Big earthquake

Probably known to anyone who watches the news, but there was a big earthquake in Niigata prefecture last night at about 6. At least 16 killed, hundreds injured. We felt it in Yokohama. I was with a student when it hit. Not only was it strong--about 4 on the Japanese scale in Tokyo/Yokohama---but what was unusual was that it lasted so long. It had to be over 30 seconds. Then a few minutes later, another similar one hit.

Since that time there have been numerous aftershocks in Niigata. A disasterous year so far with the severe typhoon damage, the bear problems, and now, earthquakes.

The Tama River between Tokyo prefecture and Kawasaki prefecture.

Bike path along the Tama River-a bit narrower here than most parts.

Octber 14, 2004. On a 55 mile ride along the Tama River seperating Tokyo and Kawasaki.

Typhoon 22

It has been a while since a post. No big news, just a late season typhoon moving thru Kanto now. Winds at about 35mph and heavy rain. We were in downtown Tokyo and failed to make it back home again before the worst of it hit. Wind destroyed my umbrella and I had to run about .5 mile home in a typhoon. The wife was as slow as a turtle, so it took her an extra 10 minutes to return. Omoshiroi desu ka?