|
Mount Rokko - Kobe posted Tuesday, May 25, 2004
We scaled another mountain - and this time it really was a mountain!
Jonas and I, along with Allan and Alex set out from the silver ball yet again at around 8:10 in the morning Monday, May 25th.
We took the Hankyu Line from Umeda station Osaka to Rokko station Kobe. The train trips between cities are always a pleasure because they're above ground and allow you to see the coastline, and smaller towns between the larger cities. They also lend themselves well to views of the mountains - which inspired this crazy venture in the first place.
So... we started out from Rokko station and walked through the windy streets of modern Kobe to the base of Mount Rokko. When we got to the bottom stop for the Rokko Cable Car, we asked for directions to the trails leading to the peak of the mountain. We opted not to take the cable car up, but to hike the entire distance! The directions were happily given with a bit of a snicker. We were soon to find out why...
We made it to what we thought was the peak at around noon, but it turned out to be a plateau at about 625m above sea level.
After being renewed by the breathtaking views of Kobe's city scape and harbour, we continued our ascent.
Now let me point out that Allan is from Scotland and is a veritable highlander because he and his friends from home often trek into the bonney hills of Scotland. Alex is English, but he is also a rower and all around 6'5" athlete, so he was bounding up ahead of us saying how great it was. As you may or may not know, Jonas is a jogger and athlete and one of those types that loves the feeling of exhilaration brought on by acts of physical exertion. Now, he was also tactful offering his praise for the opportunity to be sportive! I, on the other hand, was dying by the time we reached the bottom of the cable car, so by the time we made it to 625m I literally thought I might pass out, yet onward and upward we went even still. Every time we reached what we thought must be the peak of Mount Rokko, it wound up just being another bump along the way to the apex.
We passed many other hikers who would say "kanichiwa" and "very strong" and smile and wave and otherwise offer encouragement; we thus entered "the brotherhood of hikers"!
The Oriental Hotel was at 800m and was a welcome site from out of the wilderness trails - but damnit, it still wasn't the peak (which was all I could think about - to hell with the views already).
By this time Jonas and so psyched to reach the top and Allan and Alex were renewed by the prospect of beating some fellow hikers (who were taking a slightly easeir route) to the top that they were gung-ho to hurry up and climb.
Well, if I was tired at the bottom of the cable car, and ready to give up at 625m, you can imagine what finding out we still weren't at the top at 800m did to me. I was seriously beginning to rethink the sanity of this venture altogether. None the less at 800m high, it's still 800m down if you give up, and you have no choice but to climb down the same way you got up, so what choice do you really have but to continue upward.
Jonas was encouraging me all along telling me how great I was doing. At the time I thought to myself "how very kind and generous and loving and VERY VERY FALSE you are", but it made all the difference, because with less than 100m left to the top, I lost my breath (altitude sickness anyone?) and was on the verge of tears and really packing it in this time by calling for air support, when with some last gusto and moral guidance I had an epiphany, a spiritual kick that got me to the top (a few minutes behind Allan and Alex) with Jonas at my side. 931m later - we finally made it! What a trooper! I was so damned impressed with all four of us. I felt like we were on top of the world. The view from up there of the surrounding peaks and valleys (and even Osaka) was well worth the price of admission and after I dried up in the sun and my heart stopped beating out of my chest and I could breathe again, I was able to notice again how beautiful our region (Kansai) of Japan really is.
So we hung out for a while, the other hikers (did I mention the youngest of them was at least 50) came up behind us equally proud of their feat.
There is a metal plaque at the top affixed to a rock that each hiker gives a little pat in triumph when they reach the top (I whacked it).
On the descent - the very welcome cable car came into view and we treated ourselves to a leisurely trip down - how welcome it was!
That mountain nearly was the death of me, but now that Jonas says we're in training for Fuji-san, what choice do we have but to keep climbing.
Today I am in agony (Jonas says he may go for a jog and that it will help - I think he's certifiable). But I feel also very refreshed and proud and glad to be back at sea level.
Sayonara for now,
Laura and Jonas
|
| click a pic or scroll >>>>>> | | |
|
 6 current comments...
Alyce (sorry about the name) - 7/4/2004 I just realized that my Mumsy name to Dwayne was also appearing on your comment box. Sorry I apologize. Alyce
Mumsy - 7/4/2004 wow. what a climb, and to think you still had energy to climb up the marker pole. A great view from on the tram, I'm sure you enjoyed. Thanks for sharing... Alyce - Christopher's Mother
Kyle & Kelly - 6/8/2004 Hi Guys!
We just received our 3rd postcard (the cherry blossom photo - spectacular!) and decided to check out your website. The mountain trek sounds like quite the adventure! I must admit my favourite shot is the one taken from the cable car ;-)
Keep sending the Buddha's!
K&K
Bridget - 5/25/2004 Sounds awesome you guys. Did you hear about the federal election call for June 28th? I bet you guys can vote some how. Katie turns 6 months old on the 29th. She is a real sweetie. Sophie and Jacquie are both doing soccer and gymnastics now. Mike has drywalled most of the basement. When you get back, you can come and stay by the new fireplace:) Keep posting the great pictures and stories. Glad to hear that you are doing so well.
Sending you lots of love. I think of you often.
Bridget xoxoxox
Mom - 5/25/2004 Wow! What an achievement for all four of you...and your account of the many many stages of this climb was great to read. I'm keeping up with all your trips and this one is impressive Laura and Jonas. Is Fuji in your plan soon? Do they have oxygen stations along the way?
It's wonderful to hear of your activities and I'll get busy with an email this week. All the best to you and your friends, Alex and Allan. Canada is wet and cool, very cool. Have you captured summer in Japan and it can't get across the Pacific?
The guys are lazy as cats. They send their collective love and encouragement for more adventures. All the best to you both. And much love,
M&D, PA&ZZ
Chris - 5/25/2004 Laura VS the Mountain, way to go, what a great story!... but where's the pics of this remarkable feat. For all we know you could have conjured this fantastic tale up!! :)
|
|
|
back to top