Breakfast was very interesting – burners were lit and tofu with vegetables started to simmer. As Bert had flashed his No Shellfish card, his tofu didn’t have any pink things with it. There was some black seaweed stuff, some salmon which appeared to be heavily smoked and dried, rice, pickles and the rest I couldn’t begin to tell you what it was. Oh – and a garlic sausage which we were told to boil with the tofu. Quite tasty. We both yearned for some Crunchy Nut Cornflakes – but at least we felt healthy (well I did, not sure about how Bert felt).
We then climbed a mountain! It was a gorgeous day and we walked up to the cable car, full of energy and anticipation.
I was a bit nervous about what I should take – the day looked sunny and the book had indicated no cafe at the top – or toilet. You can buy toilet bags in the hotel to take up the mountain but they just looked too weird even for me. The Lonely Planet guide says “Asahidake peak is an arduous ninety minute to two-hour slog over slippery volcanic rock from the ropeway station, but the view is fantastic”. That last bit sold it for me!
I packed some seaweed crackers, the last of the lavender chocolate and my trusty Waitrose love life fruit and nuts. A jumper, a long sleeved t shirt and a rain mac and a good amount of water.
So we set off on our arduous slog. It was very hot and most of the other climbers were Japanese – they were fully mountain-geared up, with proper walking boots, sticks, gaiters, long trousers, long-sleeved t shirts, proper hats, good rucksacks, bear bells…. Bert and I were a little underdressed and stood out from the crowd – I was in shorts and t shirt and trainers, while Bert was in blue corduroys and a short-sleeved shirt, and his work shoes. We had no bear bells.
But we did it! It was arduous but not that arduous. And the view was fantastic.
The most arduous bit was walking down – it seems to always trigger a Kilimanjaro memory – hours of scree running. But we both made it down in one piece. We bought up the shop in terms of chips and pizza rolls – Bert found some more lavender chocolate so we stocked up.
Back at the hotel, we both headed for our respective onsens. Walking ladies take note, we need to find a place where, at the end of the day’s walking, we can shower and sit naked in hot baths of varying temperature – preferably with beers in hand (or whisky macs). It truly is the best thing!
We have another gala dinner tonight so will write about that later. Meantime, going to play pingpong and have a beer.
Here are some flowers for you to identify, if you can. Oh, and the butterflies up the mountain were gorgeous!
Snoo's kitchen 