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Wednesday, 7 January 2015

30/10/2014 - Cycle Touring Japan - Day 36 - Hiking to Jomon sugi, an arduous day.

 

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Distance cycled and hiked: 55km from Miyanoura to Anbo up HWY 592 and hiked 15km to Jomon Sugi.
Average speed: 11.2Km/h
Moving Time: 4h55m
Elevation Ascended: 2278m
Total Distance on Current trip: 3,110km
Distance until I have cycled the circumference of Earth: 9,180km
Money spent: $20

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The overnight ferry I took last night from Kagoshima was decent, I managed to get somewhat of a good nights rest but having cycled as far as I did yesterday I need some much in need recovery time.
However this recovery time I mention did not happen, instead I wanted to make the most of my limited time here in Yakushima by hiking to the peak of the island passing by various sights including the remains of a cedar forest that were cut down 80 years ago  leaving behind empty hollow stumps that you could walk inside of (Wilson's Stump). I had taken much of my belongings and food with me for the trip and left the rest at the information center in Anbo before setting off up the mountain on my bike. Near the trailhead I was told my bicycle couldn't enter and the only way down was to walk, this works out better for me as my bicycle is now left at a junction that I'll be returning to after I finish this round trip having had climbed to the summit of the island (weather permitting).
Most of the hike was easy, just had to follow the old tracks that the lumbered cedar was hauled out on but soon after it got far more difficult on a very well maintained trail. I certainly didn't make it easy on myself because of my obsession of photography spending too much time taking photos I lost track of time and spent the last hour hiking in the pitch black of night before finding a simple sheltered station to camp under. There were two huts that people could spend the night in nearby, and looking closer at the map where I am staying is not one of them, I suppose it doesn't matter as there was a tent that people could pitch available for free.
Being alone in the pitch black at 1350 meters in altitude only hoping to find a place to sleep for the night with a simple headlamp to light the way was a little frightening especially when small mammals would make devilish sounds when I approached.
Tomorrow I'll finish the hike having reached the summit, return to my bicycle to get down the mountain and find a hotspring to relax in for the evening as the day after I need to board the ferry back to Kagoshima. That's the plan... With any luck.

 

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Early morning start in Yagoshima

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Climbing to the National Park to begin hiking

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Plenty of moss and wildlife to see

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Following the old train tracks

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Well maintained tracks and remains of the logged cedar trees

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A gigantic hollow (but logged) cedar tree which was awesome to check out

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