The mountains and I

Part 1

                                                                            Part 2

“Not until we are lost do we begin to understand ourselves.”

The longest and most amazing hike I have done so far; this is the Omoteginza traverse on the Northern Alps of Japan. Four days and three nights on the mountains plus a day of exploring Matsumoto - I wish summer wouldn’t end yet. 

Day one was mostly spent traveling to Matsumoto station and exploring the area, buying supplies, submitting my hiking plan, and reviewing the routes I would take. The information center at the station is a must-go place if you have questions or are not sure about the huts and routes.

On the day of the hike, I was up early to catch the 30-minute train ride to Hotaka station from Matsumoto station. The stations in the area do not accept IC cards so make sure to buy your tickets at the machine counters. There were only 5 people waiting for the bus to the trailhead (Nakabusa Onsen) when I arrived at the bus stop (1800Y). 

Bus schedule - https://culmina.jp/en/chubu/nagano/tsubakuro 

                     

The trail wastes no time getting steep very quickly as it begins climbing the forested trail to Kasengoya hut - a great place to take a breather. From here, it's a gentle slope to the hut and campsite.  Reservations are needed even when pitching a tent(2000Y). 

I started day 2 early to avoid the crowd; my destination - Mt. Otensho. The route was rather short but with great views and a few ups and downs. Though it becomes steep at the junction heading to O-tensho mountain hut (2000Y). No reservations are needed for tent use.  From the campsite, it’s an easy hike to the peak. 

Day three was the longest, most thrilling, and most amazing of all the days. It was about 7-8 hours of hiking up and down hills and involved ladders and chains. The rocky ridge made it all thrilling. I took my time and was very careful. The last stretch to the hut just below Mt. Yarigatake was my favorite. The hut charges 2000Y for tent use and they have a staff that speaks English. 

The climb to the summit of Mt. Yarigatake was fun. Looking at it, you would think of climbing it otherwise but when you’ve climbed it, you’ll be happy you did. 

On the last day, I woke early as usual since the hike down to Kamikochi would take me about 6-7 hours. From there, I took the bus to Matsumoto station (need to change to local train) and was back in Tokyo by 8 PM. 

This hike got me a lot of thinking; to never doubt myself and to push harder. No matter how slow I take, how heavy I carry, eventually, I will get to my destination - and this thought kind of resonates and aligns with my life at the moment.

I did not get lost but I understand myself more.

Pull out all the stops

 “Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, I will try again tomorrow.”

One of the longest hikes I have done, and I am glad that I finally pushed myself to do this on my birthday; Mt. Kumotori is one of the mountains in Kyuya Fukada's 100 Famous Japanese Mountains(日本百名山), that I have planned to climb before 2020 ends. 

Dressed in layers, I was all set for a 2-day adventure on the mountains. The route is well paved and marked. The view going up is amazing, and I could not ask for more. I took my time but made sure I reached the hut before the sunset. I was up early the next day, had breakfast with the other hikers, and went off to the peak to see the sunrise. 

As I reflect on the losses and gains in the last years, I stand at the highest point of Tokyo, hopeful about the days to come; about me striving to be better every day - smiling more, loving harder, being kinder, and helping more. 

I have realized that I cannot always play it safe. Since the breakup, I have been more willing to take risks and do things on my own, hence the solo hikes. 

With everything that I have faced and fought, just like the mountains that I have scratched, I believe there was nothing I could do to avoid any hardships. Pain might come along and the journey may take longer than expected but just as I was rewarded with pride, and experience from having reached something, the accomplishment will surpass the hurt and wait. 

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Duration 2Days

Highest Point               2017 meters

Elevation Gain            1470m

Distance                    22.8Km

Starting point               Kamosawa (Out and back hike)

We are part of the people we crossed paths with.

The last day at my first elementary school in Japan and emotions were everywhere. I was standing by the entrance when a second grade along with his teacher came rushing after class to say a farewell. He was crying while telling me (in Japanese) to take care and be healthy. Some teachers gathered around to see what was happening. He eventually calmed down after playing rock paper scissors with me. I let him win five times. “Matta ne (See you), Jerry sensei (teacher)” he said before grabbing his bag and running to his friends. “See you,” they all said in unison. It was the cutest, but I was holding back my tears the whole time. After, I looked at the teachers amused at what happened; and thought, another ‘matta ne’ in two hours. I remember this scene like it was yeaterday.