View Full Version : Some Of My Favorites (Pics of Japan, Ponds)
sundan
11-26-2004, 09:59 AM
Japanese country and culture is so amazing!
sundan
11-26-2004, 10:09 AM
Japanese country and culture is so amazing!
kntry
11-26-2004, 10:16 AM
Awesome pictures!
sundan
11-26-2004, 10:24 AM
Japanese country and culture is so amazing!!
sundan
11-26-2004, 10:39 AM
This is fun.. Japanese country and culture is so amazing!!
BillJ
11-26-2004, 10:52 AM
Sundan,how about posting some of the great koi in Japan.I guess I'm going through withdrawal or something.Water too cold for my koi to eat.Desperately looking for a new koi to put in indoor q tank but just can't find anything I can afford.Can you post some big chubby faced jumbos or a link or website I can look at the really big grand champions of resent years?
I need a fix.
Bill
Canadian RedNeck
11-26-2004, 10:58 AM
great pics of a lovely country, sundan ! :)
sundan
11-26-2004, 11:05 AM
Can do BillJ.
BillJ
11-26-2004, 11:35 AM
Thank you,Sundan.I think if I owned a koi like some of those I'd eat and sleep at the pond.And never leave the property.
Bill
sundan
11-26-2004, 12:05 PM
Wish you were here.
sundan
11-26-2004, 12:21 PM
Japan Dejuva
sundan
11-26-2004, 12:33 PM
Got Samurai blood in me.
sundan
11-26-2004, 12:47 PM
My second Home.
BillJ
11-26-2004, 12:58 PM
Incredible photos,Sundan.Am I correct in assuming that the individual shots of young koi are from your personal herd?They look to this beginner's eye to be of high quality.Is one of the ponds you posted yours and if not would you mind posting it.Would also like to see more of your herd.(is herd the proper term?)
Bill
sundan
11-26-2004, 01:09 PM
Amazing Japan.
sundan
11-26-2004, 01:34 PM
Bill,
Yes, all the young koi you have seen are mine, including maruten kohaku at champ koi photo, koi is from Unomua farm. Herd is right, I must have at least 80 now. 3 ponds,3500,3100,1500 gals. One pond is a flow thru so I can handle the amount of koi I have, flows 72,000 a day. I Thank God for water wells, a must.
BillJ
11-26-2004, 01:58 PM
Nice Kohaku! I hope to some day have koi of similar quality.At present I have 1 pond of about 2500 gal. with 7 koi-4 Japanese and 3 domestic.
paulw
11-26-2004, 03:55 PM
Some truly amazing pictures you have posted for us to see and the scenery ones are awsome.
sundan
11-26-2004, 05:51 PM
Recent Earthquake In Niigatta.
Last photo is Mark of koiusa just before earthquake.
sundan
11-26-2004, 06:11 PM
Instead of sheep, count koi jumping over when at a loss of sleep, 1 kohaku, 2 showa, 3 sanke, 4 ogon,ect....
kntry
11-26-2004, 06:52 PM
Sundan, you've got a pm.
Some of your photos brought back some wonderful memories. I still remember the statue of the warrior on the horse. Did you go down inside of the big buda? The koi photos were wonderful too. Used some of those for screen savers for a while. Nice fish and nice to see you posting on Koiphen. Clay
Rita in Il
11-27-2004, 03:53 AM
Beautiful pictures! To think I was there as a child and missed all that! Hopefully will someday be able to go back there and enjoy myself!
Rita
emmalou
11-27-2004, 12:02 PM
Stunning pics :)
Lee B
11-27-2004, 12:43 PM
Oh WOW! Don't know what else to say - absolutely stunning.
Lee
Koimum
11-27-2004, 01:53 PM
Magnificent shots!
Thanks for sharing!
sundan
11-27-2004, 10:38 PM
Show pond 3500 gal, 2 filters, bead, Momotaro bakki shower.
Ringtank 3100 gals flow-thru
1500 gal breeder pond
My Shiu-Tzu dogs Tanya, Niko
Two socks, half doberman, half tacobell dog, he thinks he is a big dog.
Blammo
11-27-2004, 10:50 PM
GOOD GOD, Mr. SUNDAN;););) !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Who built them pondzzz ?:confused::confused::confused::confused:
How did you fit them in there ?:eek::eek::eek:
RRRRRRrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrOcketMannnnnnnnn :D:D:D
kntry
11-27-2004, 10:58 PM
Is that a Malucan? It's really pretty.
