are smaller, only males have tusks, and only the top "lip" of their trunk is prehensile. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57c0dd39197aeab7de4f0a03/1482146655746-FWC9V3V0IS34K5RVVYE9/image-asset.jpeg Beyond Ballard - Elephant Nature Park, Chiang Mai, Nov 28 Their trunks are so delicate in managing fine motor tasks, but so strong--pulling down bamboo trunks well thicker than my wrist and then stripping the leaves off exactly as we do the leaves from rosemary stalks. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57c0dd39197aeab7de4f0a03/1482146812401-BDHF0NUCQ07AH8LXBMK9/image-asset.jpeg Beyond Ballard - Elephant Nature Park, Chiang Mai, Nov 28 Young one keeping a cautious distance at first. Quite a bit bigger and more powerful than horses. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57c0dd39197aeab7de4f0a03/1482146932115-7JQE5W63SITQL0Q2NLPS/image-asset.jpeg Beyond Ballard - Elephant Nature Park, Chiang Mai, Nov 28 Elephants sweat only at their cuticles, which is what I am pointing at. I'm sorry, they only "glow" at their cuticles. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57c0dd39197aeab7de4f0a03/1482147052774-GJRA00PCZBLMZJLLTOP3/image-asset.jpeg Beyond Ballard - Elephant Nature Park, Chiang Mai, Nov 28 Reeds, quite as tasty as bamboo. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57c0dd39197aeab7de4f0a03/1482147235637-TL7C8UGXUC5WEUTHLJDD/image-asset.jpeg Beyond Ballard - Elephant Nature Park, Chiang Mai, Nov 28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57c0dd39197aeab7de4f0a03/1482147360645-APER2CUADHJNTFCNBMDK/image-asset.jpeg Beyond Ballard - Elephant Nature Park, Chiang Mai, Nov 28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57c0dd39197aeab7de4f0a03/1482147471807-VDA70FTNF5MABUCG41X8/image-asset.jpeg Beyond Ballard - Elephant Nature Park, Chiang Mai, Nov 28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57c0dd39197aeab7de4f0a03/1482147689003-M9B99DVS7DC1N3XZP8JS/image-asset.jpeg Beyond Ballard - Elephant Nature Park, Chiang Mai, Nov 28 She prefers to have food placed in her mouth rather than offered for trunk delivery, which is at first a little intimidating... https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57c0dd39197aeab7de4f0a03/1482149112955-Q0V5V4NBYQIFV9GU80OK/image-asset.jpeg Beyond Ballard - Elephant Nature Park, Chiang Mai, Nov 28 Takes a fair bit of water to soak an elephant. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57c0dd39197aeab7de4f0a03/1482149192947-JC5Q4LUBA9TN47QAVZGL/image-asset.jpeg Beyond Ballard - Elephant Nature Park, Chiang Mai, Nov 28 Less to soak your wife. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57c0dd39197aeab7de4f0a03/1482149409141-E9WKO8KZRF3FI71WQG4K/image-asset.jpeg Beyond Ballard - Elephant Nature Park, Chiang Mai, Nov 28 Post-scrub, but not post-bliss. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57c0dd39197aeab7de4f0a03/1482149531986-SQGD5IW5EERNP79D6LPZ/image-asset.jpeg Beyond Ballard - Elephant Nature Park, Chiang Mai, Nov 28 Baby with her troop, both Mama and Doula are here. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57c0dd39197aeab7de4f0a03/1482149836490-GEF759XOIUU6VKK0BC91/image-asset.jpeg Beyond Ballard - Elephant Nature Park, Chiang Mai, Nov 28 Want! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57c0dd39197aeab7de4f0a03/1482149911391-9DK2CYGXQ7FPIQWOQCWJ/image-asset.jpeg Beyond Ballard - Elephant Nature Park, Chiang Mai, Nov 28 Playing here we go round the mulberry bush with a young mahout. http://www.beyondballard.com/blog/2016/11/4/bahktapur monthly 0.5 2017-01-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57c0dd39197aeab7de4f0a03/1480149504907-NNUHHCYBTCWJQCR6P0RD/image-asset.jpeg Beyond Ballard - Bhaktapur, Oct 28-Nov 1 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57c0dd39197aeab7de4f0a03/1480149774348-ULHNRI6PDRB6YG46UZ4C/image-asset.jpeg Beyond Ballard - Bhaktapur, Oct 28-Nov 1 Working on his kite game. