- Never Stop Dreaming -
With the weather reports, live cams and bright sun rays melting the clouds this morning, I guessed I am fated to hike up Mt Fuji. Loaded up almost everything I need into a pack, whisked it up sunggly on my back and boy it felt heavy. Despite removing every other unnecessary weight like key chains, carabiners, small misc items, the pack when fully loaded feels no lighter than a regular Singapore Armed Forces full battle order field pack. The main bulk of the weight are the 1.5 litres of Pocari Sweat, the 1.0 litre of Nalgene water and the Canon 5Dmk2 + EF24-70 + 580EXII. Although the snowboarding Burton Jacket feels a little heavy, these are gonna keep me warm up there in freezing temperatures.
I walked a little around my humble mountain shack with only the pack...not too sure if I can really haul this "fridge" up Fuji. I wasn't even clad in climbing gear...Seriously I wasn't the least excited about this hike, I even felt like abandoning it. But as soon as the beautiful rays of the morning sun filtered thru the reverse grey sea and weather reports screaming fine weather, the enthusiasm kicked in and I felt a surge in my adrenalin. Still the weight of the pack felt wrong but at least mentally I was a tiny bit happy about it. Kept telling myself that the water will get depleted along the way to keep me hydrated so it will be alright.
I really hate the army daze back in SG and one of the reason why I am here in Jpn was to escape the reservist since I had already gave up some precious youth to the gah men. So right now I am just your regular couch potato, blubber throbbing over-weight bloke feasting off more food. I am just totally unprepared for this hike and putting everything together seems like I am actually doing the army reservist here in Japan and much worse, up Fuji in thin oxygen.
Looking back I had made it up Asama some 2 years ago without any prior training only to find myself struggling at the last hundred metres taking baby steps. Body ached and felt like everything was falling apart after the hike and recuperated for 2 full weeks! This one at Fuji...would probably be a killer as compared to Asama but now I really really want to do it. So be prepared for my curses and swears after the hike...
P.S. I have a wish and that is to pick up some managable pieces of rocks at the summit (that is if I do make it) as souvenirs for myself and others who I supposed will never make it up to Fuji.
God Bless and God Speed
Friday, September 4, 2009
Thursday, September 3, 2009
No coins to decide for me...
- Never Stop Dreaming -
With just 2 days away from the epical hike up Fuji, yes I know I mentioned "Epical" because I am 101% sure I will have trouble hauling those excess blubber around me up this iconic mountain. Not only that I will have to haul up water, camera gear, food, warm clothes, etc. In fact as the day draws closer, I am actually more reluctant than enthusiastic about it. No training prior except some 60 squats exercise on Monday which left my thighs aching till last nite. Not sure if I am able to complete this one...
Threw in some minimal expenses for the hike, a pair of good thick hiking "Made in Japan" socks, O2 tablets, energy gels, ankle support (my ankle is pretty messed up) and an incandescent head torch. Damage was about ￥5,000, some time and gas expanded.
These equipment stare at me in the face urging me to go forth and reach for the sky but on the other hand, the weather forecast and my blubbly condition reckon me to reconsider. In most instances, aka Two Face, a coin would decide on my behalf but not this time. I may be hauling some decent gear there but I am giving myself a choice that is, when the weather doesn't seems favorable to me, I am bailing. No need to feel remorseful since the MAIN REASON I want to do this hike is to catch the sunrise on the top. If I can't do that then I really see no point going for it since it's really not the experience or anything else that I am hoping for.
Still skeptical and undecided but nonetheless, I am hitching a ride to base 5 of Mt Fuji to see the conditions.
Will be carrying only the 24-70, 5D and flash up...no tripod. Will be clad in my Altama Desert Boots (in freezing conditions!), fleece jacket, snowboarding jacket and pants, gloves and a trapper hat. Other space in my backpack will be filled up the essential stuffs to make it to the top, hopefuly.
Brats...what have I got myself into???
With just 2 days away from the epical hike up Fuji, yes I know I mentioned "Epical" because I am 101% sure I will have trouble hauling those excess blubber around me up this iconic mountain. Not only that I will have to haul up water, camera gear, food, warm clothes, etc. In fact as the day draws closer, I am actually more reluctant than enthusiastic about it. No training prior except some 60 squats exercise on Monday which left my thighs aching till last nite. Not sure if I am able to complete this one...
Threw in some minimal expenses for the hike, a pair of good thick hiking "Made in Japan" socks, O2 tablets, energy gels, ankle support (my ankle is pretty messed up) and an incandescent head torch. Damage was about ￥5,000, some time and gas expanded.