I love your orchids. I wish I could get ONE of mine to bloom, much less that many. What's your secret? :D
More pond pics, please. :D
Blammo
11-27-2004, 10:59 PM
Is that a Malucan? It's really pretty.
I love your orchids. I wish I could get ONE of mine to bloom, much less that many. What's your secret? :D
More pond pics, please. :D Sandy.. Umbrella...;););)
kntry
11-27-2004, 11:08 PM
Thanks, Blam. I couldn't tell from the photo.
I've been in LUV with Malucan's forever. I want one so bad, just can't afford to pay $2,000 for a bird. :mad:
LouAnn NOrman
11-27-2004, 11:36 PM
Those are wonderful pictures. Thank you for posting them. :)
sundan
11-27-2004, 11:36 PM
My Japanese sword school banner and collection of Samurai.
sundan
11-28-2004, 10:48 AM
Japanese country and culture is amazing!! Love their art, they strive for perfection in whatever they do.
sundan
11-28-2004, 11:14 AM
Wish I was There!!
sundan
11-28-2004, 11:48 AM
Lets see, I want that one, and that one, she looks good, wow, gotta have that one. ah, a keeper. Hey, I will have to build another pond. You think the wife will notice?
sundan
11-28-2004, 05:27 PM
Amazing culture.
sundan
11-28-2004, 09:07 PM
Sakai and Koi!!
Swimming Jewel
11-28-2004, 09:19 PM
Awesome!
(I'm an orchid lover & grower too!)
sundan
11-29-2004, 08:48 PM
Wow, talk about jumbo koi.
sundan
11-29-2004, 10:00 PM
These are real samurai photos from 1860 -1870 when camera was just develope. A few have been touch up with color. Sure would not want to cross swords with these guys. One photo is a true sword guard with koi.
sundan
11-29-2004, 10:16 PM
Love their wood block art.
Sundan - Wow - Gorgeous and interesting pics!
Would you by any chance have pictures of any Japanese manhole covers with koi on them?
Ruth
sundan
12-01-2004, 10:00 AM
Here you go Ruth.
Akitakoi
12-01-2004, 01:13 PM
Fantastic pictures! I hope you don't mind I saved a few for insperation.
I got into koi from visiting Japanese gardens, building one myself. Or should I say a japanese inspired garden because a japanese garden can only be in japan.;)
I posted a few of mine on this thread, lots more to post when I get time to resize them.
http://www.koiphen.com/forums/showthread.php?t=7330&page=2
Thanks!
sundan
12-01-2004, 05:30 PM
Monster showa Koi 34 inches, wish it was mine!! It's really stress out, look at the color of the water, sometimes they do bleed from the gills. Belongs to Kevin Pham.And my favorites, kinda Showa!!
sundan
12-19-2004, 02:29 AM
Amazing art.
Mr.TrickelFilter
12-23-2004, 11:27 AM
Wow.........Thank you,very good pictures .Did you take them?
MTF
sundan
12-24-2004, 02:47 PM
Some of them I took, others collected. Look what Santa gave me, 4 step kohaku from Hosakai farm. Japanese word means samurai.
danzcool
12-24-2004, 03:48 PM
How did I miss this thread the first time around? Thanks for taking the time to post the pictures, they're great.
savannahrobinson
12-24-2004, 08:51 PM
I had not seen this thread, either. (Late joiner - you know).
These men I would NOT mess with.
The other portrayed seemed to have character flaws that could be exploited in a fight. But appearances could be deceiving.
savannahrobinson
12-24-2004, 08:52 PM
These are exquisite photos of Mount Fuji = Did Sandan take them himself?
savannahrobinson
12-24-2004, 08:55 PM
I like the gardens of Japan. I've never been there, but have several books of smaller spaces - photo books - where you are supposed to learn by observation, not too much text.
These are wonderful places.
I like the perfection of the smaller places. Having several gardens, I am well aware of how hard you work to make things look "natural" as well as perfect. These are great photos.
Blammo
12-24-2004, 09:08 PM
These are exquisite photos of Mount Fuji = Did Sandan take them himself? SeeVanner.. :D
I wont speak for the pics but Dan ( sundan) was a military brat and went to the military himself as an adult...
The guy has lived all over the world so I suspect some are certainly his.
He's a " good ole boy".. without a doubt. He lives five minuted from me..
He is a fighter jet support, firefighter, at Homestead Air Base and close to retirement ( at a young age)
PM him and call him " Rocket Man".. He'll understand ;););)
keokoi
12-24-2004, 09:20 PM
Here you go Ruth.
