Summer is here in full force and the temperatures and humidity are absolutely sweltering. Frankly it all makes riding any kind of distance rather an unpleasant proposition, especially given the typical lack of shade on most rides. Instead, we seem to have taken to hiking - it's still hot, but you can carry more water and there tends to be more shade. And you can get higher, where it is usually slightly cooler!
This last Sunday saw Grecia and I heading for Bunagatake, which sits to the northeast of Kyoto. Aside from the occasional insect trouble (Japan's native bugs can be truly terrifying - see the Asian Giant Hornet!), and sweating absolute bullets on the initial uphill section, it was a really nice day out.
Highlights included the weirdest cramping I have ever had (note to self: drink even more electrolyte drinks or your toes will curl up into a fist), an absolutely stunning dragonfly swarm right on the summit (which we sat and ate our lunch in the midst of), following signs for the bizarrely-named "Gold Shit Pass" and expertly avoiding a seriously harsh afternoon thunderstorm.
A few photos from the trip:
This last Sunday saw Grecia and I heading for Bunagatake, which sits to the northeast of Kyoto. Aside from the occasional insect trouble (Japan's native bugs can be truly terrifying - see the Asian Giant Hornet!), and sweating absolute bullets on the initial uphill section, it was a really nice day out.
Highlights included the weirdest cramping I have ever had (note to self: drink even more electrolyte drinks or your toes will curl up into a fist), an absolutely stunning dragonfly swarm right on the summit (which we sat and ate our lunch in the midst of), following signs for the bizarrely-named "Gold Shit Pass" and expertly avoiding a seriously harsh afternoon thunderstorm.
A few photos from the trip:
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| At the top of the really steep initial section. |
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| Looking towards the summit of Bunagatake. |
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| Bunagatake summit (1214m). |
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| Looking back south (I think) through a break in the clouds. |
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| Sitting amongst the most amazing dragonfly swarm on the summit. |
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| Obligatory summit photo. |
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| Sign pointing towards "Gold Shit Pass"... |
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| A really severe storm rolled in no more than 10 minutes after we got down. Luckily we were inside eating a well-deserved lunch/dinner by that point! |
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| Happy hikers after a good day in the mountains! |
Cheers for posting this going to do it this Sunday, Dec 8th
ReplyDeleteEnjoy - it'll be cold up there! I'd like to do it in full winter too, when the snow and ice comes. Should be a decent, fairly easy climb.
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