These equipment stare at me in the face urging me to go forth and reach for the sky but on the other hand, the weather forecast and my blubbly condition reckon me to reconsider. In most instances, aka Two Face, a coin would decide on my behalf but not this time. I may be hauling some decent gear there but I am giving myself a choice that is, when the weather doesn't seems favorable to me, I am bailing. No need to feel remorseful since the MAIN REASON I want to do this hike is to catch the sunrise on the top. If I can't do that then I really see no point going for it since it's really not the experience or anything else that I am hoping for.
Still skeptical and undecided but nonetheless, I am hitching a ride to base 5 of Mt Fuji to see the conditions.
Will be carrying only the 24-70, 5D and flash up...no tripod. Will be clad in my Altama Desert Boots (in freezing conditions!), fleece jacket, snowboarding jacket and pants, gloves and a trapper hat. Other space in my backpack will be filled up the essential stuffs to make it to the top, hopefuly.
Brats...what have I got myself into???
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
No more Nike Air(holes) for me...
- Never Stop Dreaming -
My beloved Nike Zoom Air deflated mysteriously last week to my utter horror! Paul Rodriguez full black suede Nike Zoom Air Low with red laces and stealthy red brand names,
No am not a skater no more and these babies are used indoors for a while. Nothing harsh like soap shoes, wheelies or anything extreme except subtle walking from point A to point B. I can't see how the perfectly intact gum rubber soles, the outer suede are all in great condition with minimal wear and tear and the Nike so called Air sole or cushion or what ever crap that is just deflate by itself. Screw Nike for this as I have lost any faith in Nike Air Crap products. They are made with pride to fail with no forms of abuse. This is a pro skate shoe by the way designed by P. Rod himself and it a fantastically gorgeous shoe to look at but don't ever wear them because they don't last very long...and they will mysteriously deflate and leave you walking with a hollow heel that hurts and generate lots of noise aka baby shoes that squeak!
This is in fact the second time a Nike Air holes had failed me so that's it for Nike Air Holes, No more lousy Air Holes for me! I really do like these shoes very much but I guessed I simply had enuff and into the bins in Japan are where these shoes are going less the bright red laces of course.
In consolation, I had opted to switch to good old gum rubber, full suede (Yes I am happy to confess that I have a suede shoe fetish) no lousy Air holes soles skate shoes that are just simple in design, simple in construction, good for the environment, durable and last a long time over Nike Air holes anytime. eS Accel which is the flagship shoe from the start till now and possibly one of the best skate shoes around. I bought 0.5 size smaller than the usual size so that when the shoe breaks in, my foot will be snuggly in place and not swim in the shoe causing a massive foot swamp! A little narrow on the inside so my little toe had almost no room. Now that they have sort of broken in a little, it fits perfectly, looks great, comfortable and not worry about deflating Air hole soles!
My beloved Nike Zoom Air deflated mysteriously last week to my utter horror! Paul Rodriguez full black suede Nike Zoom Air Low with red laces and stealthy red brand names,
No am not a skater no more and these babies are used indoors for a while. Nothing harsh like soap shoes, wheelies or anything extreme except subtle walking from point A to point B. I can't see how the perfectly intact gum rubber soles, the outer suede are all in great condition with minimal wear and tear and the Nike so called Air sole or cushion or what ever crap that is just deflate by itself. Screw Nike for this as I have lost any faith in Nike Air Crap products. They are made with pride to fail with no forms of abuse. This is a pro skate shoe by the way designed by P. Rod himself and it a fantastically gorgeous shoe to look at but don't ever wear them because they don't last very long...and they will mysteriously deflate and leave you walking with a hollow heel that hurts and generate lots of noise aka baby shoes that squeak!
This is in fact the second time a Nike Air holes had failed me so that's it for Nike Air Holes, No more lousy Air Holes for me! I really do like these shoes very much but I guessed I simply had enuff and into the bins in Japan are where these shoes are going less the bright red laces of course.
In consolation, I had opted to switch to good old gum rubber, full suede (Yes I am happy to confess that I have a suede shoe fetish) no lousy Air holes soles skate shoes that are just simple in design, simple in construction, good for the environment, durable and last a long time over Nike Air holes anytime. eS Accel which is the flagship shoe from the start till now and possibly one of the best skate shoes around. I bought 0.5 size smaller than the usual size so that when the shoe breaks in, my foot will be snuggly in place and not swim in the shoe causing a massive foot swamp! A little narrow on the inside so my little toe had almost no room. Now that they have sort of broken in a little, it fits perfectly, looks great, comfortable and not worry about deflating Air hole soles!
