Wind, cloud and muddy stains on Mt Makihata
Hike date: August 13
I had forgotten much about Mt Makihata since my first visit here several years ago. I was therefore pleased to go here again and soon remembered the remote location and narrow winding road to the trailhead car park. I also soon remembered the steep muddy climb through the forest with occasional breaks in the trees to see views of the huge mountain ahead. Because of the heavy snow in this region the tree line is low and before long I was struggling up the grassy mountain side to the so-called fake Makihata peak, from where you can see the real peak in the distance.
I remembered from my first visit that there was still a lot of climbing to do so down I went to the valley and then up again to Makihata peak. Unfortunately the clouds started was in and the wind was brutal but I was determined to traverse the ridge line to Mt Ushigatake, the cow mountain at the end. By some miracle the winds abated when I was returning, the cloud lifted and I was able to enjoy the views and network of alpine pools I’d missed on the way. There was then the steep descent on which I slipped over a couple of times leaving huge muddy stains over backpack, shirt and trousers and damaged pride. It was a fine but tough hike with nearly 1,700 metres of elevation gain.
Check here for more info about Mt Makihata.
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