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57c0dd39197aeab7de4f0a03/1481779269415-UQR8T9T3CP34LCLE5VA4/image-asset.jpeg Beyond Ballard - Bhaktapur, Oct 28-Nov 1 View from the back window of our guesthouse room onto a neighboring plot, not at all visible from the street. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57c0dd39197aeab7de4f0a03/1480150025549-S143GBDML5TPEK191LK8/image-asset.jpeg Beyond Ballard - Bhaktapur, Oct 28-Nov 1 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57c0dd39197aeab7de4f0a03/1480150159092-2XP4JATFMZC8JSF04H71/image-asset.jpeg Beyond Ballard - Bhaktapur, Oct 28-Nov 1 Medieval streets, this one left intact. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57c0dd39197aeab7de4f0a03/1480149708677-UOVC53GR2W3TADK1LVAW/image-asset.jpeg Beyond Ballard - Bhaktapur, Oct 28-Nov 1 Dattatraya Temple square, quite close to Milla Guesthouse on Devli Square. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57c0dd39197aeab7de4f0a03/1480149830620-GM9OQDZPYO6BVD8S7NVB/image-asset.jpeg Beyond Ballard - Bhaktapur, Oct 28-Nov 1 Mikey, napping between shifts. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57c0dd39197aeab7de4f0a03/1480149590685-C58F474ZUANCSWNNA01Y/image-asset.jpeg Beyond Ballard - Bhaktapur, Oct 28-Nov 1 Urban free-range chickens. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57c0dd39197aeab7de4f0a03/1480149418797-LH1E3REHLBRRPO9DJ4RG/image-asset.jpeg Beyond Ballard - Bhaktapur, Oct 28-Nov 1 What're you lookin' at? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57c0dd39197aeab7de4f0a03/1480150084395-5F3USD6MMMRJC1GJKW20/image-asset.jpeg Beyond Ballard - Bhaktapur, Oct 28-Nov 1 Vendor bike. And calf. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57c0dd39197aeab7de4f0a03/1480150116112-PMSP6Y2SUX59727QUXKH/image-asset.jpeg Beyond Ballard - Bhaktapur, Oct 28-Nov 1 Finally settled down for the night on temple steps. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57c0dd39197aeab7de4f0a03/1480149887568-7VRB3BGKGOUQ0G6WW3C1/image-asset.jpeg Beyond Ballard - Bhaktapur, Oct 28-Nov 1 A rare siting of the elusive Lala Bird. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57c0dd39197aeab7de4f0a03/1480149654508-MKH3Q2QQ0KWCNDHRCRM2/image-asset.jpeg Beyond Ballard - Bhaktapur, Oct 28-Nov 1 Street vendors steadfastly ignoring the fume-belching intrusion of vehicles. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57c0dd39197aeab7de4f0a03/1480151202856-0FZ4VQ9MUYOI2ZOLI3HI/image-asset.jpeg Beyond Ballard - Bhaktapur, Oct 28-Nov 1 Morning in the market. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57c0dd39197aeab7de4f0a03/1480151242408-BOVSR9F6Y2REVDHTL7OS/image-asset.jpeg Beyond Ballard - Bhaktapur, Oct 28-Nov 1 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57c0dd39197aeab7de4f0a03/1481424604075-G0SN1NQP0E34HF12HZA0/image-asset.jpeg Beyond Ballard - Bhaktapur, Oct 28-Nov 1 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57c0dd39197aeab7de4f0a03/1481779050607-H3L61SHYBYM4K3WMPXUH/image-asset.jpeg Beyond Ballard - Bhaktapur, Oct 28-Nov 1 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57c0dd39197aeab7de4f0a03/1481779185177-IXYNKK4VA6S42DUS3CU0/image-asset.jpeg Beyond Ballard - Bhaktapur, Oct 28-Nov 1 Bracing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57c0dd39197aeab7de4f0a03/1481779332750-5BN7ZZJIC98WVDMTWZ23/image-asset.jpeg Beyond Ballard - Bhaktapur, Oct 28-Nov 1 View onto Devli Square from our room http://www.beyondballard.com/blog/2016/11/4/nagarkot monthly 0.5 2016-11-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57c0dd39197aeab7de4f0a03/1480051310308-SGSB0DO4RVFW9OHI75D6/image-asset.jpeg Beyond Ballard - Nagarkot, Nepal October 25-28 Multitasking on motorbike on the outskirts of Kathmandu. