After four months, I am writing about our summer hiking. We remember it always as a “journey for a lifetime”. August is the hottest month in Japan. This year 12th of August was “Mountain Day” in Japan. On exactly the same date we arranged to climb Tsukuba San. If you wish to see here are a few photographs.
It took almost three hour for us to reach Tsukuba. The surroundings were green, and the climate was mild and comfortable. There are cable car systems for climbing, But we wanted to feel the sense of climbing physically. Climbing is very different from traveling by cable car. So we decided to climb. No proper road, the road laid through stones and roots. There were many hikers, so friendly and supportive. After a difficult climb, we came to the summit expecting a magnificent view.
At the summit, there were some boutiques. We had a very big scoop of ice cream. It helped to quench our thirst. The ice-cream was with milky flavour. We had some photographs of the summit monument of Tsukuba. So memorable.
When we were resting Nera saw a narrow foot path stretching to the woods. Actually by the time no one was going through it. Like a bundle of joy, he requested, “shall we just try that way”. Without thinking twice we just went inside. The surrounding was much gloomy. because the higher tree layer was thicker and sun rays hardly kissed the ground. So the ground is also wet . I was a bit afraid because no one was in the vicinity, and surrounding also gloomy. Nothing to worry another couple appeared in distance. So we asked “where this leads to?” what a relief, nothing to worry. The way leads to the sub mountain top of Tsukuba san. Satisfied answer. The path was difficult. But at the end the view was unutterable.
Everyone was hurry to get a memorable picture sitting on this flat rock. We too were waiting for the availability. LOL. One kind local lady volunteered to take our memorable couple photo. And many thanks to that unknown lady!! How kind.
After enjoying the scenery, we decide to climb down the Tsukuba San. This time we wanted to try the ropeway. It was also a cherished moment. All around was so green It was a lovely scene. The view you get while traveling ropeway cannot be taken by walking. On the other hand, the experience and the feelings you get by climbing on your feet also cannot be replaced. Both have their unique feeling. So we balanced both successfully!!
We got a little souvenir in memory of the journey. It was a flat stone where a frog was sitting, and it had written “Tsukuba san” and Nera wanted to get a golden color dragon too. Is not the little frog cute?
When we got home, sitting with a cup of tea we discussed our adventure, which happened without much planning. Seriously It was a journey for a lifetime mixed with tiresome, enjoyment, and sweat. It was after years, that I went hiking, it felt to my bones. The journey was tiresome and painful for my legs. But still, the journey is smelling in our souls. That is why we both always remember it as a “journey for lifetime”
Love to listen to your story of hiking!!