Wow who is that guy did he get that man hole cover?
Keo :D
keokoi
12-24-2004, 09:23 PM
Monster showa Koi 34 inches, wish it was mine!! It's really stress out, look at the color of the water, sometimes they do bleed from the gills. Belongs to Kevin Pham.And my favorites, kinda Showa!!
Nice PICS..
Showa belongs to ISA his son measuring it.
The Marutan Sanke is from Doname breeds mainly Sanke really nice guy as well.
Keo
sundan
12-25-2004, 06:31 AM
Greetings Folks,
When I cannot get to Japan, there is a place I go to that makes me feel right at home and it is only a hour drive for me. Any one who gets a chance to visit Florida should not miss this place. Maybe save a day after Sensi Blammo wet lab to spend some time there. Some day, sure would like to see a koi show there.
The Morikami
Museum and Japanese Gardens
4000 Morikami Park Road
Delray Beach, FL 33446
http://www.morikami.org/index.htm
History
Visitors to Florida are surprised to discover a century-old connection between Japan and South Florida. In 1905, Jo Sakai, newly graduated from the New York University School of Commerce, returned to his hometown in Japan and organized a pioneering party to accompany him to Boca Raton, Florida. Sakai and his companions implemented a bold economic and social experiment, the Yamato Colony. Facing harsh farming conditions, the families struggled to endure through the 1920s until, finally, one by one they left for more hospitable parts of the US or returned to Japan.
But one colonist remained. George Sukeji Morikami, who continued to work as a farmer and agricultural agent in South Florida, eventually prospering and amassing several hundred acres of land. In the mid-1970s, nearing the end of his long life, George Morikami donated 200 acres to Palm Beach County and the State of Florida.
The Morikami Museum celebrates the living culture of Japan and the unique history of a Japanese farming colony in Florida. Morikami Park offers 200 acres of tranquil pine forest, nature trails, lakes and waterfalls, shaded picnic pavilions, Japanese Gardens and bonsai collections. Classes and workshops for kids and adults include Japanese language, tea ceremony, flower arranging, orchid culture, ink painting, haiku, origami, bonsai, nature photography, toy and kite-making and more. The museum store features authentic gift items from Japan, including jewelry, books, cards, dolls, toys, clothing, pattery, lacquerware, kitchenware, tea utensils and much more. The cafe features a delightful menu of homestyle Japanese food, beverages and snacks.
Annual Festivals
1 Oshogatsu
Dates: January 9, 2005, Sunday
Location: The Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens
New Year Oshogatsu Celebration includes Japan's customary rice-pounding and making of mochi rice cakes; viewing of the sado tea ceremony; kakizome, hands-on calligraphy; nengajo, New Year's card-making: omikuji, fortune-telling: and games like hanetsuki, similar to badminton, and fukuwarai, similar to pin-the-tail-on-the-donkey....(more)
2 Hatsume Fair
Dates: February 26, 2005 - February 27, 2005, Sunday Saturday
Location: The Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens
Celebrating the first bud of spring, The Morikami’s largest annual event, Hatsume, transforms the normally tranquil Morikami Park into a unique Japanese spring festival. Hatsume Fair features three stages with continuous entertainment including taiko drummers, a Japanese tea ceremony, flower arranging,...(more)
3 Children's Day
Dates: April 17, 2005, Sunday
Location: The Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens
Patterned after Japan’s national holiday, Kodomo-no-hi, The Morikami Children’s Day Celebration includes hands-on activities such as making a giant carp streamer; gyotaku (fish painting); Japanese toy making; hina-shikishi (doll collage); making newspaper kabuto (warriors’ helmets); and origami (paper folding). In addition,...(more)
4 Bon Festival
Dates: August 13, 2005, Saturday
Location: The Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens
Inspired by Obon, Japan’s traditional three-day holiday honoring ancestors and thanking them for the quality of life enjoyed by the living, The Morikami celebrates Bon Festival in one fun-packed evening. Highlights include rousing taiko drum performances, traditional Japanese folk dancing with...(more)
Exhibit Opening
1 Sharaku
Dates: November 2, 2004 - December 31, 2004, Sunday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
Location: The Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens
Sharaku was a master of the ukiyo-e woodblock print whose known body of work dates only from a 10-month period between 1794 and '95 and whose personal life remains a mystery. Many of his portraits of kabuki actors are recognized the...(more)
2 New Exhibition! Japanese Armor of th 16th & 17th Centuries
Dates: December 21, 2004 - March 13, 2005, Sunday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
Location: The Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens
The armor of the bushi, or samurai, underwent a profound change in the 16th century with the introduction of the firearm from the West. Although Japanese armorers had always created works of art, suddenly they were free to select the stylistic...(more)
3 Ningyo: Antique Japanese Dolls from Collection of Mr. & Mrs. Joel Rosen
Dates: December 21, 2004 - March 13, 2005, Sunday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
Location: The Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens
Dolls are not merely playthings but can provide a unique window on another culture. Masterfully crafted Japanese dolls that are seldom playthings have a long heritage as auspicious gifts or figurines brought out and displayed for specific yearly observances, with themes...(more)
4 Exhibition!!! Antique Japanese Dolls
Dates: December 21, 2004 - March 13, 2005, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday
Location: The Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens
December 21, 2004- March 13, 2005 • Exhibition! Ningyō : Antique Japanese Dolls from the Collection of Mr. and Mrs. Joel Rosen Dolls are not merely playthings but can provide a unique window on another culture. Masterfully crafted Japanese...(more)
