Our First Hike

Sunday was our hiking day.  We took a 4.5 hour hike through several mountains, starting at Ohira-san, only a few train stops away from our home of Oyama.  Drew has a hiking book that ranks the hikes on a scale of 1-4, with 4 being the hardest.  This hike was rated as a 2, and after reading the description, Drew decided it should be an easy little jaunt.  I will never trust him again.  This was more of a 3.5 on my scale.  It could be because I am a bit out of shape, or because it is blazingly hot and humid here, but this hike took me down.  My legs were jello by the time we got to the train station.  What made the whole thing even worse, as I was dragging myself up every hill, was looking ahead at Drew literally running to the top.  I’d be lying if I said I didn’t yell a few sarcastic remarks up at him. Mr. Show-off!  During hikes like these I wonder why I ever put myself through this kind of misery.  I have to chant little mantras in my head to keep me going like, “My legs will look great” or “Tonight I get ice cream”.  Yet somehow, after the hike I convince myself what a great time it was and that I should do it again sometime.

Slinking along

Just keep going

Drew is all smiles

Of course, there were great views to be seen.  We even ran across a group of Paragliders.  They asked if we would like to try.  I quickly declined.  It looked insanely terrifying.  Plus our international health insurance would definitely not cover such a catastrophe.

                               I'm still alive!

Sometimes I find the best part of the hike to be the shower afterwards.  It feels fantastic to be clean and cool after such a long day.  At this point I can still feel the slight sting in my legs, giving me a sense of accomplishment.  I can’t wait for the next trip.  See, there I go again…