In Shape Fall

I'm not a summer in Japan fan. It holds something more than the heat, humidity, mosquitos... pure sluggishness. We just agree to not get along while I agree to hydrate and enjoy shaved ice to survive it.

My first summer in Japan turned to shock around mid October. After the summer that would not end, it finally cooled down and was the perfect temperature. 

For two weeks.

Then it was cold.

I did not like that.

Fall is my favorite season, so learning that fall in the Kanto region of Japan, like the spring, was fleeting, was nothing but a disappointment.

Upon living in other regions of Japan, I've been pleased to learn that the seasons are more normal. Whatever that means.

Now in Kinki Region, near the Hokusetsu mountain area, the weather has been quite comfortable during the day for the last month or so. It is cool at night for sure, but not that bad. There haven't been any mosquitos and it's definitely not humid anymore. It's been the kind of hot - only if you're out running around and the sun is shining and you're wearing too many clothes. This week the temperatures dropped another notch and it has been rainy all day. I'm wondering if the fall leaves will exist for the holiday tomorrow. I did some online browsing for an electric carpet.

Last week, I did a bit of mild hiking for the first time in a while. I had heard that we can walk up a trail to a temple in the area, but it's an hour and a half one way. Since I got anemia a few years back, I get tired really fast, but used to be in shape and really enjoyed hiking in the Pacific Northwest of the US. I decided to go for 45 minutes up the mountain, about halfway, then go home. I even set an alarm on my phone to remind me. If I don't overdo it, there is a better chance I'll have a good experience and go again.

The entrance to the mountain is actually about 30 minutes from an intersection, aptly named "~ temple entrance," near our home. Up to that point was mostly familiar. Then I entered the gate starting the mountain trail, set up to prevent wild animals from getting into the rental farm at the base of the mountain.

That's where I felt I was in the mountains, surrounded by trees. It had been a while and felt really good. I think we all need nature time for mental well being.

Fifteen minutes later I had arrived at a viewpoint (photo below) and the first checkpoint on that trail, and my alarm went off.

I decided that I needed more of this nature time in my life, especially in this season where a hike will warm you up. Until the end of this year, I'm gonna go once a week and add ten minutes to that time every week. I should be able to reach the temple by the end of the year, and maybe I'll go again after the new year, for hatsumode.

I'm getting back in shape.