Once upon a time we planned to go for a hike. Along for the ride with friends who planned our adventure. Prediction of 85 and sunshine in town, I put on my favorite clothes for the best tan lines and packed extra water and sunscreen. Geared up we hit the road.
Nasu Dake- an extinctish volcano. Technically still erupting, but more of the smoke and smells variety rather than boiling lava. We had a plan, take the ropeway to almost the top then wander around the ridgelines and summit a few peaks. As we prepare to board the gondola a friend mentions 'it might be colder on top, do you have a jacket?'
85 degrees in town does not translate to a warm sunny hike on the top of a volcano. Luckily our friends were much more prepared and had extra jackets we could borrow. Even Jesse, only brought two long sleeved shirts to Japan, decided to borrow a jacket half way through the hike.
So we climb, and we climb and we climb and we climb. Up the side of a volcano, which feels like a mix of gravel and quicksand, sucking our feet in every sludgey step we take. Up and up and up, into and above the clouds.
And then we summit! The first of a series of planned summits! The summit that is still activish: belching and spewing steam and stinky sulphur. But wow what a view! And of course, a shrine on the tippy top.
A pause to celebrate our accomplishment, watch the clouds and weather roll around and over the the nearby peaks.
Imagining this view on a clear day!
Then turning back to our trail, across a ridgeline and towards the next peak. More clouds roll through, a very nice English speaking! volunteer stops to chat with us. Gently suggesting that perhaps the weather isn't good for our second planned summit "It may be not safe. If it feels too windy, don't go any further."
So we continue, pausing every so often to check in and decide when it is the right time to turn back. Not pictured (because every available hand was holding onto chains and rocks to not blow away!) The steep steps up and back down, maybe 2/3 to the peak before declaring the weather the winner today.
Admiring the views as we turn back and follow the ridgeline path back towards the beginning.
Deciding to hike the rest of the way down on a sidetrail rather than return on the ropeway. Our trail goes right through a patch of still existing in May snow! Slightly nervously we begin stepping in the slippery snow. The slippery snow on the side of a mountain. The side of a mountain where if one slips, its a long slide down!
I'm taking this very seriously- focusing on my balance and prepared to try and catch myself if I slip walking through the snow! Aiming for the footprints of those who have walked ahead of me, but realizing their legs and therefore their gait is wider than ideal.
I'm taking this very seriously- focusing on my balance and prepared to try and catch myself if I slip walking through the snow! Aiming for the footprints of those who have walked ahead of me, but realizing their legs and therefore their gait is wider than ideal.
Safely across and we continue heading down, down, down the mountain. Shedding our jackets just as we reach the bottom, back in the land of sunshine and normal temperatures!
Loving how even trailheads are more beautiful here!