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57c0dd39197aeab7de4f0a03/1480037146870-EYJ67GYCOQZQ0VR7OHBI/image-asset.jpeg Beyond Ballard - Nagarkot, Nepal October 25-28 Farmhouse Vajra https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57c0dd39197aeab7de4f0a03/1480051342580-4A5M2P6W6PY6JF42GVA3/IMG_6674.jpg Beyond Ballard - Nagarkot, Nepal October 25-28 Down the ridge from Vajra Farmhouse.... https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57c0dd39197aeab7de4f0a03/1480037366203-178HJ2FIZJ9KAD5F8VWE/image-asset.jpeg Beyond Ballard - Nagarkot, Nepal October 25-28 The retreat cottage. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57c0dd39197aeab7de4f0a03/1480037455018-M1I9MEQ65MCYXQBNRE5C/image-asset.jpeg Beyond Ballard - Nagarkot, Nepal October 25-28 Interior main area (kitchen are behind, with sleeping loft above it). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57c0dd39197aeab7de4f0a03/1480051475610-ST46DFSRQ00RMCLS2R63/image-asset.jpeg Beyond Ballard - Nagarkot, Nepal October 25-28 From the hillside onto the terrace, looking into the sleeping loft. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57c0dd39197aeab7de4f0a03/1480037533725-B9QN0BMQ69H9UZ6842I3/image-asset.jpeg Beyond Ballard - Nagarkot, Nepal October 25-28 Cottage with morning glory climbing up the stove pipe. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57c0dd39197aeab7de4f0a03/1480051568378-6QUE5O4VRGEUQ9L3GLGO/image-asset.jpeg Beyond Ballard - Nagarkot, Nepal October 25-28 Like being in a bird's nest: bulbuls, drogons, woodpeckers, busy little flycatchers, magpies.... a wonderful cacophony in the mornings. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57c0dd39197aeab7de4f0a03/1480037958396-Y4QH8VX7B3WD9O4TD9LP/image-asset.jpeg Beyond Ballard - Nagarkot, Nepal October 25-28 Retreat Cottage Stupa. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57c0dd39197aeab7de4f0a03/1480037758398-N097ZQD79YUBZRM2BCZP/image-asset.jpeg Beyond Ballard - Nagarkot, Nepal October 25-28 Terracing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57c0dd39197aeab7de4f0a03/1480037639167-MRHNQVF3KM3SAIDSNBAH/image-asset.jpeg Beyond Ballard - Nagarkot, Nepal October 25-28 Valley view https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57c0dd39197aeab7de4f0a03/1480037879395-HS8JA9M5LEGCV07R0X22/image-asset.jpeg Beyond Ballard - Nagarkot, Nepal October 25-28 Sunset from Vajra Farmhouse https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57c0dd39197aeab7de4f0a03/1480043570046-BFZPB5I9H5HE6IHIE55G/image-asset.jpeg Beyond Ballard - Nagarkot, Nepal October 25-28 Brian and Nuala are up in the viewing tower... https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57c0dd39197aeab7de4f0a03/1480038231096-38TSVZZCKQSYZFEFO3QM/image-asset.jpeg Beyond Ballard - Nagarkot, Nepal October 25-28 A stop at the butcher for chicken. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57c0dd39197aeab7de4f0a03/1480038062811-OFMC8UD3L88OK6Z62B26/image-asset.jpeg Beyond Ballard - Nagarkot, Nepal October 25-28 Hike with Dhakpa. The marvelous thing about prayer flags is that they are not flying to "ask" for something like good crops, but are put up to send prayers and good wishes out to the world. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57c0dd39197aeab7de4f0a03/1480073597911-9Z6Y5LA6QXJ54BSOC95G/image-asset.jpeg Beyond Ballard - Nagarkot, Nepal October 25-28 Dhakpa! http://www.beyondballard.com/blog/2016/10/21/ok-for-real-this-time monthly 0.5 2016-11-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57c0dd39197aeab7de4f0a03/1477133730748-XPHJLFKKG2S41HRL35AV/image-asset.png Beyond Ballard - Ok, for Real this Time There are a lot of large plastic sea creatures to be found, but I have to say that this is a damn fine specimen, seen while biking back from the Nepal Embassy, having secured my visa! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57c0dd39197aeab7de4f0a03/1477133533807-JP33BYW0RXN44QZQ7CCH/image-asset.png Beyond Ballard - Ok, for Real this Time Yup, that's the deal. Woe betide you if you go to the bathroom when your food gets delivered. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57c0dd39197aeab7de4f0a03/1477134232604-M10DFH6Z1LJURFF0MOG5/image-asset.png Beyond Ballard - Ok, for Real this Time Ueno Park boating area, waiting for fireworks on a lovely evening. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57c0dd39197aeab7de4f0a03/1477134439969-X195MS9338OA8KALKTQL/image-asset.png Beyond Ballard - Ok, for Real this Time Simple color changes and single tones, really playful. http://www.beyondballard.com/blog/2016/10/19/sayonara-japan monthly 0.5 2016-11-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57c0dd39197aeab7de4f0a03/1477131768805-X6R6P8RXGFG2QEW829GL/image-asset.gif Beyond Ballard - Sayonara, Japan http://www.beyondballard.com/blog/2016/10/23/o-osaka monthly 0.5 2016-11-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57c0dd39197aeab7de4f0a03/1478136434882-HJ40EF5ZFHEQ9XBNTJDZ/image-asset.jpeg Beyond Ballard - O, OSAKA! A tourist haunt gone to seed. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57c0dd39197aeab7de4f0a03/1477367908164-NRMTZZ339WF9P1GML4FA/image-asset.jpeg Beyond Ballard - O, OSAKA! Super Tamade! YES! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57c0dd39197aeab7de4f0a03/1478135678756-G6YDAIZ3A0FXD93H1FCB/image-asset.jpeg Beyond Ballard - O, OSAKA! The school near our flat, elevated train cruising past (another Chicago link) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57c0dd39197aeab7de4f0a03/1477368027351-64W0LD9E2JLJ46PCRRTV/image-asset.png Beyond Ballard - O, OSAKA! The view of a radio/cell tower from the stairwell to the apartment. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57c0dd39197aeab7de4f0a03/1478065813649-269UM77OG5Q9MI5U7XUL/image-asset.jpeg Beyond Ballard - O, OSAKA! This trike features a very handy umbrella holder for the rainy day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57c0dd39197aeab7de4f0a03/1478065901136-UV5K3LV6NPY97RLBQS3R/image-asset.jpeg Beyond Ballard - O, OSAKA! Mamachari-bike for toting kids and stuff, both. In congested pedestrian/bike traffic, these riders are like cow-catchers on trains. Stay on their tail! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57c0dd39197aeab7de4f0a03/1478148083874-6M3SMSEIWZSDPY8ZHEFC/image-asset.jpeg Beyond Ballard - O, OSAKA! After going through the museum, you can make your own formulation of Cup Noodles and decorate the package as you see fit prior to shrinkwrapping. Weirdly fun. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57c0dd39197aeab7de4f0a03/1478148249489-K2MAYX22G03ALO8Z17F8/image-asset.jpeg Beyond Ballard - O, OSAKA! Gah! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57c0dd39197aeab7de4f0a03/1478148353727-EXP3DA2X2ODQXY7QMUN0/image-asset.jpeg Beyond Ballard - O, OSAKA! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57c0dd39197aeab7de4f0a03/1478148427420-I065IYRFEAAPH3I6NHNT/_DSC4570.jpeg Beyond Ballard - O, OSAKA! Regional specialty is octopus balls (fritters, not testes). