The Backpack Adventures

Weekend 121: February 24 – 25, 2024 Day 845: February 24, 2024 Saturday – Horokanai We were supposed to head out early today for our planned onsen trip, but the warmth of our bed proved too tempting, and we ended up oversleeping. We finally woke up around 10 AM, only to discover that the temperature had dropped to a freezing –13°C. Today is -13 degrees We briefly debated whether to continue with the onsen trip. My daughter suggested postponing it until the next day and simply watching movies instead. However, I felt it would be better to push through with our plan so we could enjoy a rest day before returning to work and school on Monday. In the end, everyone agreed. Since we hadn’t decided on a destination yet, I gave them two options: an onsen in Horokanai or one in Higashikagura . They chose Horokanai . The super cold temperature didn't stop us from going out for an out-of-town drive We left Rumoi City around noon. The drive to Seiwa Onsen Luonto in the town of Horokanai ( 幌加...

Day 844:  February 23, 2024 Friday –  Emperor’s Birthday x Ishikari City Happy birthday, Emperor Naruhito . Emperor's Birthday Ishikari Drive It was a beautiful morning, and the forecast said it would stay sunny most of the day. Since it was a National Holiday, staying at home felt like a waste. We decided to make a trip to COSTCO Ishikari , and because we had not been there for a long time, my wife approved the plan right away. Before leaving Rumoi City, we stopped by Rumoi Shinkin Bank Quick stop - Lawson's Urausu We got these drinks. My wife enjoyed the Strawberry Milk drink The drive from Rumoi City ( 留萌市 )  to Ishikari City ( 石狩市 ) usually takes around two hours and sixteen minutes, but I tend to drive slower in winter. With the snowy roads, it took us almost three hours. Before reaching COSTCO , we stopped by Lawson in the town of Urausu to buy some breakfast.  2nd Street Ishikari Inside 2nd Street Ishikari After that, we headed to the  2nd Stree...

Week 121: February 19 – 23, 2024 Day 840: February 19, 2024 Monday – Rumoi Rumoi High School 2.19.24 It’s another sunny day. The snow outside had melted significantly. If this continues, there won’t be any left by the end of next month. For today’s work, I’m back at my main school, Rumoi High School .  Here’s my workload today:  Class with Matsuda-sensei 1st period – School Uniforms @ 1-56 of Matsuda-sensei 2nd period – Story Writing Activity @ 1-34 of Matsuda-sensei 4th period – Story Writing Activity @ 1-56 of Matsuda-sensei In the evening, I published a reel on our Facebook page, and I was surprised by how quickly it gained views. This motivated me to make more quality videos in the future.  Day 841: February 20, 2024 Tuesday – Rumoi Rumoi High School 2.20.24 It’s a snowy day again here in Rumoi City today. Last night, there was strong rain, hence the snow outside is mushy. For work, I’m back to my usual Tuesday school visit to Rumoi High School .  Here’s my wor...