Ohanami on the Ookagawa River - 2017

This is it! This is what we've been waiting for - the cherry blossoms along the Ookagawa river are in full bloom. Well, we got one small problem; it's raining.

A little rain won't dampen the spirits of the hardcore enthusiasts.

The show must go on for the serious blossom viewers.

They came, they saw, they got wet.

I'm going home on the Keikyu train (seen just above the tree line). I'll be back tomorrow when the weather conditions are predicted to be better.

Day 2: Return to the Ookagawa river, and, things are much better today.

It's overcast, no blue sky, but, this is as good as it's going to get because it will rain again tomorrow and by then the peak will be over.

The crowds of drunken party goers have been replaced with pre-school kids.

Early Monday morning, I love the way the tree branches reach over the fence and down toward the river.

A fellow enthusiast taking a picture.

Here comes the tour boat. Not so many people this early in the day.

The Ookagawa has many bridges over the river.

There are people that live on this road - do they know how lucky they are?

I guess I'm as much of a people viewer as I am a blossom viewer.

This is perfect! I could walk up and down the river all day.

Looking up at the trees - everyone is doing it.

Another gang of pre-school kids.

The Ookagawa has a lot of bridges crossing it and everyone is different.

I'm just taking it as it comes.

Friends

A bridge with a view.

Couples

Trying to get the shot.

The party was over yesterday. Must have been a heck of a party.

Who needs cherry blossoms when they have an iPhone to view.

Some of us are moving down stream, others are moving up... it's all good.

The tree branches form a sort of flower canopy to walk under.

Smile for the camera!

Or, don't smile for the camera.

I was done for the day. Riding the train back home I was sitting opposite of a couple little girls that were obviously very good friends. They kept laughing and having such terrific fun.

One of them said something that was so funny the convulsed with laughter.

If one could put the joy and friendship these two share into a bottle of medicine it would certainly be a cure for the blues.

It was a great day!

Thanks for stopping by!
Mike

A Walk in the Park is Good for One's Health

It's all about connecting with the world outside in a healthy and happy way. There's no need to climb Mt. Everest or follow the Nile river to its source. A simple walk in a local park can easily bring one the peace and tranquility needed to feel a sense of happiness and contentment. Follow me!

The park bench beckons. It calls to the weary to sit and rest; enjoy the view, feel the warmth of the sun.

Enjoy the view at Rinko park.

And, there's the beauty of flowers at Rinko park too.

Smile and stroll, stroll and smile.

I waved at the tourists on the pleasure boat after taking this picture and they enthusiastically waved back. It feels good to be friendly to strangers.

This is "The Cup Noodle Museum Park"... no kidding.

A maritime vessel moored at Shinko pier. It looks very clean.

The wide open space of the Yokohama waterfront near the Red brick warehouse area. The nice part of walking around here is that there are clean restrooms everywhere.

Always be prepared.

This time of year there is no shortage of flowers to line what ever path one decides to take.

Well, well, well, the tulips in Yokohama park are popping up in force today.

Wow! And, it's gong to get better in the days ahead.

I'm not the only one out enjoying a walk in the park.

There are so many different colors.

This is amazing.

 People of all ages are out here today.

All sizes too.

This is an unusual flower. I've never seen the likes of it before.

Tulips surround the Yokohama Historical Archive building.

This year the city of Yokohama has gone all out in Yamashita park.

The Indian Pavilion in the background.

The Hikawa Maru doing what it does best - sit at the pier.

A lot of open space at Yamashita park - come and enjoy!

I don't think a person can walk more than 10 feet without standing in front of some tulips.

The majestic cherry blossom tree in near full bloom.

Bad moods are not allowed here.

Well, if one shows up with a bit of stress and a foul mood just give it time, it'll be gone before one leaves.

Hey, it's me! Well, it's my reflection. This is the small park next to the Yokohama Archives of History building. Mirrors in the park, what a novel idea.

Last shot of the day - I like the yellow tulips the best!

Thanks for stopping by!
Mike