The Weigela middendorffiana continue to spread out.

The Weigela middendorffiana community has spread out even more from the area around the 8th Station.
And there are still many buds on the plants, so it should continue to grow.
In fact, a variety of plants are blooming from the upper area of the 8th Station, and the number of blooming flowers is growing.
Photos: Weigela middendorffiana near the 9th Station Jul. 4

Area of Kurodake Ishimuro

Around here, the Rhododendron aureum are already approaching the end of their blooming season.
However, the Sieversia pentapetala, Phyllodoce caerulea, and Primula cuneifolia var. cuneifolia are now flowering in their place.
Although only some of the flowers are blooming at the present time, their numbers are increasing day by day.
Photos: Near Kurodake Ishimuro Jul. 4

Mt. Kurodake snow report

About a week has passed since my last report (June 28), and the snow has melted considerably since then.
Now more of the trail is exposed than snow-covered.
Snow remains in six locations around the 7th Station (1, 20, 7, 1, 2, and 3 meters around the snow depth pole) and three locations past the 8th Station snow depth pole (3, 5, and 10 meters).
Although there is little danger of slipping and falling, there are more places where climbers could punch through the snow’s surface or encounter mud as the snow melts.
Although care is still required when descending, with the weather we’ve been having, it won’t be long until the snow disappears.
I should mention that, after passing the above-mentioned snowy gorges, the snow is melting all the way up to the peak. (The snow has also disappeared at the upper part of the 9th Station.)
Photos: Near the 7th Station (left) and past the snow depth pole of the 8th Station (right) Jul. 4

Snowy gorge below the Mt. Hokuchindake junction and the Akaishi River

Unlike most years, the snowy gorge below the junction is without undulations. It covers about 70 meters. Climbers are asked to descend it with particular care.
As of today, the gabions of the Akaishi River are visible.
Although it is still possible to walk on the snow, the situation will change as the temperature rises.
Therefore, climbers should be fully prepared with all necessary equipment.
Photos: Snowy gorge below the Mt. Hokuchindake junction (left) and Akaishi River (right) Jul. 4

Notice

The Mikasa Shindo from Sora-numa of the Kogen Onsen-numa route through Takanegahara will be closed beginning tomorrow, July 4, due to frequent sightings of Ursus arctos yesonesis activity in the area.
We appreciate your understanding.
July 3, 2014