Friday, August 28, 2009
Filming locations...
- Never Stop Dreaming -
With a better mastery of the vid editing program, FCP, loaded with 3rd party filters, a faster Mac (thks to my bro Mike), I am set for some serious filming. Possibly a short film no longer than 5 minutes and it will be my debut short film. Plans are in the way to film some of the most beautiful locations in Nagano which of course will have me travel great distances to bring this breath-taking visual treat to my fellow readers. I will try to cover these places in late autumn where the colors of nature are in rich red, orange and yellow and also in winter where white is pure bliss to the eyes. If possible I would want to travel to Niigate before it gets too cold in autumn. Solo mission I guess but will be worth it since I get to plan everything from start to end. The only thing I need at the moment might be a bigger CF card.
Hmmm...this will be my huge plan for this year!
With a better mastery of the vid editing program, FCP, loaded with 3rd party filters, a faster Mac (thks to my bro Mike), I am set for some serious filming. Possibly a short film no longer than 5 minutes and it will be my debut short film. Plans are in the way to film some of the most beautiful locations in Nagano which of course will have me travel great distances to bring this breath-taking visual treat to my fellow readers. I will try to cover these places in late autumn where the colors of nature are in rich red, orange and yellow and also in winter where white is pure bliss to the eyes. If possible I would want to travel to Niigate before it gets too cold in autumn. Solo mission I guess but will be worth it since I get to plan everything from start to end. The only thing I need at the moment might be a bigger CF card.
Hmmm...this will be my huge plan for this year!
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Past and upcoming events
- Never Stop Dreaming -
When I first got back to Japan some 1 week ago on the 17th of Aug, there were already 2 events awaiting my reply on facebook. In the end I didn't replied to both and I skipped the 1st event after some serious considerations. The first event was a BBQ cum overnight party at Nojiriko Lake in Nagano. It was about an hour odd to drive up there but quite simply I see no attractions there luring me to go. With regards to lakes, the 1st thing that come to my mind is photography. I want to bring umbrellas, strobes, stands, etc to get the perfect afternoon and dusk shot but I weren't sure if I could accomplish this feat for this particular event. I also do not have the necessary models for this event as well since I am pretty picky about them.
The next event that I am actually contemplating over now is the one that requires me to HIKE up Mt. Fuji. The reasons that are urging me to go are my camera gears and myself while the reasons that are urging me NOT to go are my flabby condition and the lack of proper shoes. The last hike 2 years ago up Mt. Asama, I took my Altama Desert boots up and ended up with blisters on my toes and heels so I am not really sure if I would want to do it again. I am really enthusiasic about this hike...might wanna do some time lapse photography up there as well...so I might be hauling up some pretty nifty gears.
(UPDATE!) I have just RSVP to this event on facebook and there is a high chance that I might go.
The next 2 on the lists are the drive to Gunma and visit the actual Initial D places and the drive to Niigata to witness the beaches...
Wish me luck and God bless.
When I first got back to Japan some 1 week ago on the 17th of Aug, there were already 2 events awaiting my reply on facebook. In the end I didn't replied to both and I skipped the 1st event after some serious considerations. The first event was a BBQ cum overnight party at Nojiriko Lake in Nagano. It was about an hour odd to drive up there but quite simply I see no attractions there luring me to go. With regards to lakes, the 1st thing that come to my mind is photography. I want to bring umbrellas, strobes, stands, etc to get the perfect afternoon and dusk shot but I weren't sure if I could accomplish this feat for this particular event. I also do not have the necessary models for this event as well since I am pretty picky about them.
The next event that I am actually contemplating over now is the one that requires me to HIKE up Mt. Fuji. The reasons that are urging me to go are my camera gears and myself while the reasons that are urging me NOT to go are my flabby condition and the lack of proper shoes. The last hike 2 years ago up Mt. Asama, I took my Altama Desert boots up and ended up with blisters on my toes and heels so I am not really sure if I would want to do it again. I am really enthusiasic about this hike...might wanna do some time lapse photography up there as well...so I might be hauling up some pretty nifty gears.
(UPDATE!) I have just RSVP to this event on facebook and there is a high chance that I might go.
The next 2 on the lists are the drive to Gunma and visit the actual Initial D places and the drive to Niigata to witness the beaches...
Wish me luck and God bless.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Another victim falls prey...