5 Exhibition!!!
Dates: December 21, 2004 - March 13, 2005, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday
Location: The Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens
December 21, 2004- March 13, 2005 • Exhibition! Japanese Armor of the 16th and 17th Centuries The armor of the bushi, or samurai, underwent a profound change in the 16th century with the introduction of the firearm from the West....(more)
6 New Exhibition!! FLorigami: Folded Images of Florida's Hidden Nature
Dates: March 29, 2005 - September 18, 2005, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday
Location: The Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens
March 29 through September 18, 2005• New Exhibition! FLorigami: Folded Images of Florida’s Hidden Nature by Michael LaFosse Michael LaFosse is a Massachusetts resident and paper-folding master who has exhibited his delicate origami paper sculptures all over the world. A biologist...(more)
7 New Exhibition!! Japanese Folk Art from the Collection of Mitzie Verne
Dates: March 29, 2005 - September 18, 2005, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday
Location: The Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens
March 29, through September 18, 2005• New Exhibition! Japanese Folk Art from the Collection of Mitzie Verne The unpretentious art of often untutored and unnamed folk artisans of Japan has long attracted Japanese and non-Japanese alikeCso much so that an...(more)
sundan
12-25-2004, 06:46 AM
Mt Fugi at its best.
sundan
12-25-2004, 07:00 AM
Golden Temple In Koyoto.
sundan
12-25-2004, 07:04 AM
Godzilla vs Koi God
sundan
12-25-2004, 07:15 AM
Gotto love them.
LouAnn NOrman
12-25-2004, 07:30 AM
Sandan,
Those are wonderful images. Thank you for sharing them. I hope to see Mt Fugi in person one day, but I truly enjoyed your images.
Savannah,
Your images are also great. I love Japanese gardens.
sundan
12-25-2004, 07:34 AM
Japanese art is so amazing!
sundan
12-25-2004, 02:09 PM
Japanese culture art
sundan
12-30-2004, 07:24 PM
Been looking for several years for koi banners. Here is what I found.
http://my.core.com/~klee365/product.html
www.goldenkoi.com
sundan
02-08-2005, 04:29 PM
A lot of you have not seen my favorites of Japanese culture and beauty... check it out from start. Some I took,others collected.
sundan
02-08-2005, 04:41 PM
2005 Grand Champ Maruyama showa...
savannahrobinson
02-08-2005, 05:17 PM
Why do they build the arches out in the water?
For boaters? Are they targets or lighthouses? (come hither, or go away-ther).
For water spirits? fish?
CarolinaGirl
02-08-2005, 05:31 PM
How did I miss this thread???!!! The pictures are amazing! Thank you for taking the time to post them all!
sundan
02-08-2005, 05:37 PM
The Tori Gate marks the entrance into holy precincts, it is important to show suitable respect at the Tori, Japanese worshipers bow at this point while at the same time remembering that standing in the middle of the Tori when bowing prevents the Kami passing back and forth.
There are several different styles of Tori. The most common form is where a column on each side supports crossbars, which can vary in number.
sundan
02-08-2005, 05:56 PM
Ok,Ok.. What is a kami?? A supreme deity goddess... brief history..
Amaterasu Omikami
Great Goddess Shining in Heaven
by J.C. Moua and Seth Tabor
Among the most highly revered of all the Shinto Kami is Amaterasu Omikami, the Great Sun Goddess. Amaterasu Omikami is virtually the supreme deity in Japanese mythology as well as the ancestor goddess of the imperial family.
