Author: vc-dev

In a previous report (July 4), I mentioned that the Rhododendron aureum had formed communities and were nearing their best viewing season. However, when I went out to Kumonotaira, I was left speechless for a moment.
The communities that were so vibrant just three days ago are now approximately 70% wilted.
Some of the plants are still blooming, of course, but they probably will not last long in this heat.
Meanwhile the Sieversia pentapetala and Phyllodoce caerulea that began blooming earlier are now approaching their end.
However, as can be seen in the photos, there are other areas where the flowers are still at their most beautiful. Some plants are still budding, and we can expect the weather to bring those flowers out, too.
Photos: Near Kumonotaira Jul. 8

Until several days ago, the Rhododendron aureum formed thick communities; however, wilting has already become quite noticeable. On the other hand, increasing numbers of Sieversia pentapetala, Phyllodoce caerulea, and Primula cuneifolia var. cuneifolia are blooming in their place.
Although these flowers are blooming in only certain areas at the present moment, they will likely fill in more in the coming weather.
Photos: Near Ishimuro with Mt. Ryoundake (left) and Mt. Eboshidake (right) in the background Jul. 8

The temperatures have been warm lately and the snow is melting day by day.
However, a few patches of snow remain between the 7th Station and 8th Station.
The longest is about 10 meters. The others are short areas of remaining snow that measure between one and three meters.
Although there is little danger of falling, they are very slippery, particularly when descending.
Climbers should descend carefully and not take any chances.
As for the flowers, the Weigela middendorffiana have formed communities from the 8th Station to just below the peak and continue to be beautiful. However, some wilting has become noticeable recently.
The Weigela middendorffiana as well as Trollius riederianus, Dactylorhiza aristata, Geranium erianthum f. pallescens, and Thalictrum aquilegiifolium var. intermedium are also brightening the trails.
Photos: A snowy gorge near the 7th Station (left) and flowers near the 8th Station (right) Jul. 8

On the Ginsendai-Mt. Aka course, the snow has melted considerably near Daiyon Sekkei since the last report, and each day the alpine plants are becoming more conspicuous in terms of both the varieties that are blooming and the sizes of their communities. The Rhododendron aureum and
Sieversia pentapetala are particularly numerous, and Anemone narcissiflora var. japonomonantha, Primula cuneifolia var. cuneifolia, Cassiope lycopodioides, and Phyllodoce caerulea can be seen here and there amongst them.
Around the peak, the Diapensia lapponica subsp. obovata and Dryas octopetala var. asiatica are wilting somewhat. However, the Lagotis yesoensis and other plants remain beautiful. At Komakusadaira, the Pennellianthus frutescens and Pedicularis oederi subsp. heteroglossa have started to bloom, and the Dicentra peregrina are almost in full bloom. And on the Mt. Aka course, a mixture of early-blooming and late-blooming alpine plants will be visible until around mid-July.
Now is a good time to climb, but please check the weather and snow-melting conditions before you set out.
Photo: Daiyon Sekkei, Mt. Aka Jul. 7

The snowy gorge that deserves the most caution on the Mt. Aka course is a hazardous steep gorge of roughly 65 meters that exists between the upper part of Daiichi Kaen and the lookout. Climbers are advised to ascend or descend through it only after checking the quality of the snow there.

Snowy gorge information:
Daiichi Kaen: The trail is exposed in three locations: before the snow depth pole and sign, the middle section, and below the lookout. However, snowmelt is flowing into the area around the middle section and making it very muddy.
Daini Kaen: The entire trail is covered with snow; however, it is marked with pink tape.
Daisan Sekkei: The entire trail is covered with snow, and the steep slope makes the climb quite taxing.
Daiyon Sekkei: A snowy gorge of roughly 130 meters remains in the lower area.
Photo: Snowy gorge in upper Daiichi Kaen Jul. 7