Author: vc-dev

Around two o’clock this afternoon, I saw a rare phenomenon.
On occasion, a mountain’s shadow can be projected onto clouds and haze in the air above, giving the appearance that there are layers above the mountain. On this day, the sun was sinking behind Mt. Kurodake and projected its shadow onto thin clouds above it.
I watched the show from beginning to end. Initially, a shadow in the shape of a cap cloud materialized. Next, a three-layered shadow appeared. And then suddenly a beautiful two-layered shadow formed.
The entire spectacle lasted about 30 minutes. Then the shapes gradually collapsed and disappeared as the clouds moved on.
It was a rare phenomenon that can only be seen from certain locations and under certain weather conditions.
Photos: Mt. Kurodake with a triple-layer appearance (left) and double-layer appearance (right)
Dec. 27

Ryusei-no-Taki Fall and Ginga-no-Taki Fall are popular sightseeing attractions in Sounkyo.
Ryusei-no-Taki still has water flowing over it, but Ginga-no-Taki has already frozen.
Although the two falls are situated side-by-side now, Ginga-no-Taki existed even before the appearance of Ryusei-no-Taki.
A major cause behind the formation of Ryusei-no-Taki was an eruption near Mikurasawa, on the eastern side of Mt. Hokkaidake. Beginning between 10,000 and 20,000 years ago, the eruption caused lava to bury a separate valley that once existed next to Ginga-no-Taki. Later, new valleys formed on both ends of the lava, and rain and snowmelt became streams that flowed into the valleys.
Over many years, the lava was eroded and the current Ryusei-no-Taki came to be.
The source waters for Ginga-no-Taki come from the Metakinosawa and Takinosawa streams that originate some 4 km from Mt. Aka, while those for Ryusei-no-Taki come from the Eboshidakenosawa and Odakinosawa streams that originate roughly 9 km from Mt. Hakuun.
Ginga-no-Taki has a height of 120 meters and Ryusei-no-Taki a height of 90 meters. While most impressive when flowing, the falls also present a rather mysterious appearance when frozen.
Photos: Ryusei-no-Taki (left) and Ginga-no-Taki (right) Dec. 26

This morning, the low temperature outside the center at Sounkyo was -14°C, making it the coldest morning of the winter. It’s still -10°C even at this hour.
On such cold mornings, crystals like those shown in the photo form on the windows.
The crystals grow larger when there is a greater temperature difference between the two sides of the glass. Although we call them shimo kessho (frost crystals), their true name is madoshimo (window frost).
The feather-like crystals that appear in parts of the photo are also called shimoshida, or “frost ferns.”
This name comes from their resemblance to fern leaves. However, when we see them on windows from the inside, we know it’s going to be a very cold day.
Photo: Window frost Dec. 22

I encountered a buck along the Ishikari River this morning.
Unfortunately, he dashed off the second he saw me.
Deer are wild animals, so they naturally run away whenever they see a human being. However, in the case of the Cervus nippon yesoensis, they have been hunted by people since ancient times, so it’s not at all surprising that the buck would turn and run.
Other than humans, another natural enemy of the Cervus nippon yesoensis is the snow.
They have a great deal of difficulty walking through deep snow on their slender legs.
The death rate among Cervus nippon yesoensis rises greatly during the winter months. Although the lack of food and low temperatures are thought to play a role here, the rate goes even higher in years of heavy snow.
Photos: Cervus nippon yesoensis buck Dec. 20

Despite the very cold morning, I entered the forest in search of Pteromys volans orii.
Pteromys volans orii is generally nocturnal. They become active after emerging from their nests in tree hollows about 30 minutes to an hour after sunset. Then, at about the same time after sunrise, they come out again to relieve themselves and return to their nests. This means there are two opportunities to see them each day (although this “schedule” does not apply during breeding season).
To find them, it is first important to locate a place with an uninterrupted grouping of trees. The next thing to do is to find their droppings and then where leaf buds and other things they were eating are scattered about.
If these can be successfully located, the only thing left is to find the hollows they use for nests in the trees. After that, it becomes a matter of waiting very quietly until the squirrels come out. Unlike the summer, the accumulating snow of winter makes it possible to go just about anywhere on snowshoes. It also makes it easier to find the squirrels’ droppings.
Sometimes, if you’re lucky, you can find their droppings in ordinary places, without even entering the forest.
Why don’t you try finding the Pteromys volans orii yourself?
After all, walking is good for your health.
Photos: Pteromys volans orii and their droppings Dec. 19