In order to understand why Amaterasu Omikami is the object of such devotion, one must examine her origins. There are several versions of this creation story. The Nihongi, an eighth-century collation of many ancient Japanese myths and legends, records that the two creator deities, Izanagi no Mikoto (“The Male Who Invites”) and Izanami no Mikoto (“The Female Who Invites”), first descended from heaven and together produced the various islands of Japan, together with the mountains, rivers, and surrounding seas. Then they undertook their greatest work of all, to generate the high Kami that would rule over all these dominions. First they procreated Amaterasu Omikami, whose radiance shone through the six directions (north, south, east, west, above, and below). The divine parents were so delighted with this child that they immediately sent her up to heaven and established her there to rule over all she could survey. Next, Izanami and Izanagi created Tsukiyomi no Mikoto, the Moon Kami, whom they also set in heaven and designated as Amaterasu's celestial consort, to rule together with her. Third, the creator gods generated a “Leech Child,” which, however, appeared so bungled and misshapen that they regretfully put it in a boat and abandoned it to the winds. Fourth, Izanami and Izanagi procreated Susano-O no Mikoto, the Storm Kami, to whom they initially gave dominion over the seas but then later sent down to rule in Yomi, the underworld (Nihongi 18-19). Among other things, this myth makes clear that Amaterasu's primacy in the birth order reflected an unquestionable moral and spiritual superiority over her siblings.
sundan
02-08-2005, 06:31 PM
Himeji castle is properly called Shirasagi-jo (White Heron Castle), perhaps because the cusped and inverted V-shaped gables resemble a flock of herons in flight. Look at roof photos, can see koi.
This Himeji Castle, otherwise called "Shirasagijo" (White Heron Castle), is situated in Himeji City of Hyogo prefecture about 50 km west of Osaka. It is about 370 years since Himeji Castle was constructed in its present shape. This is the only excellent castle which architecturally represents Japanese culture and, at the same time, has handed down its original design at the time of construction.
Looking up at Himeji Castle, not a few people might think about this unique Japanese architectural beauty that was not influenced either by Chinese or Western culture, despite the remains of the age of civil wars.
Himeji Castle is an inspiring product of the "Japanese Renaissance."
SouthernStarr
02-08-2005, 06:55 PM
WOW - thankyou for bumping this thread! I don't know how I missed it - but have been sitting here in awe looking at these pics! A big thankyou to Sundan for taking time to post them :yes: :yes:
savannahrobinson
02-08-2005, 07:12 PM
while at the same time remembering that standing in the middle of the Tori when bowing prevents the Kami passing back and forth
If Kami is the supreme goddess with light in six directions, ruler of all that she surveys - is preventing the kami a good thing? Can't be, can it? Or is the idea to catch her on one side or the other?
I still don't get the arches out in the water. Why is that spot of water sacred and all around it is not?
Water is such a fluid element - (don't laugh, I understand the redundancy of that statement.) Fish are always moving around. I don't see how any one piece of water is more sacred than any other. Is there a shoal there? A coral reef?
In my culture, something like the Torii would soon be littered with flowers, banners, and little gifts. Candles. Its probably a good thing to have a shrine out in the water - prevents the litter.
emmalou
02-08-2005, 08:21 PM
A few shots for you Sundan :yes:
sundan
02-08-2005, 09:41 PM
Savanna,
What did Moses do when he saw the burning bush? He knelt down before God out of respect, sacred land he was upon. It is almost same with tori gate and kami. While in middle of Tori gate you bow to kami out of respect.
Tori gate you see in the water is a very famous gate out of memory of Hiroshima lost soul by A-bomb. It is called gates of luck.
sundan
02-08-2005, 10:19 PM
Always wanted to post this, thought some of you might find it interested. Its the real thing, code of Samurai. I try to live by it.
