Author: vc-dev

Along the Mt. Aka course, the Sieversia pentapetala, Pennellianthus frutescens, Arenaria arctica var. hondoensis, and Therorhodion camtschaticum are forming communities near the peak, though they remain small. On the other hand, the Dicentra peregrina, Viola crassa subsp. borealis, and Cassiope lycopodioides have passed their peak season and are starting to wilt somewhat. At the same time, however, the Primula cuneifolia var. cuneifolia, Rhododendron aureum, and
Harrimanella stelleriana have started to bloom at Daiyon Sekkei, where the snow is continuing to melt, as well as Daisan Sekkei. Flowers will gradually become noticeable in areas where the snow has been melting slowly.
Photo: Pennellianthus frutescens near the Mt. Aka peak Jul. 17

On the Mt. Aka course, a snowy gorge of roughly 23 meters remains before the Daiichi Kaen sign.
However, the snow is melting nicely and the trail is expected to become exposed shortly, so the snow should present little problem in terms of passage. In Daini Kaen, the snow is melting up to before the sign; nonetheless, the area remains almost completely covered with snow. At Daisan Sekkei, a snowy gorge of approximately 140 meters remains from the middle to lower area. The snow becomes slightly hard during the daytime, so caution should be exercised, particularly when descending. At Daiyon Sekkei, a snowy gorge of about 50 meters remains in the lower area but should not present a major problem.
Photo: Daisan Sekkei, Mt. Aka Jul. 17

At Kumonotaira, the Rhododendron aureum are approaching the end of their blooming season, while the Sieversia pentapetala, Phyllodoce caerulea, Potentilla matsumurae, Primula cuneifolia var. cuneifolia and various other flowers are forming communities in their place. However, while the area is still beautiful to see overall, there are signs that the season is coming to an end. (The Sieversia pentapetala are already starting to become cottony.)
I should mention that soon it will be time for the Bryanthus gmelinii to blossom. (The blossoms are already starting to open little by little.)
In the direction of Utsukushigahara, communities of Sieversia pentapetala, Phyllodoce caerulea, and Primula cuneifolia var. cuneifolia are forming where the snow has melted.
In all cases, the flowers that bloomed first are nearing the end. It appears the plants in this area are starting and ending their blooming early this year.
I should mention that, as of today, the Akaishi River can be crossed without difficulty. There is still a snowy gorge of about 40 meters remaining below the Hokuchindake junction.
Climbers should be sure to bring all of the gear needed to climb safely.
Photos: Kumonotaira (left) and Utsukushigahara looking toward the Akaishi River (right) Jul. 16