Ikeda-yama

The weather forecast predicted 95% precipitation and we expected a bit of a slippery trudge up to the top of Ikeda-yama. Not something you want to think about at you get up at 5.30am….. As it turned out, the weather stayed dry and the 9 of us had a lovely day hiking and enjoying the mild weather. We even saw a few blossoms near the start of the trail. The trail was very quiet – we only saw one other group of hikers all day. I think most people are holding out for when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom in a week or two.

Photos

I can't believe I forgot to mention this - we didn't see any bears (thankfully) but Sergio and Chiho saw a deer!

Mt. Ibuki

I can't believe we did this hike. Most people climb Mt. Ibuki in summer when the snow has gone and the flowers come out. We thought we'd give it a go in winter as it has been unseasonably mild this year. 12 of us from the hiking club started climbing in the sunshine - we could see a little snow on top. As we climbed higher however, the weather turned. We climbed in increasing snow blizzards. I'm not sure how I actually made it to the top - I couldn't really see where I was going. An indoor shrine located at the top gave us some shelter for a while. Inside we met some experienced Japanese climbers who gave us food (biscuits that people save for emergencies) and then lead us to the summit. Here are June's photos. I think we'll save this mountain until summer in future!

Nagiso Mountain, Nagano

Awesome hike today in Nagano – Nagiso Mountain 1677m (about 5500 feet in old money). Great views of the alps. Lots of lovely snow and warm weather! Enjoy the pictures and goofy videos!

Half way up a mountain (video) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-NoYvB0UsUs

360 degree view at the top (video) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JzNS8jSJ-2s

A selection of photographs