The Quaich's Journeys Through Japan

[CDNSushi]

Saturday, April 9: Tokyo. The St. Andrews Society of Tokyo and Yokohama had organized an evening dinner cruise on the river near Tokyo Bay, amidst the cherry trees lining the banks. It was to be a fundraiser for the earthquake and tsunami-devastated areas to the North. Over 50 people attended this event, and I was given the go-ahead to share the Quest of the Quaich with everyone in attendance. We all enjoyed some wonderful Glenfiddich, and as I went around with the Quaich to each table, I took to heart the suggestion posted by CameronCat on the XMTS forum, that we solemnly drink a toast “to the spirits and memory of those lost in the recent disaster.” And so it was done.


Evening dinner cruise on the river, Tokyo.

Wednesday, April 13: I realized that my time hosting the Quaich was nearly over, and that I had yet to make two more symbolic trips. Since I began this journey on the shores the Pacific Ocean, I felt it appropriate to ascend into the Japanese Highlands, in recognition of the fact that the thing that brings us together – our love of kilts, is most closely associated with the Scottish Highlands. I climbed to the summit of one of my favourite peaks in the near vicinity of Kofu. It’s not a very tall peak, just over 1056m, which makes it a bit less than a third of the height of Mt. Fuji. Of course, when I reached the peak, I drank a quick toast and took some photos. It was then that I realized that I still had one final destination.


The Quaich, with the XMTS tartan, at the peak of Yasaburo Dake (1058m)


Kofu City, with Mt. Fuji in the distance. Yamanashi Pref.

For the duration of the Quaich’s sojourn in Japan, Mt. Fuji hid herself well; on this day however, she loomed in full view and she looked awesome! Without a cloud in the sky, the timing couldn’t have been more perfect. I descended the peak with the vigour of a mountain goat on crack, jumped in the car and sped down the mountain in hopes of reaching one of the Fuji Five Lakes for a final farewell with the Quaich at sunset. I made it to Lake Yamanakako just as the sun descended beneath the hills, and as I posed with the Quaich, I raised my flask for one final toast.

Farewell to the XMTS Quaich. May your future adventures take you to the farthest reaches of the world, make all the people you meet your friends, and return home safely at the end of it all.

Thank you, and Slàinte mhath!


Sunset at Lake Yamanakako, near Mt. Fuji

Warm, spring breeze whispers

Peacefully, cherry blossoms

Float into the Quaich

Jim Dunlop
April 15, 2011
Kofu, Japan