Nikko scenery

Yesterday I went with a couple of friends to a nearby "hiking" course. The area is called Kirifuri Kogen, which means Misty Plains, and it lived up to its name!

I think in the winter this used to be a small ski course because there was a series of ski lifts taking us up the mountain. The old lift is being torn down soon and so the month of August was designated for its last run. Such fun! The temperature was a welcome escape from the city's heat, the air smelled of green and rain. A few small flowers, rolling clouds, the sounds of birds. A real taste treat for the senses.


I loved the lift. It felt like a child's ride in an amusement park. 4 lifts in all so we got quite a ride!


The fog just ROLLED in, sometimes turning the morning dark and always giving our skin a dousing.


Supposedly one is supposed to be able to see Mt. Fuji in the distance but today all we could see was the fog.

Watching newer shapes of clouds form and drift off into the sky made me feel like we were on another planet.

Major frizz time for me.


In almost any hiking area in Japan the paths will cut through the low bamboo.




Flowers and more flowers... I don't know what.









Everyone needs a breather.

We got scooted off the mountain by the lift workers because a thunder storm was coming in. That was a little exciting to be hanging onto the lift arm while the lightning flashed!

A great way to cool off on a hot summer day!