Northern Alps④ 7 to 9 Oct. 2014
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7 Oct. Funakubo Hut - Renge-dake - Harinoki Hut
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8 Oct. Harinoki Hut - Harinoki-dake - Jii-gatake - Tsubetaike Hut
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9 Oct. Tsubetaike Hut - Kashimayari-gatake - Goryu Hut
7 Oct. Funakubo Hut - Renge-dake - Harinoki Hut
The rain changed into snow in the night and the world changed its colour completely in the morning. The air was freshly cold and the scenery made me smile.
Breathed in the cold air. I felt like the air permeate into my body. I felt like my body was a part of this world.
It was cold in the early morning but it got warm soon and it became a perfect condition to walk. Hiked up to Renge-dake in such a warm sun light.
The peak of Renge-dake is very spacious and gradual, perfect place to have a nap.
Harinoki Hut was just after Renge-dake peak. The hut has great view of Yarigatake and other iconic peaks. The valley faced to the South and the air was warmed up by the sun. That warm breeze came up, it smelled very sweet with a scent of pine trees
8 Oct. Harinoki Hut - Harinoki-dake - Jiigatake - Tsubetaike Hut
I started before the sun came out. It was so cold in the morning that my fingers were numbed. But soon after the sun appeared the world changed and it warmed up whole world.
I moved on the ridge to Jiigatake. From this ridge, you can see Tateyama on your left and a big valley shaped like a cirque. A tunnel goes under this ridge line to Tateyama and you can take cable car to Tateyama from the station at the bottom of valley, Oogisawa.
Enjoyed the ridge line walk through Jiigatake to Tsubetaike Hut. The campground of this hut is about 5 minutes away so there were a few people and it was very quiet. And it was on the ridge, I could see both East and West. The thick field of clouds spread and when the sun set in, the moon rose up from the clouds. It was full moon and I saw the total eclipse. I was so lucky to be there that day.
Around 8 pm, the moon was completely in the shadow of the sun. The moon glowed red. At the same time, the stars started shining. The moon had been too light but now it was time for the stars. Even the milky way came out.
9 Oct. Tsubetaike Hut - Kashimayarigatake - Goryu-dake - Goryu Hut
In the morning the moon was still floating in the sky and the sun was rising with emitting powerful light and heat. Moon and sun at the same time. What a beautiful moment. How beautiful this planet is.
It was cold last night and frost formed on the ground. I left the campground for Kashimayarigatake. At the top of Kashimayari, I got a 360° panorama again. I could see all the line I had come and the lines to go. I even saw the Sea. Finally, I caught sight of Japan Sea, my destination!
The route between Kashimayari and Goryu-dake is very narrow and rocky, which means very exciting. High concentration was required. Goryu-dake is a huge mass of rocks, solemn mountain.
After I out my tent beside Goryu Hut, I finally opened the last map. So far I had used 8 maps from the beginning. I had seen many kinds of beautiful things. Mountains, rivers, sky and clouds. But this journey would end in 4 days.
When I left Kisofukushima with 25 days food on 21st Sep., my back pack was so heavy and it was so difficult to pack all the stuff. But now the pack is light as feather.
Yes, almost there.