Mountain News from the Northern Lands

We have received a prose post from an employee of our group, which we would like to introduce.

Mountain News from the Northern Lands

Hokkaido is surrounded by nature. Its oceans, rivers, lakes, and marshes are just some of the attractions that make it unique to Hokkaido, along with the delicious food. For me, who enjoys mountain climbing, the mountains throughout Hokkaido, from well-known peaks like the Daisetsu Mountains and Hidaka Mountains to the more rural peaks, are all like sparkling jewel boxes.

This time, I would like you to climb a mountain with me, who is fascinated by mountain climbing.

Now, let's get started.

It's 6am now. On a summer morning, the sun has already risen quite high, and the sunlight filtering through the trees is shining brilliantly. Walking surrounded by greenery, I feel as if my soul is being cleansed. Just like my job, mountain climbing involves interacting with nature, so the weather isn't always this good, but today looks promising. I'm thankful to the mountain gods and taking each step safely.

I've been walking for 30 minutes. I've been walking on a gentle path with a clear stream to my right, but now the real climb begins. There are some places where the overgrown branches and leaves of the trees hang over the trail, making it a little difficult to walk, but the path is solid and there's no problem. I'm starting to get a little out of breath and sweat, but I'm doing great. At this rate, I think I'll reach the summit in another two and a half hours. Oh, that peak visible through the trees might be the mountain I'm aiming for today. Looking at it like this, it still seems quite far away, but I'm full of energy, so I think I can take it easy today.

Phew, I've climbed quite a bit. It's now 7:30. I think I'll take a break here, as the view is open. Today the weather is nice, the greenery is beautiful, and it's the perfect day for hiking. But I'm a little hungry. I'll have my usual bean paste donuts. Sweets are the best for a tired body. Ok, that's enough rest. Time to go.

Ugh, something smells bad. What's with this animal smell? Oh no, it might be a brown bear? I'd better ring the bear bell as loud as I can to make sure it doesn't come over here. For now, I'll have to stay still and keep an eye on it, it's scary. If I get attacked by a bear in a place like this, I don't think I'll get back alive no matter what...

Ah, I was so scared just now. Maybe it was a deer or a fox... I've seen bears' remains before, but this was the first time I'd been so close to a wild animal. I don't know if it was really a brown bear, but I'll have to be careful from here on out. That said, here, the magnificent song of the Japanese bush warbler, the faint cries of the Japanese pika, and the delicate flowers of alpine plants like aleutiana and Tsugazakura blooming in the flower fields are beautiful, and just being surrounded by nature like this is soothing. Oh, there's even a Hokkaido squirrel over there. Although the mountains can be scary and dangerous, the soothing scenery, flora and fauna, and all of nature are what make them so appealing.

It feels so good to walk along a ridge path with such an open view. I can see the summit now, and I'm almost there. I'm almost there on time. Everyone I pass by greets me with a lovely smile, so I feel motivated.

Before I knew it, we had arrived. Yay, it's rare to be able to see such a 360-degree view of the surrounding scenery. I'll just say it's because of my good behavior. In the distance is Mount Yotei, also known as Ezo Fuji. You can see the lake, and the scenery is spectacular and beautiful.

At this time of day, it's probably just the beginning of business and everyone is working silently. Deep in the mountains, there's no signal, so I'm free from work, I can forget all about my worries, and it feels so refreshing. I eat a rice ball, my stomach is full, and I couldn't be happier.

Well, it's about time to head down. I feel refreshed, I've enjoyed the scenery, and now that I've decided to head back, it's a no-brainer. The next thing I'm looking forward to is a hot spring and a meal after I get down the mountain. There are hot springs everywhere in Hokkaido, so it's great to be able to wash off the sweat right after coming down from the mountain. Also, since we're close to the ocean, a seafood bowl is definitely the meal for after bathing. Hokkaido is a really great place, with everything I like.

We've come down quite a bit and should be nearing the trailhead soon, but a cold wind has started blowing and the sunshine is fading. Some ominous clouds are approaching from the other side, I wonder if it's okay. We're almost there, so I hope the weather holds, but let's hurry up a bit.

Oh no, it's no good after all. It's starting to rain. The weather in the mountains is really changeable. I can only pray that there will be no thunder. Oh, I can see the trailhead. I have to run, run.

Although we got a little wet in the rain at the end, we made it down the mountain without any injuries. Thank you for your hard work today. Once again, I would like to thank the mountain gods.

This is a packed day in the mountains, but were you able to get a feel for the atmosphere? Hokkaido's mountains are diverse, with some allowing you to take a quick ropeway ride to the summit, and others where you can enjoy the atmosphere of nature by simply driving a short distance along a mountain path. The mountains change appearance with the seasons, from fresh greenery to deep greenery, autumn leaves, and pure white snow, and always welcome us warmly. When you visit Hokkaido, try adding "enjoying the mountains" to your itinerary.

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