- Never Stop Dreaming -
Yes...another victim whom I know personally had recently fallen prey to this highly demanding both financially and time consuming, lavish hobby of photography. He had got himself a Canon 500D which is 2 models from the one where I started almost 3 years back. A great camera to start out I would say and this new baby even feature HD vid recording and live view which were concepts of the distant future when I started years back. Nonetheless I am more than glad that he had jumped onto the bandwagon of the Canon system since the prices of DSLRs are becoming more affordable as compared to the past. This makes the photography more viable to the masses and not restricted just to the Pros. However, this also makes the photograhy circle more crowded and thus generating more competition in the industry as a whole. Look at it in a good way and one will probably improve one's skills to keep up. Look at it in a negative way and one will start hating the newbies and lashing out harsh critics.
Afterall photography is a never ending learning experience. With such an instrument of precision engineering, anyone can take pictures even in the hands of a kid, noob or amateur. It's the perspective and composition of the pictures and the way it is being processed after it is taken that seperates the levels of mastery between the new kid on the block or the wise elder.
Since I am on the Canon system, of course I will rejoice when someone else joins me in the ranks. This might sound a little silly and naive but it's simply an assurance from that someone that I had picked the right system. Silly yeah but hey every system is as good so it's all about individual preferences in the end.
Watching the picture slide show of this fellow comrade, I am indeed impress by his pictures. These coming out from a damn good entry level camera and him makes me jealous. Jealous because I felt that I wasn't anywhere as close to him when I first started...I am a perfectionist so when I get discounted usually by myself, I will feel sore but it's all me, just me.
Now that I know I have one more fellow comrade back home, I am really enthusiasic to go on a shooting spree in the future with him, or anyone else who might join along the way. Expensive high end hobby it might be but the pictures seems to justify every cent spent.
Go forth and seek the perfect light my friend...
Yes...another victim whom I know personally had recently fallen prey to this highly demanding both financially and time consuming, lavish hobby of photography. He had got himself a Canon 500D which is 2 models from the one where I started almost 3 years back. A great camera to start out I would say and this new baby even feature HD vid recording and live view which were concepts of the distant future when I started years back. Nonetheless I am more than glad that he had jumped onto the bandwagon of the Canon system since the prices of DSLRs are becoming more affordable as compared to the past. This makes the photography more viable to the masses and not restricted just to the Pros. However, this also makes the photograhy circle more crowded and thus generating more competition in the industry as a whole. Look at it in a good way and one will probably improve one's skills to keep up. Look at it in a negative way and one will start hating the newbies and lashing out harsh critics.
Afterall photography is a never ending learning experience. With such an instrument of precision engineering, anyone can take pictures even in the hands of a kid, noob or amateur. It's the perspective and composition of the pictures and the way it is being processed after it is taken that seperates the levels of mastery between the new kid on the block or the wise elder.
Since I am on the Canon system, of course I will rejoice when someone else joins me in the ranks. This might sound a little silly and naive but it's simply an assurance from that someone that I had picked the right system. Silly yeah but hey every system is as good so it's all about individual preferences in the end.
Watching the picture slide show of this fellow comrade, I am indeed impress by his pictures. These coming out from a damn good entry level camera and him makes me jealous. Jealous because I felt that I wasn't anywhere as close to him when I first started...I am a perfectionist so when I get discounted usually by myself, I will feel sore but it's all me, just me.
Now that I know I have one more fellow comrade back home, I am really enthusiasic to go on a shooting spree in the future with him, or anyone else who might join along the way. Expensive high end hobby it might be but the pictures seems to justify every cent spent.
Go forth and seek the perfect light my friend...
Sunday, August 23, 2009
E Mono
- Never Stop Dreaming -
There were times in my life when I commute via the MRT in Singapore to the central areas, each time the train passes a particular station along the green West East Line, I couldn't help it but find myself drifting away in my own thoughts. Thoughts of doing a photoshoot along this old stretch of wall which I presumed were one of those few remaining rustic places which were simply forgotten, taken for granted or left alone by the Gah Men...so thank God for the last one.
Well I had this chance to fulfill this little fleeting dream for once, accompanied with my lovely friend, sister and pal, E, and other photographic toys. Despite the impromptu decision, awkward stares and hit weather, the pics did turned out not bad. Enjoy...
There were times in my life when I commute via the MRT in Singapore to the central areas, each time the train passes a particular station along the green West East Line, I couldn't help it but find myself drifting away in my own thoughts. Thoughts of doing a photoshoot along this old stretch of wall which I presumed were one of those few remaining rustic places which were simply forgotten, taken for granted or left alone by the Gah Men...so thank God for the last one.
Well I had this chance to fulfill this little fleeting dream for once, accompanied with my lovely friend, sister and pal, E, and other photographic toys. Despite the impromptu decision, awkward stares and hit weather, the pics did turned out not bad. Enjoy...
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