Kurodake

2013年4月1日 (月)

Hey everybody:) Happy April 1st. If one goes by the calendar it’s spring, but I think if you look outside you can agree that winter is still in its dying gasps. There’s still plenty of ice and snow in my neighborhood. Lot’s of people are still wearing scarfs and gloves, as well. So if we judge the seasons by the temperature, I’d have to say winter endures.
This is especially true in the mountains. The ski resorts still have plenty of snow remaining and the backcountry season continues. Last Friday I climbed to the peak of Kurodake with another Stepup teacher, Lawrie. It was very windy, cold and visibility was terrible. Fortunately we made it down without a problem. An American man from Asahikawa was not so fortunate when he climbed Furanodake last Thursday. I was reminded we must continue to respect the mountains, especially when it seems like winter is almost over. Spring is right around the corner, but let’s play it safe while there’s still snow and ice.