Autumn is quickly approaching....and it's gorgeous!

Since we are still waiting to get paid, Jame and I were trying to figure out something "low budget" to do on our day off. One of our co-workers had mentioned a place called Minoh to us, so we decided to go and check it out.

This small town is about one hour from our place and is most famous for it's waterfall. Minoh is not mentioned in any of the guide books we own, so we looked it up on the internet. The site we found said that the waterfall was a 45 minute hike from the train station. A Canadians definition of "hike" is very different from that of a Japanese person. It was basically a nice 3km walk on a widely paved pathway. Nonetheless, it was great to be outside and one with nature if you will! It was was great to be surrounded by trees and away from the concrete jungle that we currently live in.

The sun was shining, but it was still a little bit cool. Perfect autumn weather in my opinion. It was also lovely to see the trees start to change color. Autumn is my favourite season and as much as I love it back home, here it seems a bit different. The maple leaves are so small and it looks as though there are a billion of them on one tree. I cannot really explain it....it's just cool! The trees, the waterfall, and the wildlife made for a great day!

Now I really understand why former students fell in love with Vancouver and it's "nature". Minoh was packed with Japanese people eating their lunch while taking in the sites --- I say only Japanese people because we were the only foreigners. I think this is because Minoh isn't advertised in any of the toursity books. We preferred it this way :) We are spoiled with all of the trees and mountains.....mostly everywhere we look we have an amazing view to look at. Take it in guys....we are so lucky!!!

***On the way up to the waterfall the streets are lined with small shops and food stores. One of the most famous things you can buy in Minoh are "deep fried maple leaves". That's right....real leaves! ***

***This heron was waiting to catch a fish. I was waiting to catch some action shots. Jame said something and as I turned around, the heron flew off! Go figure!***

***I wasn't able to get a clear photo of them, but there were a couple of massive koi fish in the stream. There was a solid white one and it was the coolest looking fish I have ever seen***

***There are quite a few of these signs around. I was stoked to see a monkey or two (or maybe a gorilla as this sign suggests), but no luck! ***

*** Fish on a stick anyone?***

*** A view of the fall from the end of the path ***