SAMURAI NO KOKORO
KNOW YOUSELF / JIKO OSHIRU KOTO
ALWAYS FOLLOW THROUGH ON COMMITMENTS / JIBUN NO KIMETA KOTO WA SAIGO MADE JIKKO SURU KOTO
RESPECT EVERYONE / IKANARU HITO DEMO SONKE SURU KOTO
HOLD STRONG CONVICTIONS / KANKYO NI SAYU NI SARENAL TSUYOI
DON'T MAKE THE ENEMY OF YOURSELF / MIZU KARA TEKI O TSUKARANAI KOTO
LIVE WITHOUT REGRETS / KOTO NI OITE KOKAISEAZU
MAKE A GOOD FIRST IMPRESSION / HITO TO NO DEAI O TAISETSU NI SURU KOTO
DON'T CLING TO THE PAST / MIREN NO MOTANAL KOTO
NEVER BREAK A PROMISE / YAKUSOKU YABURANAI KOTO
DON'T DEPEND ON OTHER PEOPLE / HITO NI TAYORANAI KOTO
DON'T SPEAK ILL OF OTHERS / HITO NI ONSHITSU SHINAI KOTO
DON'T BE AFRAID OF ANYTHING / IKANARU KOTO NI ITE MO OSORENAI KOTO
RESPECT OPINION OF OTHERS / HITO NO IKEN O SONCHO SURU KOTO
HAVE COMPASSION FOR EVERYONE / HITO NO TAISHITE OMOIYARI O MOTSU KOTO
DON'T BE IMPETUOUS / KARUHAZUMI NI KOTO
EVEN LITTLE THINGS MUST BE ATTENDED TO / CHIIISAI NA KOTO DEMO TAISETSU NI SURU KOTO
NEVER FORGET TO BE APPRECIATIVE / KANSHA NO KIMOCHI O WASURENAL KOTO
BE FIRST TO SEIZE THE OPPORTUNITY / HITO YORI SOSSENSHI KODO SURU KOTO
MAKE A DESPERATE EFFORT / ISSHO KENMEI MONOGOTO O SURU KOTO
HAVE PLAN FOR YOUR LIFE / JINSEI NOMOKUHYO O SADAMERU KOTO
NEVER LOSE YOUR BEGINNER SPIRIT!!!! / SHOSHIN O WASSURUBEKARAZARU KOTO
savannahrobinson
02-08-2005, 10:36 PM
Wow - Emmalou - those photos! Are they real?
Sundan - the code of the warrior is pretty near the cowboy code, except for the "respect the opinion of others".
Cowboys are always right, and any one who disagrees is an idiot.
I'm not getting the question out right.
In my study of japanese gardens, I know that certain places in the Shinto religion are sacred. There are beautiful stones, circles with intricately woven ropes and with paper prayers fluttering in the breeze. I grok that. There are places on the earth where you step into a space - and you feel the holiness of the earth.
I don't grok the holiness of a single spot of water. Why do they put the Torii where they do?
I'm a storyteller, let me tell you about what happened to me one year.
My ex- and I, when we were still married, used to go to Victoria, Vancouver Island, close to Emmalou, every August. And we would take side trips on the way.
One year we flew in to Seattle and headed West. We went out to Long Island and then up to St. Anne's to catch the ferry to Victoria.
Along the way we found this national forest. Wonderful place, so we stayed. And we went back.
They have all these walks mapped out through the forest, but there had been a big wind and lots of the walks were obscured by fallen trees. A 12 foot wide tree falls, and the path is lost. Really-really.
And park budgets being what they are - some of the paths were wishful thinking anyway.
So we decided to take this walk. It went through gravelled,well marked paths, and then... it didn't. Fallen trees, rotting logs, the path would disappear and reappear. The path ended at a stream - streams in Northern Washington are steep and deep and COLD.
But a bit up the way, we could see a tree had fallen across. So - big adventurers that we were (hah!) we scouted through the woods to the fallen tree, made our way around the roots - which were more of a fence than anything, and shimmeyed across the tree to the other side.
Climbed up the embankment - closest I've gotten to sheer rock climbing, and back to the path.
It was WAY overgrown, difficult. My ex- is not amused by adventure. So I was doing this running prattle of the "Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom" - just making stuff up, certain that ex- wouldn't know the diff. And he didn't. But it kept him from *****ing.
FINALLY we got to this clearing. And there was this HUGE old cedar. It was so big that fifteen people couldn't have touched fingertips around it. It was so old that a 50 foot pine tree was growing in one of the crotches. It was so massive, that my cheap camera wouldn't take it in one photo.
And it was STILL. There was this feeling of ancient wisdom, acceptance, and peace.
No fancy knotted ropes, no Torii, no shrine. The tree itself was a shrine. A shinto priest would have fallen to his knees and cried.
emmalou
02-09-2005, 01:43 PM
Sav..that was pretty ****** cool...
There is a Grove here on the Island called Catherdral Grove..In it's prime, it was a beautiful thing to behold..trees as big as what you have described..acres and acres of them..nurse logs scattered all over the place..moss for miles..supporting lichens and toadstools of every color inaginable. You could walk for such a long time and feel the mist on your face. the ferns were as tall as a small tree...the walkways natural decayed mulch....but the things that always stood out for me was the silence..not a sound..not a bird..nothing. Was spooky in one way, but very humbling in another.
