Hiking up Tanigawadake (谷川岳)

I was reminded today, by social media, that a few years ago I hiked up Mt. Tanigawa with my friends Steve and Kaz. I was surprised at first not by the length of time ago (9 years) but by the time of year as it is a lot cooler here today than it evidently was that day.

Anyway it was a great day out and here's a few snaps.

We started from the top of the Tanigawa ropeway (going all the way up from the bottom is for nut jobs in my opinion).

So, first of all, the obligatory foothills approach shot.

It's basically just a hilly walk with no climbing (maybe a couple of clambering sections), but the views from the top are well worth it. Our objective is the two pointy bits in the distance on the left of the picture.

The first section is mainly a steep walk through the forest with occasional glimpses of the objective through gaps in the trees.

Steve and Kaz with today's goal behind.

That's the two "ears" (耳) of Tanigawadake off up ahead. A way to go yet!

We did take the relaxation approach, taking our time and enjoying it, rather than racing to the top. Here is one of our brief stops for a snack and look about.

I think the ridge lines in the following pictures run over to Naeba and over that way, and I do want to do that route one of these days.

It was a cracking day for seeing for miles

Pay attention to that hut bottom left, Steve is in it shortly!

The hut is at a kind of a small high plateau, and then there is a short ascent to the two mimi. So a quick stop in the hut to see what snacks they had (fuck all), and then on up to the top(s).

Pas de snacks

Thee views are looking towards the "ears, which we managed to get to about 15 minutes later I think, but I can't really remember. I think they are at altitudes of 1962 and 1977 respectively. I think you can click on an image to enter gallery mode and see the full splendour.

And finally, we are at the top!!!

Even sweating!