How to walk safely in the mountains - a student's report

Japanese North Alps seen from the top of Mount Tsurugi (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

You may think walking in the mountains is safe and fun. That's what I thought until I went hiking in the Japanese Alps.

Walking in the mountains could be a very long way. So don't forget to take enough water and food. You should chocolate, bananas and energy bars.

Going on a kike without any equipment is dangerous. Make sure you have a compass, map, torch, first aid kit, a whistle for when you get lost, bells on your bag to scare bears away, mobile telephone, matches, cigarette lighter, and toilet paper just in case.

 The weather in the mountains changes very fast, so you should take spare warm clothes, waterproofs, hat, gloves, sunglasses and spare socks. You should also wear worn-in, comfortable hiking boots because the path might be rocky.

Never forget to plan the route, then you won't get lost. Tell your mates and rangers when and where you are going, and when you'll be back. This is crucial! Make sure you don't walk too far in a day, as you'll get too tired to walk the next day. Finally, check the weather forecast in advance.

Just in case

The last and most important thing is to enjoy yourself, and walk safely.

Takuro

Local environmental news: Mount Ontake eruption

Mount Ontake from_OtakiTop  (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Mt. Ontake burst angrily into life on Sep. 27th. Unluckily, it was around noon in the middle of the busy hiking season, so a lot of hikers had reached the summit and were enjoying lunch in the autumn sunshine, taking in the clear views of the Northern Alps

Officials of the volcano division of the meteorological agency said that although there had been a rising number of small earthquakes detected,they couldn't predict the eruption easily. These reasons made the damage worse.

Up to now, 56 people have been found dead, and 7 people are still missing. Most of the victims were killed by falling rocks, spewed out by the eruption. Unfortunately, a typhoon hit Japan just after, and the rain changed the ash to very sticky clay, so the rescuers can not help but halt the search, due not only to toxic gas but also the risk of mudslides.

Some annual events like the Soba festivals that a lot of people must have been looking forward to visiting and enjoying, were canceled. Furthermore, it must be impossible to open the ski slopes this year.

Nature is far beyond human beings' control.

Chisato

Tomoro's summer holiday report

Mount Jōnen from Mount_Akaiwa 赤岩岳から望む常念岳 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

In my short summer holiday I went to climb a 2986m mountain called Jonendake with my mum. It was very easy to climb because it wasn't so high. At the top of the mountain we took some photos of the beautiful mountain scenery. The weather wasn't so bad but, it was raining a little bit. We stayed for one night in a lodge at the top of Jonendake, and we ate a good hot dinner of hunberger, rice, miso soup, vegetables and jelly for dessert.

I also went to my grandmothers' houses in Chiba and Kanami. In Chiba I saw a Japanese samurai film called Ruroni Kensin. It was really enjoyable because the samurai Kensin, the star, was a very cool killer. The rock music was super and the fighting was very glory. In Kanami I tidied my grandfather's room, which took a long time as it was really untidy. I also watched a lot of the high school baseball tournament on TV. All of the games were good. My grandmothers were very happy to see my face and I was happy to see them.

I had a very good time this holiday, but next year I will have a high school entrance exams so I won't be able to play much then.

Summer in Kamikochi - traveller's guide

Kamikochi (Photo credit: dwedelstein)

Weather:

• clear blue skies
• lovely cool days

River:

• icy cold water

 Flora:

• beautiful green forest

Fauna:

• pretty, chirpy birds
• friendly wild monkeys
• secretive rare Ptarmigan
• dangerous black bears
• shy quiet deer

Geography:

• massive tall mountains

Things to do:

• camping = safe, cheap camp site
• hiking = enjoyable easy tracks
• boating = interesting small boats
• photography = beautiful natural scenes

Posted for Kaoru - who knows a thing or two about Kamikochi!

After reading Hadrian's Wall - other walks

I'm a hiker...

During the spring and autumn from2 years ago, I am climbing a nearby mountain once a month with our colleagues and bosses.
And I am trying to climb big mountain with about 1,000M difference of elevation 1-2 times per season.

First, I though I would give up a hill climbing soon because I didn't have much physical energy and very very hard for me.
But, by repeating the hill climbing and pre-training, I felt the followings.
* I gained strength in physical energy by little and little
* The view of mountains are very very very beautiful
* The lunch at the top of the mountain is very delicious even though it is a rice ball bought in convenience store.

So, I want to continue regular exercise and keep current physical energy to see beautiful views and have delicious lunch at the top of the mountain.

Posted for Ritsuko

Death at Hadrian's Wall - after reading

Write about a long (overnight) walk you have made. Where, when, who with...how was the weather & how did you feel?

I went to hiking in Chinese wall with my friends. We went there in Spring. We've never been there both of us and we were scared and excited. Before starting hiking, we'd remember some phrases in Chinese. We'd better batten down the hatches.

On the date, we were in Beijing and took a taxi to Chinese wall. Our pack was so heavy which was included a lot of food, water and tent. We had mobile phone. First day, we walked and walked. Our foot was soared. Around was dark, we put up a tent. We cooked rice with strove. After ate dinner, we talked about a long date. " It was really hard for my body, but the view was really beautiful." While speaking, we fell asleep. In early morning, we started to walk. We walked along the wall. There were some hikers like us and we spoke them in Chinese! Some people could not understand but smiling each other. In the end of day, my friend talked me about her feeling. She had a lot of trouble in her job. She wanted to forget it to go China. Her feelings was became lighter to walk.

Next day, when we were walking slowly, we met French couple. They also came to there to hike. We talked with them and we became friends. They were so nice people. They tried to travel around Asia. In the evening, we put up tent closely and took dinner together. We exchanged our foods. We could eat French meal which was tasty.

And then we hiked with them until final place. During that time, I learned many French words. We promised that visit home each other.

I thought my experience was value for my long life!

Posted for Miyuki