Continuing road trip

With a morning ferry ride under our belts we didn't have anything else planned for the day and going home brought visions of napping in front of the TV.  Instead we continued on up the mountains and through a tunnel to the neighboring prefecture.  No plans, no expectations.  Just driving.

There was still snow on the ground and it looked like it was snowing in the mountains above us.  The road has just been opened this month after been closed for the winter season.

We found souvenir shops that WEREN'T selling these cute cats...  There were just decorations here and there around the shelves.  They are made of slices of large bamboo poles.  I took the picture because I want to make some someday.  It seemed fairly easy...  Cut a bamboo pole piece, cut out a V for ears and then paint a face inside...  Someday...

We found a valley with 300 carp banners flying.

And a private Skunk Cabbage meadow.

There was a marsh of cresson and a sign inviting passersby to take all they wanted (plastic bag included).

At a rest stop I found another English sign that someone needs to correct. 

And we finally turned around and headed home going back along the same road and back to Lake Chuzenji.

The lake was bathed in a the light of a sunset.  A rather nice day.