Posted in Hokkaido hikes, tagged hiking, Hokkaido hikes, Japan, Mt. Shari on July 30, 2009 | Leave a Comment »
The weather forecast on the 7 o’clock news wasn’t promising. Clouds and rain marks filled a large swath of eastern Hokkaido. 8 lucky souls gathered around the TV in the Kiyosato hut, overlooking the trailhead of tomorrow’s target peak – #93 in my 100 mountain mission.
Dawn revealed an overcast sky as I ditched my heavy [...]
Posted in Hokuriku hikes on July 26, 2009 | 3 Comments »
As I begin to melt snow, I notice the flame growing weaker with every passing flicker. “Oh, why didn’t I bring a full can of gas,” I scream, regretting my decision to wait until the last possible minute to pack. I’d brought one other canister, but could easily use that one just melting snow. The [...]
Posted in Mt. Rausu, tagged hiking, Hyakumeizan, Japan, Mt. Rausu, Shiretoko on July 14, 2009 | 5 Comments »
10 hours. If anyone ever asks you how long it takes from Wakkanai to Shiretoko by public transport, you now have an answer.
Arriving at Kinoshita hut just as dusk was settling in, I cook up some food in the early evening glow and plot out my course for the following morning. The caretaker was quite [...]
Posted in Shikoku hikes, tagged hiking, Japan, Mt. Miune, Mt. Tsurugi, Shikoku on July 6, 2009 | 1 Comment »
With the heat of August behind me, I descend into the depths of Shikoku Island to explore the peaks towering over secluded Iya valley. My companion this time around was Bin-chan, a strong, witty Chinese girl who’d never been hiking in her life. Could she survive the 3-day, 25km journey unscathed?
As the bus rolled into [...]
Posted in Hyakumeizan Exhibition, tagged Hyakumeizan, Japan, exhibition on July 1, 2009 | Leave a Comment »
The Hyakumeizan exhibition is said and done, but for those of you who missed it, I’ve posted an on-line version here. Thanks to everyone who was able to attend and to everyone for their support.