Sadly the forest itself has been revaged by time and weather..the giants have fallen,the acres cleared out. I won't go back.
sundan
02-09-2005, 07:11 PM
Amazing gardens...
emmalou
02-09-2005, 07:15 PM
Everyone need a cherry blossom tree. I am an admirer of the sand/gravel gardens..but it is just not for me. I need to see greens..lots of moss is my favorite..I have alot of sun moss here..I would like to incorporate it into my gardens. It grows only on a sand base, full sun, and is drought resistant...what more could one ask of a plant?
Nice Pics Sundan ;)
sundan
02-09-2005, 07:23 PM
Ok, my favorite Japanese garden. Can you see grass cover Mt. Fugi, koi in corner of pond. This place draws you in and gives you peace.
kingkong
02-09-2005, 07:59 PM
Wow, I feel like trimming every plant in the neighborhood. I like the Mt. fuji look as well, I just wish black pine grew better in the South. Those trees show so much character. Thanks for the show ! :yes:
sundan
03-02-2005, 02:59 PM
My goffen cockatoo parrot named Kelly girl. Tancho gosiki, looking promising, and other koi. Phal Orchids blooming. Cheers...
Noahsnana
03-02-2005, 03:28 PM
Nice pics Sundan :yes:
Sundan...thank you for the show.....the pictures were absolutely awesome. Just breath taking. I too copied a few to use in our newsletter, if this is ok....thanks again......Today is sooooo cold in Nashville and this was really uplifting.... :yes: Kay
sundan
03-05-2005, 07:39 PM
Old age,new age... Japan
sundan
03-09-2005, 10:46 AM
Wish you were here....
sundan
03-09-2005, 11:18 PM
Woodblock prints of Edo time Japan...
sundan
03-09-2005, 11:31 PM
More....
CarolinaGirl
08-17-2005, 06:27 PM
I had forgotten all about this thread and the awesome collection of japan photos and art. This was a GREAT thread!
sundan
08-17-2005, 07:40 PM
Thanks Carolina,
I was little shock to see it myself, been a while, cheers!!!
I'm so glad that got bumped up! it was amazing!
thankyou
sundan
08-17-2005, 10:29 PM
You welcome Meg,
More photos, more koi, more art....
sunshine kathy
08-17-2005, 11:13 PM
Thanks! That was lovely...Actually awesome is a better word!
Tired and overworked
08-17-2005, 11:16 PM
How big is the koi in last pic? I just love your photos, greats shots, :yes: Maryann. :D:
tnovak
08-18-2005, 04:25 AM
Looks like a 4-footer!!! Breathtaking collection of pics!!!! Husband was in Japan in '66, he was walking by and glanced at my monitor....had to show him all the pics! Just breathtaking!! Thank you so much for sharing!
Koin-Onia
08-18-2005, 05:02 AM
gorgeous
sundan
08-19-2005, 05:15 PM
I love tancho showas!! :yes: :yes: :yes: :yes: :yes: :yes: and other asorted koi!
Valarc
08-19-2005, 05:35 PM
The picture of the pond (lake?) with the huge line of koi swimming together is absolutely breathtaking... thanks for sharing!
sundan
11-22-2005, 12:54 PM
new members may have miss my favorite Japan pictures...
sundan
12-13-2005, 10:58 AM
New photos...
Koi is the Best
12-13-2005, 11:40 AM
Nice pics, I always enjoi your posts. I have never been to Japan (well outside of Narita airport) but it on my list of things to do when my daughter and new baby on the way get a little older.
gray cat
12-13-2005, 12:07 PM
Dan I always just love looking at your pics. Thanks for taking time to post them. They are just beautiful! :yes:
MCPS Mike
12-13-2005, 12:20 PM
Dan, you and I share a common bond. Our love for Japanese culture. Hope to meet you someday.
Mike
Arden
12-13-2005, 01:19 PM
WOW!
I'm one of the "new members. This thread is awesome!
Sundan, I see in your profile you have an interest in Kendo and Bushido. Do you practice?
I practice Isshinryu (Okinawan karate).
