Iwate-san Camping and Hiking.

Check off the list.

 Iwate-san is a massive mountain/volcano at 2038meters located in Northern Iwate Prefecture. The accent was just over 1500meters in vertical climb.  There are many routes to reach the summit but we chose the most direct as we did an out and back climb. Our intentions where to camp the night before the climb at the base of the trail head and get an early start, but with larger groups its not always possible. I myself was stalling, enjoying drinking my hot coffee and eating oatmeal while gazing at what we where about to climb. After doing Fuji last year, I would have to say this is a shorter hike but a bit more difficult, at least the route we went.

The campground is in a perfect location with a huge lava field and the Yakibashiri Onsen just adjacent to it and the trail head. Nothing like a soak after a long day of hiking. Great mountain and trail as I am excited to check out some other routes in the future.

Here are some pics from the trip. All shots with my Canon G10.

campground

lava field

morning view from camp site

proof.

Car Danchi NO. 5

Car Danchi NO.5
The World Premiere will be at the Hakkoda parking lot September 10th 2011 at 21:00.  Should be a great weekend of camping, hiking, dreaming of winters past and getting excited for the coming season. Pretty stoked about this event.
See you in the trees.

The long awaited return of the Car Danchi series is finally here with the release of Car Danchi NO.5 Set for a September 9th 2011 release here in Japan.

"Keep your engines running, we are keeping the dream alive! The ultimate snowboarding lifestyle powder movie is back, after a two year recharge! In this year 2011 even natural disasters and nuclear meltdowns could not stop this crew of determined dreamers. We drove, found and filmed the best powder spots in Japan, and we want to share it with you. A snowboard movie like no other, showcasing the "Art of the turn" in glorious powder definition, enjoy 50 minutes of winter bliss, and keep on dreaming!

Hakkoda Summer Hike

The Northern Hakkoda Range has many loops and even more possible if you have 2 cars, so if you are not doing an out and back climb, try this one.  Our day started out at Sukayu Onsen and ended at the top of the Hakkoda Ropeway Station.  We bagged the 3 main peaks along the way Mt. Odake 1585 meter, Mt. Idodake 1550 meters and Mt. Akakuradake 1548 meters before descending to the Top of the Ropeway station and taking the Tram down to save my old man knees.  Lots of different weather and hiking conditions as Hakkoda always does. Muddy at the bottom, foggy from mid mountain up and windy and rainy towards the top and even some snow crossing.  Just another day at Hakkoda!  I love Mukai-san and all his gear, man he's a professional hiker now.