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57c0dd39197aeab7de4f0a03/1478148529177-G2A064FY2BSC31MA1CB6/image-asset.jpeg Beyond Ballard - O, OSAKA! More overwhelm. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57c0dd39197aeab7de4f0a03/1478148620154-IBF533ES8W5RDF5BWDZC/_DSC4565.jpeg Beyond Ballard - O, OSAKA! I find these things particularly distasteful. God of How Things Ought to Be, my ass. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57c0dd39197aeab7de4f0a03/1478149150720-153LZTXDOBTCXK8GQUUO/image-asset.jpeg Beyond Ballard - O, OSAKA! Schoolgirls wondering at gaijin. http://www.beyondballard.com/blog/2016/10/19/hiroshima monthly 0.5 2016-10-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57c0dd39197aeab7de4f0a03/1477005423942-ECXIQIYVU49NDQM12AX6/image-asset.jpeg Beyond Ballard - Hiroshima https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57c0dd39197aeab7de4f0a03/1477006085981-4K51UM5E0SC0EJNGCHOY/image-asset.jpeg Beyond Ballard - Hiroshima One field clinic. I won't subject the reader to more. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57c0dd39197aeab7de4f0a03/1477012408958-I3176QNS97NQOEJ1ZMMB/image-asset.jpeg Beyond Ballard - Hiroshima The view from our apartment onto a rooftop garden. A little gangly at the end of summer, but a delightful surprise all the same. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57c0dd39197aeab7de4f0a03/1477005498589-GN3R7R6PVMSMFJZRJ87N/image-asset.jpeg Beyond Ballard - Hiroshima The Children's Peace Monument, with Sadako Sasaki at the top. She died of leukemia caused by radiation poisoning years after the bombing, but in her own gesture of willful hope, she followed her vision to make a thousand cranes (a tradition that if you make a thousand origami cranes, you are granted a wish) in the wish to rid the world of atomic weapons. The cranes sent by thousands of school children from around the world are arranged in curtains around the base. Visitors come and ring the peace bell hanging underneath as they would shake the suzu at a Shinto shrine (to shake off evil and call the attention of the gods), and wish for peace too. I actually saw one school group h https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57c0dd39197aeab7de4f0a03/1477005457693-MYXNVQ1G6PBZJZ4C7BWT/image-asset.jpeg Beyond Ballard - Hiroshima https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57c0dd39197aeab7de4f0a03/1477006058637-9K47YVSDYCTHQW0GT9P3/image-asset.jpeg Beyond Ballard - Hiroshima https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57c0dd39197aeab7de4f0a03/1477010415829-6P8C0PSESJWROVA4SCHW/image-asset.jpeg Beyond Ballard - Hiroshima Every year the document is taken out and the pages exposed to light as volunteers check to make sure that no name is lost due to decay. Every day, volunteers make up new and glorious flower arrangements. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57c0dd39197aeab7de4f0a03/1477005094185-ZUITL3D9TZUEBBYOSSBV/image-asset.jpeg Beyond Ballard - Hiroshima A lot of schools get class pictures here. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57c0dd39197aeab7de4f0a03/1477004984847-2L081P0DFZRCG19E6LJV/image-asset.jpeg Beyond Ballard - Hiroshima http://www.beyondballard.com/blog/2016/9/29/tokyo-metro-notes monthly 0.5 2016-10-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57c0dd39197aeab7de4f0a03/1475193929414-2P69R6FWYD2599B4ZNGR/image-asset.gif Beyond Ballard - Tokyo Metro Notes no problem, you got this. