Hi Everyone,

I hope you are staying warm following the snow yesterday. Despite the cold, I still went for my morning run along the Akigawa River. There is nothing more beautiful than running through fresh powder snow, and there is always a beautiful stillness in the air. Everything feels very peaceful and quiet.

The snow was quite deep in places, so it wasn't always easy to run, but on the other hand, there is a magical feeling of adventure, being the first person to leave fresh footprints in the snow. Although there were not many people out walking, I did meet one or two other people enjoying the tranquility and the scenery. I will be back out running tomorrow, but as the snow will freeze tonight, it will not be as much fun.

As I was running, in the distance, I could see the towering, snow capped peaks of the mountains in Okutama, and despite the beauty, I know that for the people who live in the mountains, heavy snowfall can make their life very difficult. I guess that many of us have a romantic image of snuggling up beside a log fire inside a warm mountain cottage, but if you have to worry about having enough food, or have to clear paths and roads of snow, the reality of daily life is probably not so romantic.

Maybe at the weekend, once the roads have been cleared of snow, it will be nice to go hiking and enjoy more alpine scenery, and the smell of wood smoke in the air. That gives me something to look forward to.

Have a great week everyone, and be careful on the icy roads.

Mark