No swords for us (in spite of my hamster--hmmm, :rolleyes: maybe I can get Cindy to change it to a staff ;) ) since Okinawan Karate was developed when the region was first occupied by Japan and weapons among the natives were outlawed. (Most people don't know that Okinawa wasn't always part of Japan) :yes:
The weapons we use were created from farm implements so they would look innocuous. The Samurai swords are just breathtaking. :cool: Thanks for the pics! :bow: :bow: :bow:
sundan
12-13-2005, 01:45 PM
Arden,
Yes, several years of Kendo and Bushido. Photo is my katana sword school mon (3 bamboo leaf clan), studied Eishin ryu style.
Arden
12-13-2005, 01:58 PM
Cool! There is so much history in those swords. :D:
http://www.msisshinryu.com/megami/images/megami-bg-page.jpg
Isshinryu-One Heart Way
WinginSue
12-13-2005, 02:03 PM
WOW.. looking at those pictures makes me want to take a tour of Japan so bad. I would want to have a guide like you though, not some canned thing.
Beautiful pics Dan. Thanks
sundan
06-02-2006, 08:52 PM
Been a while since I have seen these photos...treasure memories!
lilhelper
07-22-2006, 11:43 PM
Sugoi ne!!!!!
sore wa kawaii ga imasu
sundan
08-13-2007, 08:50 PM
koi art:yes:
WOW! I couldn't see all of these before I got a faster connection. The're great! :yes:
sundan
11-30-2007, 12:45 PM
Some day will see this koi musem in Japan in person. If you like to see all the photos check out sugarloaf koi... http://www.flickr.com/photos/sugarloafkoi/sets/72157602882761353/
some samples...
anyone have any Northwest hours to donate?::rolleyes:
tracey_shafer
11-30-2007, 03:01 PM
You bumped this back just when I was stopping for a lunch break, the beautiful pictures fed the soul. Thank you.:D:
sundan
11-30-2007, 08:12 PM
No, its not Japan. Its my koi fish farm at Lake Wales Florida!:yes: :yahoo: Its been a year now since I started. Don't you love it when a plan comes together? Soon can post some high quality tosai to check out.
sundan
09-05-2008, 01:27 PM
some of the new members may have not seen this thread of Japanese art, koi and more, enjoy...:yes:
Prelude
09-05-2008, 01:45 PM
wow, I did miss this thread. Extremely beautiful, it's too much for one place! Thank you for bringing this back :)
sundan
11-11-2008, 10:04 AM
still my favorite thread..:yes:
tnovak
11-11-2008, 01:22 PM
Stunning!!!!!!!!
tyco4357
11-11-2008, 03:03 PM
Your photos are absolutely breathtaking! I spent all morning going through this thread. One of the most enjoyable things I have ever done. I love the way the cherry blossom was imposed on one pic and the water dragons are gorgeous. This is one place I have always wanted to go but will probably never get there. The land is stunning! It is almost like a fantasy. Thank you so much for the tour. It meant a lot to me..
sundan
12-23-2008, 09:43 AM
so happy you enjoy the land. Sometimes I think I live there in another life.
Russell Peters
12-23-2008, 10:27 AM
Japanese country and culture is so amazing!
They have stuff like that in Japan?:confused:
tnovak
12-23-2008, 01:42 PM
Breathtaking, stunning!
cindy
03-29-2009, 04:56 PM
bump
sundan
03-29-2009, 08:29 PM
this thread is when Koiphen got started, 4 years ago, how time flies. I thought some new members might enjoy tour of Japan, koi... Cheers.
sundan
07-01-2009, 11:55 AM
refresh....
cindy
07-01-2009, 12:04 PM
incredible thread, thank you
sundan
07-03-2009, 01:34 PM
koi socks. when Japan does them they do it in a big way.
farne230
07-06-2009, 10:07 AM
Thanks you. I enjoyed the tour.
Bob
sundan
07-12-2010, 01:36 PM
Been a while since I seen this old thread of mine. How time flies by.. I love this picture of Gene in Japan. He is at the house of breeder Hasegawa and he has just observe tanks of kohaku and showa. He said he had to sit down when he saw the high quality of his koi, his face almost looks like in a state of shock. Look at his hands, they are shaking so fast even camera could not make picture clear. He said the quality of his koi was so overwhelming, he had to sit down and take it all in. It was first time he had been there. I forget other man's name, if not for him Gene would have not got his foot in the door of Hasegawa home. Gene was able to buy some of his koi, they are now growing in his mud ponds.:yes:
Leland
07-12-2010, 02:17 PM
Can do BillJ.
love the eyecandy.
sundan
07-12-2010, 05:55 PM
had a pair of these walking around my mud ponds the other day. See where tancho kohaku name came from?
EricT
07-12-2010, 07:45 PM
SUPER! I love this thread!
-Eric