Late with my post from Day 11, as we had poor internet connections here last night.  “Here” is the Sōunkyō Kankō Hotel in the middle of the Daisetsuzan National Park, Japan’s largest.

We had a 3.5 hr journey by bus from Sapporo, with a stop for refreshments and one at a 7/11 for our usual lunch snacks.  Arrived here in brilliant sunshine with time to explore the village, ooh and ahh at the scenery, and for the painters to do some work before the onsen and dinner.

A new experience for many, as we are sleeping here on futons atop tatami matting floors.  It seems everyone has survived.

This is a photo that was taken from our bedroom window of an awesome mountain, dusted with smudges of pink from a few remaining cherry blossom trees.

And now here is the same hill painted by Ev last night.  Stunning!

We got exciting news at the end of the day last night, May 17, announcing the arrival of our newest grand-daughter, Sophia Claire Rachele, born to Nicky and Seb at 6 pm Melbourne time and weighing a healthy 3,358 grams.  Mum (and Dad) and baby Sophia are doing very well and we are looking forward to photos and their planned visit to us in Óbidos in late August.