Author: vc-dev

The past few days were very windy in Sounkyo.
However pleasant weather has finally returned today. The temperature outside the center is 22℃, which is a new spring high.
I walked into Momijidani Valley for the first time in about two weeks and found that snow remains in three areas.
Although the distances to be crossed are short, caution should be exercised when walking on the snow due to the danger of slipping and falling.
Having said that, I should mention that many flowers are blooming and the birds are singing. It’s a lovely time of the year.
If you come to Sounkyo, I highly recommend a visit to Momijidani Valley, Sounkyo’s very popular spot for walking.
For more information, please see http://sounkyovc.net/trails/sonota/140515momiji.pdf.
Photo: Remaining snow just before Momijidani Fall, Sounkyo May 15

I found a Luehdorfia puziloi yessoensis, which only appears in spring, collecting nectar from Rhododendron dauricum flowers.
I keep saying it, but spring has finally arrived in all of its magnificence.
I’ve heard that alpine Helonias kawanoi are already blooming around Mt. Kurodake’s 5th Station.
During the first half of May last year, the temperature never reached the highs we’re seeing this year.
Perhaps flowers will begin blooming unexpectedly early where the snow has melted.
Photo: A male Luehdorfia puziloi yessoensis May 11

The trees appearing in the photos are Cerasus sargentii.
Today the temperature has risen noticeably and reached the highest yet recorded this spring.
Amid the warming temperatures, the cherry blossoms in Kamikawa Park (Kamikawa Town) are reaching their peak viewing season.
The mountain in the background of the right-hand photo is the still snow-covered Mt. Aibetsu.
Photos: Views from Kamikawa Park May 11

The Lepus timidus ainu have reappeared.
Perhaps because mating season is approaching, here and there I came across hares chasing each other around today.
Their coats have changed even more in the few days since I mentioned them in a recent post.
And boy, when they run away, they fly!
Fleeing in their characteristic hopping style, they can reach speeds of up to 80 kilometers per hour.
Photos: Can you spot the hares in the photo on the left? May 11

The cherry blossoms are approaching full bloom at Kamikawa Park in Kamikawa Town.
The Magnolia kobus and Rhododendron dauricum are almost completely in full bloom, and the cherry blossoms should retain their beauty for several more days.
From here the Daisetsuzan peaks can be seen. Together, the snowcapped mountains and cherry blossoms create a gorgeous landscape.
Photo: At Kamikawa Park May 10