Stan with a mast on his head.


Leaving the marina.


Nancy & Eldon.


Wow!

Part of the rocky coastline. Reminds me of our boat trip in Obama, Japan, except the sea is calmer here.


Looking up at the mast, sails & ropes.

I'd love to see this at sunset . . .

This island reminded me of a samurai hat.

This is Yokoshima. It is said to look like a lion lying down on it's side.

Kujikushima area near Sasabo is said to have the highest concentration of islands in Japan. Kujuku (99) is a metaphor meaning a "vast number." Islands usually end in-shima or -jima, which means "island".

A few trees changing colors.

This island appears as two during high tide, but we can see it's really one at low tide.

Rows of oyster beds.

Fishermen wave from shore.

Wonder how many times a day, they have to put up with tour boats?

Beautiful views . . . Although there are 208 islands in this area, we will view only about 20 today. Of all these small islands near Sasebo, only 4 are populated.

Nancy's in the crow's nest. Oh, I need to do that!

On my way up, I see Stan below. I don't think he believes I can go all the way to the top.

Well, there's the stairs . . .

There's Eldon coming up the stairway from the main deck.


View looking down the stairs from the crow's nest. Do you believe I climbed up there?

Yes! I'm King of the World! ! (well, Queen -- along with Nancy)

View from the top. Where do we go now?

Wait -- are we leaning ? ? ?

I was just thinking that this mountain looked like Mt Fuji, when I heard the announcer say it was referred to as "Little Fuji"

Oh, right below is a family we went to China with. We saw lots of people from Iwakuni while we were in Sasebo this weekend.

Another boat crosses in front of us. Look at all the shades of blue . . .

More oyster beds.

This rock on the end reminds me of a Japanese lantern.


But then it changes shape as we come around.

Look how we're leaning through this turn. Yikes!

Looking over the stern, you can see the path we took. I have great admiration for our captain.

Sailboat with little island behind.

Although we're a lot further south, there are still some leaves changing colors on the islands.

Oyster beds -- for food as well as pearls.

I finally climbed back down from the crow's nest to give someone else a chance for the fabulous view. Looking out back of the boat.


Looking at Sasebo as we return to the marina.

Stairs leading to secret fishing spots?

Looking into the marina as we return.


There's a big crowd waiting for the next boat ride. We were very lucky that it didn't rain while we were out, although it threatened all day.


Kids coming down from the nest.


The bigger boys were all teasing this little one, but look how carefully he is helped down.

Look at this cool pirate ship docked right next to us!