Author Archives: spikekalashnikov

James and I head north to the forests on the Pacific coast. We plunge in just south of Point Reyes. There is no path but James is an inveterate forest man after decades of mushroom hunting. It is raining. The … Continue reading →

Topher White is an old friend, we worked together at Stanford, ITER and OIST. He is an amazingly smart and creative guy. He started up Rainforest Connection (RWC). Check the web site: https://rfcx.org Donate lots of money. I was lightly … Continue reading →

Since my Mother died, my friend Kiyuna san has been asking for photos of her. Sister Rosy recently sent me some good ones. JPGs you can upload to a web site, go to any Combini at any time of the … Continue reading →

Mitsuda sensei has finished my sail cover! Although not as essential as the cockpit cover, it is an important piece of kit as uncovered sails, exposed to the ferocity of the Okinawan sun, soon wither and die. The hallmark of … Continue reading →

At 9:00 this morning, my doorbell rings. I open the door to find a grinning gentleman of about 60 standing there. We exchange ohayo gozaimasu and he then hands me a beautifully wrapped gift. Luckily I did not refuse, thinking … Continue reading →

November in Okinawa is warm, sunny and cooler. I think after nearly a decade of living here that October and November are the best months. The sunsets are more muted but, on the other hand, photographable from my balcony. More … Continue reading →

Something I have neglected, as of late, is Okinawan sunsets. July is the greatest season but the sun sets far too far in the West from where I now live, necessitating a longish walk or bike trip to take photos. … Continue reading →

Hooray! I have a beautiful new cover for the boat. It is a thing of beauty and therefore a joy forever. The cover was hand made by yet another Okinawan boating personality, the charming Mitsuda san. The cover is very … Continue reading →

This blog is a record of my time in Okinawa. Last night Shuri Jo burned down to the ground. This is the most awful thing. I have to mention it. http://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/AJ201910310046.html?fbclid=IwAR1tJ5oFhMtbiO4N-wwLbfH9irZtLDo5QrKhaq50CpXRJyc28CstpaqeB1A http://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/AJ201910310034.html https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2019/10/31/national/shuri-castle-fire/#.XbuxBkUzYUF Okinawa is a small island. Shuri Jo … Continue reading →

Jeremy and I head off to Zamami Jima for a few days of fun. https://www.google.com/maps/place/Zamami,+Shimajiri+District,+Okinawa/@26.1978192,127.2473818,22282m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m5!3m4!1s0x34faacb90bb22d49:0x681887c9961eb8b9!8m2!3d26.2286041!4d127.3032561 It is a 50 km sail across the wild and wistful ocean and the Norfolk Gypsy has been trembling with anticipation since I mentioned the … Continue reading →