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57c0dd39197aeab7de4f0a03/1475194440620-Y5JPFV64DOEYKUI4VX2N/image-asset.jpeg Beyond Ballard - Tokyo Metro Notes These people are queuing to get on the train on platform 13. I don't know if this guy is concerned that I am taking his picture or that I might be incorrectly queueing. I also freely admit that neither he nor anyone else currently seems to be showing any expression reminiscent of "bliss". https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57c0dd39197aeab7de4f0a03/1475206897767-NC899KEAOR3G3J1CPO5Q/image-asset.jpeg Beyond Ballard - Tokyo Metro Notes It's always important to read the fine print. http://www.beyondballard.com/blog/2016/9/24/fuji-san monthly 0.5 2016-09-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57c0dd39197aeab7de4f0a03/1474843075285-83S4YHBR6LDFQJMUXWPB/image-asset.png Beyond Ballard - FUJI-SAN Classic, right? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57c0dd39197aeab7de4f0a03/1474706330464-S1X4KA54YY3GR7TVC9XO/image-asset.jpeg Beyond Ballard - FUJI-SAN At the meet-up, ready to go--or as ready as we will ever be, anyway. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57c0dd39197aeab7de4f0a03/1474753969389-O58G9PIN1GY98U8BVNBN/image-asset.jpeg Beyond Ballard - FUJI-SAN Mmmmm...mushrooms. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57c0dd39197aeab7de4f0a03/1474858476696-5T1OZYU4GTKHBNKCTC12/GOPR0178.JPG Beyond Ballard - FUJI-SAN The last of the trees, intrepid young one hiking in shorts (?!). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57c0dd39197aeab7de4f0a03/1474706831762-UY967A89CYMTFVFXKRUD/image-asset.jpeg Beyond Ballard - FUJI-SAN Taiyoukan, 7th Station. The hut has been in service for about 600 years. The current proprietor is a passionate environmentalist and has installed the only solar array on the mountain--installed only after extended battles with government bureaucrats. Home sweet home for tonight! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57c0dd39197aeab7de4f0a03/1474713727409-33SXVRSES0GCXS4ALRSZ/image-asset.jpeg Beyond Ballard - FUJI-SAN This is a bit from the guide book on the 7th Station written by the owner, a burly 70-year old former Japanese Navy man. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57c0dd39197aeab7de4f0a03/1474707025320-TAFNLI24IR1W9U5FEVAC/image-asset.jpeg Beyond Ballard - FUJI-SAN A break in the weather for our departure! That white line isn't frost, it's a silvery lichen that streaks the mountain from here up to the top. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57c0dd39197aeab7de4f0a03/1474756230812-BW7HAGQ5MZXG7VW3K3QJ/image-asset.jpeg Beyond Ballard - FUJI-SAN Every little tick is a switchback. We went up on the red line to the right and came down on the red line to the left. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57c0dd39197aeab7de4f0a03/1474709573192-2HBSHEMRJJ9FL8DAW60B/image-asset.jpeg Beyond Ballard - FUJI-SAN A little watery sunlight through the clouds part of the way up the second day. Stragglers in motion (yes, that's me in pink). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57c0dd39197aeab7de4f0a03/1474707708943-HWEBPRUCHVH48HRRCBDG/image-asset.jpeg Beyond Ballard - FUJI-SAN That's me. I got through the gate and tried to get out of the wind for proper crying in the corner. No go, the wind was inescapable. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57c0dd39197aeab7de4f0a03/1474707266286-FREM3D6A12DWLCMFJBQS/image-asset.jpeg Beyond Ballard - FUJI-SAN Obligatory photo at the top. I am mostly done crying. The shelter is closed so we all shiver, and jam chocolate into our gobs before hobbling over to to crater rim, which we feel compelled to do before getting the hell down. