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Section 5 - Page 1

Recollections of an RB-29 crew in Japan

Impressions From Hiking Rural Japan
When off duty, our crew members formed shifting alliances to immerse ourselves in and learn about the culture and terrain of Japan. When a day or two of free time was on the agenda, it was easy to put on hiking clothes, hop a train and head for the hills, camera in hand. As the small train wound its way through the valleys of this rugged terrain, one could get off at almost any stop and strike off into the hills for an adventure. One could pick almost any direction, and there would be a remarkably well-worn foot trail beckoning exploration. We took many of these trips, burning up lots of black and white and color film along the way. We built our own collapsible, do-it-yourself, black and white photo processing lab in our barracks and latrine facility. There were times we would hike a trail, return to quarters, process and print the film, then hike the same trail once again delivering photo prints to appreciative subjects along the way. This behavior stimulated heartwarming exchanges and cups of tea with local citizens. Presentations, included here, will strive to reconstruct elements of these trips that were educational, often touching and always memorable.

We hope to be in touch with a variety of interested viewers through this presentation — including some aging B-29 and RB-29 crewmembers, others who have served in or visited Japan, history buffs, people who might refresh old (or develop new) insights on the Japanese landscape and culture and, possibly, some people from Japan who might see their own community, family member or friend from within their personal history. Whatever your interests or background may be, please take time to relax, browse, and enjoy this information-sharing process.
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Home - Contact Us - Cold War Hist. - 91st SRS Hist. - Stardust 40 Mission Story
RB-29 Crew Hist. - Hiking Rural Japan - Extended Stories - Short Stories
Biographical Notes - Current Commentary - Art Gallery - Fun Stuff - Education
Programs - Locator- Reunions - Memorials - Cold War Museum Web Site
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