Tuesday, March 9, 2010

I Heart Hiking in Japan: The EPIC Mt. Myogi

June 13th, 2009

The day had FINALLY come! After approximately 382 failed attempts at hiking the infamous 'most lethal' mountain in Gunma, Mt. Myogi, the weather was finally JUST good enough to risk the climb.

Awesome off center, slanted group pic on timer off the roof of the car. Representing Maebashi die hards from left to right are: Takahashi #1, Alekh, me, Erin, Alex, Julie, Jen, and Laurel!

It starts off all Japanesey, shrine entrances and whatnot...

and there were even stairs, and a torii gate.

And then, the REAL hike began.

First and only real landmark of the trail: giant kanji.

Kanji kanji kanji.

Repelling.

Half way point where those exhausted... have a cigarette and whiskey. I heart Hiro.

Or, if you're sane, food.

And we've reached a summit!



Alex'll be comin' round the mountain when he comes (yee-haw!).

Julie standing in dismay as she sees yet another chain to abseil. You can do it!!!

It didn't rain... but it wasn't clear skies. Still a pretty sweet view.


Back at the arch near the base.

Don't feed monkeys onigiri bigger than themselves... they will explode.

Boooo - made it back to the lot just in time to miss out on softserve strawberry ice cream:(

Dominated it!
Most lethal, my butt! We kicked YOUR butt, Myogi!
One and a half years after the anticipation regarding the challenge that is Mt. Myogi left me, quite frankly, disappointed. Was I more sore than I had ever been before in my life? Yes. Did some people reroute half way through? Yes. But not one person died. There wasn't even a major, or minor, injury! Bring Kilimanjaro on!

Post hike onsen and ice cream.

And a return to the post best hike cuisine: Sushi-Ro 100 yen sushi!!!

Yum yum, eat 'em up!

I Heart Hiking in Japan: Kiryuu Edition

June 7th, 2009

Andy: "Wanna hike a mountain in Kiryuu?"
Me: "OKAY!"

No bus in sight, we get a cab. Cab takes us to a corner. We must walk another hour up roads to get to the trail head. It is gorgeous, so I don't mind one bit. Yay for sun, FINALLY!

The heat and 60 degree incline ain't got nothin' on Uri, clearly the most prepared with a man-purse, short shorts, and sandals.

Alex and Andy on the other hand... well, they perspired a lot more than Uri.

We never actually reached a summit, per say. But since we weren't positive where we were were and figured time wasn't on on our side, we turned around here. Great view!

Mmmm - Soyjoys!

Random kids' drawings lined the start of the trail. This was for sure my favorite.

Two-leaved flowers?!?!

We made it! To the start, so we can walk another hour back to a bus stop.

Best post hike (or post school festival in Byron's case) dinner: Sushi!