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57c0dd39197aeab7de4f0a03/1474707472565-5F2RN2IY3RSE99STMLJB/image-asset.jpeg Beyond Ballard - FUJI-SAN On the way down, you get a sense of why Miyazake spent four months here sketching clouds for "Castle in the Sky" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57c0dd39197aeab7de4f0a03/1474858602772-2M1QX4XONS1DDNJYGV1G/GOPR0201.JPG Beyond Ballard - FUJI-SAN This sign looks rather like we felt. http://www.beyondballard.com/blog/2016/9/18/tempura-time monthly 0.5 2016-09-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57c0dd39197aeab7de4f0a03/1474250001303-SN6HUFYXCMBKJMI3V52Q/image-asset.jpeg Beyond Ballard - Tempura Time PC: NAS Thank you, eel! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57c0dd39197aeab7de4f0a03/1474249796753-OALJ6HSWIY2S5WGD3U3P/image-asset.jpeg Beyond Ballard - Tempura Time Tempura just after it's cooked, before coming to the diners. I like to think we didn't look too much like seals waiting for our fish. http://www.beyondballard.com/blog/2016/8/27/neat-freaks monthly 0.5 2017-02-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57c0dd39197aeab7de4f0a03/1473708135852-Y5SU00JNMCWESA5XCD0D/image.jpg Beyond Ballard - Neat freaks Surf's up!  http://www.beyondballard.com/blog/2016/8/27/here-we-go-1 monthly 0.5 2016-08-28 http://www.beyondballard.com/atd-journey daily 1.0 2023-09-26 http://www.beyondballard.com/atd-journey/2023/9/26/love-letter-to-d monthly 0.5 2023-09-26 http://www.beyondballard.com/atd-journey/2023/9/17/dgc4viftzctxx947ji7l64xcbvce08 monthly 0.5 2023-09-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57c0dd39197aeab7de4f0a03/f330ec04-129a-490e-bf7d-bb23e60a186b/denise+poem-11x17+landscape-color+copy.jpg ATD Journey - If I should die... - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. http://www.beyondballard.com/atd-journey/2023/9/17/laying-to-rest monthly 0.5 2023-09-17 http://www.beyondballard.com/atd-journey/2023/9/17/published-obituary-for-atd monthly 0.5 2023-09-17 http://www.beyondballard.com/atd-journey/2023/9/17/passage monthly 0.5 2023-09-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57c0dd39197aeab7de4f0a03/1694970903551-LH01DWLV37M9DKPYTZF0/shroud+%282%29.png ATD Journey - Passage - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. http://www.beyondballard.com/atd-journey/2021/4/18/counting-deer monthly 0.5 2023-09-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57c0dd39197aeab7de4f0a03/1618782158564-RUE4CSQDOCGGSN957F3Y/IMG_0657.jpeg ATD Journey - Counting Deer https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57c0dd39197aeab7de4f0a03/1618782111246-S9EOCWLOQ8NTFJSYL7EO/IMG_0658.jpeg ATD Journey - Counting Deer http://www.beyondballard.com/atd-journey/2021/2/23/the-situation monthly 0.5 2021-04-01 http://www.beyondballard.com/atd-journey/2021/3/1/steve-leder monthly 0.5 2021-04-01 http://www.beyondballard.com/atd-journey/2021/2/24/boundaries monthly 0.5 2021-04-01 http://www.beyondballard.com/atd-journey/2021/2/22/wecroak monthly 0.5 2021-02-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57c0dd39197aeab7de4f0a03/1614056285842-HQ9EP1HCBVCSDMBJURIL/IMG_0515.PNG ATD Journey - WeCroak http://www.beyondballard.com/atd-journey/2021/2/18/kb2cbw89w7ez409jsp4l54ppluer0m monthly 0.5 2021-02-19 http://www.beyondballard.com/atd-journey/resources monthly 0.5 2021-02-06 http://www.beyondballard.com/atd-journey/2021/2/5/confusion monthly 0.5 2021-02-06 http://www.beyondballard.com/atd-journey/2021/2/1/backstory monthly 0.5 2021-02-06 http://www.beyondballard.com/atd-journey/2021/2/1/a-different-kind-of-journey monthly 0.5 2021-02-01 http://www.beyondballard.com/about daily 0.75 2021-02-06 http://www.beyondballard.com/resources daily 0.75 2021-03-01