The Dynamic Duo

I’m determined to finish my Japan posts in a timely (more or less) manner. I’m just going to jump in with events I know have not yet been covered and see how far I get, okay?
HIKE AROUND ZUSHI
This long-awaited walk would be a hike on nature trails. We loaded into the car; making sure Linc’s carrier and warm clothing were included. But when we got to the trailhead and prepared to hike, UBob discovered he himself wasn’t quite so well prepared. Instead of sturdy hiking boots, or at least tennis shoes, he wore sandals. This type of footwear has the advantage of comfort and easy on & off, but is not conducive to sure footing on slippery, steep trails. The upshot of this was that the carrier containing the precious Linc cargo was strapped onto surefooted UltraDad’s back.
The scenery was beautiful and gave you an idea of what much of this area must have looked like before it became so populated. There were clearly marked trails, but they were sometimes steep, rocky and a little precarious. We walked through densely forested areas and UDad saw many unusual trees and plants to pique his interest. We came to a breathtaking overlook of the ocean, and were even able to spot the resort where UBob and UGirl got married a couple of years ago.  As we looped back towards the parking area, we viewed a small zoo, culminating in a monkey house filled with Japanese macaques (small baboons). Linc seemed to have no trouble adjusting to his new ‘horse.”

What is this red fruit?

Look at that view!

Hi Grandpa!

I think this is the only photo we have with all of us. UBob asked a fellow hiker to take it.

SUSHI
That evening we dropped Linc off at his Suzuki grandparents, and went off to enjoy our promised Sushi adventure. The restaurant was quite interesting. The ‘cooks’ were in the middle, and a conveyor belt of small plates containing culinary marvels circulated around them. Some patrons were seated at a bar, and others, like us, had access from our table. You could also order, if you wanted something you didn’t see, or wanted it fresher. Ultra Bob & Girl were in prime grabbing position, and soon our table was loaded with sushi and other delicacies. I can’t begin to name it all, (UltraGirl, please help me out!) but included halibut fin, several grades of tuna, sushi rolls with rice around the tuna wrapped in seaweed, fried mushrooms, and some very nasty raw shrimp and little fried sardines. Some of us ended the meal with sherbet or ice cream, and we washed the whole thing down with lots of green tea. The color of the plate indicated the price, and our table was soon stacked high with a colorful assortment of empties. Later UltraGirl bought me two adorable cell phone charms. One was a shrimp and one a sushi roll. “So you can remember,” she told me, “the sushi you liked and the sushi you didn’t like!” It was a great experience and I ate more raw fish than I would have thought possible. The good sushi, apparently, does not taste or smell ‘fishy.’

Some of the delicacies awaiting consumption

UltraMom and UltraGirl with a substantial pile of ‘empties’

I think UBob is trying to figure out the collateral damage