“I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought; and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder.”
―
Location: Motosu, Kawaguchiko, Yamanashi~Fujinomiya, Shizuoka
Starting and stopping point: Ryugatake Trailhead
Mountains climbed: Ryugatake~Amagatake~Takatekki~Oomidake~Kenashi
Getting there/getting around:
Not so easy. I took my scooter. There are buses that run seasonally to the Motosuko Campground. Public transportation would make a dayhike very difficult.
Map: Yama to Kogen Chizu 32 富士山 御坂・愛鷹山 FUJI-SAN MISAKA・ASHITAKA-YAMA
Weather Information: Kenashi weather
Time: 9:39
Distance:
22.7km
Elevation:
Lowest: 820m Highest: 1,964m Total Ascent: 1,714m Total Descent: 1,719m
Technical considerations/difficulty:
The climb down to Fumotoppara Campground (or up from it if you are going in the other direction) is a bit steep. This is the only spot where you encounter many ropes. On the other end of the climb--up to and over Ryugatake--bamboo grass is the bugaboo. In spots where it hasn't been trimmed back, it obscures the trail making hiking a bit dangerous as you can't see what you are stepping on.
Facilities:
Nothing in the way of water, toilets or commerce once you enter the trail.
Thoughts/observations/recommendations:
This was my second attempt at these mountains. I had basically the same plan in August by turned back just 90 minutes into the hike because it was cloudy and it just wasn't fun knowing that the views here must be spectacular when it's clear. Yesterday, the sky was clear until about noon and there were great views until then. In the afternoon, I felt like I got gypped again. The sight from Mt. Kenashi must be gorgeous because of it's unobstructed view Fuji. Alas, I will just have to imagine.
The bamboo grass was trimmed back as far up the trail as the top of Mt. Ryugatake. After that, it was overgrowing the trail and was waist to chest deep. The dew on the bamboo grass soaked my lower body and I decided to descend at Kenashi and return on the street rather than retrace my steps through that stuff. This made the trip a few miles longer and I ended up finishing long after dark.
I'm not going to write that much today. I'll just show you some pictures. If you have any questions or feedback, feel free to comment.
By the way, today is a holiday in Japan. It is Thanksgiving for Labor day. (How Japanese does that sound?) Tomorrow is Thanksgiving in the U.S. There, it's thanks to God. I like labor--but I think our Thanksgiving is more fitting.
Have you ever made a gratitude list? It's a good thing to do. I find when I start counting my blessings, there is no end to them.
May you/we all reflect on all the uncountable gifts we've received and may we then try to give to others just as profligately.
Don't forget to comment and subscribe if you haven't already. See you next time.
Caveman Out
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