goSunday, March 3rd we took our first hike
together, covering the first 3 checkpoints of the Oxfam hike.
We basically started in a sports field outside of Odawara station, and ended up in the city of Hakone.
Training for the trailwalker presents the extra fun of learning how to read the maps.
When you're hiking with 1000 other people, it's much harder to get lost in the first stages, when it's not so much a hiking trail, but more backroads past farm fields.
One major leg of the first checkpoint basically has you trampin
g past farm fields along an irrigation canal.
Things like the traffic triangle you see above, with my fine companions, serve as importa
nt signs of which way to go!
Landmarks
When put together a 100km hike through Japanese farmfields & mountains, you can't always count on signs to point the way. Sometimes you have to rely on the kindness of strangers.
Many years ago, Some kind farmer left his trusty blue pickup in the woods, knowing that his truck would one day become the scrapped car we would use to find our way through the forest.
Signs of Spring
The best thing about getting into the mountains this time of year is you really see the beginning of spring. The freshness of the world outside the city is always a pleasure to see.
One thing I particularly enjoy about Japan is the vast variety of wildflowers you can find, such as the suisen. They're traditional Japanese New Year flowers, and have a very fresh smell. The first time we had them delivered to our home, I though they were green onions with flowers and put them in the fridge.
In March, they're springing up all over the mountains, which is a great treat while hiking.
Planning the next!
Now the real trick will be scheduling hike #2, and the overnight.
We'll keep you posted!
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